Grilled Pork Ribs

Grilled Pork Ribs are a classic choice for a summer barbecue or a hearty family dinner. This recipe focuses on getting a tender texture with a smoky finish on the outside. You only need a few simple spices and your favourite sauce to make them taste great. They pair well with corn on the cob or a fresh salad.
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What makes grilled pork ribs a good choice?

Making grilled pork ribs at home allows you to control the level of sweetness and spice in the rub. It is often much cheaper than buying pre-marinated versions from the shop. You get a much better crust when you cook them slowly over a flame. This method ensures the meat stays juicy while the fat renders down perfectly.

Follow these simple steps for grilled pork ribs

Step 1
Prepare the meat: Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs using a sharp knife. This helps the flavours penetrate the meat and makes them easier to eat. Pat the pork dry with kitchen paper. Mix the sugar and spices together in a small bowl.
Step 2
Apply the rub: Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs. Press the seasoning into the meat so it sticks well. Wrap each rack tightly in a double layer of aluminium foil. This step keeps the moisture inside during the first part of cooking.
Step 3
Initial cooking: Place the wrapped ribs on a baking tray in the oven or on a cool part of the grill for about seventy-five minutes. This slow process softens the connective tissue. Ensure the heat is consistent so the meat becomes tender without burning. Carefully remove them from the foil once they are soft.
Step 4
Grill and glaze: Place the ribs directly on the grill grates over medium heat to finish the grilled pork ribs. Brush them with plenty of barbecue sauce on all sides. Flip them every few minutes until the sauce bubbles and starts to caramelise. Let the meat rest for five minutes before slicing between the bones.

Important tips for grilled pork ribs

Always take the time to remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs as it can be quite chewy. If you have time, let the seasoned ribs sit in the fridge for an hour before cooking to deepen the flavour. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches about ninety degrees celsius for the best texture. Do not skip the resting period as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain a steady temperature for your grilled pork ribs. If the ribs look like they are browning too fast, move them to a cooler part of the grill. Brushing the sauce on during the last ten minutes prevents the sugar in the sauce from burning.

You may also like homemade orange juice, tarragon mayonnaise or roast turkey thigh joint.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 2 kg pork ribs
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 250 ml barbecue sauce

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:5523 kJ / 1320 kcal
  • Fat:94 g
  • - of which saturates:34 g
  • Carbohydrates:26 g
  • - of which sugars:22 g
  • Protein:88 g
  • Fibre:1 g
  • Salt:1.5 g

People also ask

These grilled pork ribs take about ninety minutes of total cooking time. Most of this time is spent letting the meat tenderise in foil before finishing them on the grill for ten to fifteen minutes.
Yes, you can apply the dry rub to the grilled pork ribs up to twenty-four hours before you plan to cook them. Keep them wrapped in the fridge until you are ready to start the cooking process.
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to keep the meat from drying out.
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