These Easy Fall Off The Bone Ribs are perfect for a grill night! With tender meat coated in a tasty barbecue sauce, they’ll leave everyone wanting more.
Trust me, you’ll love how they literally fall off the bone. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying the yummy food and less time in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These are my favorite for their tenderness. You can use spare ribs if you prefer more meat, but they may take a bit longer to cook. Just keep an eye on them!
Yellow Mustard: This is great for helping the dry rub stick. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with olive oil or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor base.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds moisture and a tangy taste. White vinegar or lemon juice can work as replacements; they offer a similar acidity.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite! Whether you like it sweet, tangy, or spicy, pick one that you enjoy. If you’re looking for a low-sugar option, there are many delicious alternatives available.
Dry Rub Ingredients: Feel free to adjust spices to your taste! For example, reduce the cayenne if you want less heat, or add more garlic powder if you love that flavor!
How Do I Remove the Silver Skin from Ribs?
Removing the silver skin is crucial because it can toughen the meat during cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Flip the rack of ribs bone side up and locate the silver skin (a thin, shiny membrane).
- Use a butter knife to slide under one corner of the membrane to lift it.
- Once you have a good grip, you can pull it off with your hands. You might need a paper towel for a better grip since it can be slippery.
Taking this extra step ensures your ribs will be tender and flavorful. Enjoy grilling!
Easy Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds each)
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard (for coating ribs before dry rub)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- Barbecue sauce (your favorite kind), for finishing
For the Dry Rub:
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of active preparation and around 3 to 4 hours of cooking time. Total time will be around 4 hours, but the actual hands-on time is minimal. You can sit back and enjoy the process while the ribs cook low and slow on the grill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill for indirect cooking at about 225°F (107°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, sprinkle the coals to one side. For a gas grill, switch on the burners on just one side to create a cooler area for the ribs.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Flip the ribs over, bone side up, and remove the silver skin membrane. You can do this by sliding a knife under one corner of the membrane and gently peeling it off. This step is crucial for tenderness!
3. Apply the Mustard:
Brush a light layer of yellow mustard on both sides of each rack of ribs. This acts as a binder for the dry rub and gives some great flavor.
4. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Generously sprinkle this dry rub all over both sides of the ribs. Make sure to pat it in nicely!
5. Cook the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill with the bone side down. In a spray bottle, mix the apple cider vinegar and water. Spray the ribs every 45 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful while cooking.
6. Low and Slow Cooking:
Close the grill lid and let the ribs cook for about 3 to 4 hours. They are done when the meat is tender and pulling back from the bones. You can check for doneness by giving a gentle twist to the bones; they should turn easily.
7. Add Barbecue Sauce:
During the final 30 minutes of cooking, brush a generous layer of your favorite barbecue sauce over both sides of the ribs. Close the lid again, allowing the sauce to caramelize nicely without burning.
8. Rest and Slice:
Once the ribs are done cooking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle back into the meat. After resting, slice between the bones for perfectly portioned ribs!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the ribs hot with additional barbecue sauce on the side, if desired. Enjoy your deliciously tender, smoky, fall off the bone ribs with friends and family!
Happy grilling!
FAQ for Easy Fall Off The Bone Ribs On The Grill
Can I Use Other Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are great for tenderness, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just be aware that they may take longer to cook due to their size and thickness.
How Can I Make These Ribs Spicier?
If you love heat, consider increasing the cayenne pepper in the dry rub or adding some smoked paprika for an extra kick. You could also brush on a spicy barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes to amp up the flavors!
Can I Cook These Ribs in the Oven Instead?
Yes! You can cook these ribs in the oven at 225°F (107°C) for about 3 to 4 hours, wrapping them in aluminum foil for the first half of cooking to retain moisture. Finish with barbecue sauce under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave, and consider adding a little extra barbecue sauce to keep them moist!
