This post shows you how to make Smoky Grilled Ribs.
The ultimate summer bbq recipe without all of the dieting BS – Smoky Grilled Ribs!
When it comes to summer at Aesther Cooking, you won’t find us talking about summer bodies because we’re too busy talking about summer BBQs! Get the most perfect smoky grilled ribs with these ribs.
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Ingredients
For the Dry Rub:
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Ribs:
2 racks of baby back or St. Louis-style pork ribs (about 4–5 lbs total)
1–2 tbsp olive oil (for rubbing)
For Serving (Optional):
Your favorite BBQ sauce
Lemon wedges or apple cider vinegar spritz
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness.
Pat ribs dry, rub lightly with olive oil.
Mix all dry rub ingredients and coat ribs generously on both sides.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
Grill Setup
Preheat grill to 275–300°F using indirect heat (move coals to one side or turn off a burner if using gas).
Add soaked wood chips (like hickory or applewood) for a smoky flavor.
Grill Low & Slow
Place ribs bone-side down over indirect heat.
Close the lid and cook for about 2–2½ hours, checking every 30 minutes.
If using, spritz with apple cider vinegar or water occasionally to keep them moist.
During the last 15 minutes, you can brush with BBQ sauce and finish over direct heat for caramelized edges.
Tips and Tricks
The key to tender, slow cooked ribs is indirect heat as this will help to avoid burning.
Wrap the ribs in foil for the last hour of cooking for super-tender ribs.
Before slicing rest the ribs for 10 mins, to keep the juices in.
🌿 smoky grilled ribs – Make It Your Own – Try:
- 🥩 Different Meats
- Same rub, different meat – beef ribs, chicken thighs or even jackfruit for a veggie version.
- 🍯 Make it Sweet
- Add maple syrup or even honey to the bbq sauce for a super sweet glazed finish.
- ☕️ Coffee Based Rub
- For an earthy kick to your ribs, include coffee or ground cumin in your rub.
Smoky Grilled Ribs
Ingredients
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back or St. Louis-style pork ribs about 4–5 lbs total
- 1 –2 tbsp olive oil for rubbing
For Serving (Optional):
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Lemon wedges or apple cider vinegar spritz
Instructions
Prep the Ribs
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness.
- Pat ribs dry, rub lightly with olive oil.
- Mix all dry rub ingredients and coat ribs generously on both sides.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
Grill Setup
- Preheat grill to 275–300°F using indirect heat (move coals to one side or turn off a burner if using gas).
- Add soaked wood chips (like hickory or applewood) for a smoky flavor.
Grill Low & Slow
- Place ribs bone-side down over indirect heat.
- Close the lid and cook for about 2–2½ hours, checking every 30 minutes.
- If using, spritz with apple cider vinegar or water occasionally to keep them moist.
- During the last 15 minutes, you can brush with BBQ sauce and finish over direct heat for caramelized edges.
how to serve your smoky grilled ribs
Smoky Grilled Ribs are amazing when they’re served:
Coleslaw
Mac & Cheese
Potato Salad
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ribs in advance?
A: Yes, you can cook them in advance and then refrigerate. Reheating them gently on the grill or in the oven before you want to serve.
Q: What if I don’t have a Grill?
A: You can easily cook these in the oven at 300°F, then just broil or sear them in a pan to get crispy edges.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fats: 35g
Save your new favorite summer BBQ recipe below ⬇️
loved smoky grilled ribs? make these next:
- BBQ Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze
- 15 Best Bonfire Night Party Food and Drink ideas
- Avocado Chocolate Mousse
- Grilled Peaches with Honey and Ice Cream
- Kiwi Panna Cotta
Looking for more summer bbq ideas? Click here
This post shows you how to smoky grilled ribs.
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