Pork ribs are a beloved culinary delight, renowned for their tender meat and smoky flavor. While traditionally cooked in smokers, grilling pork ribs on a gas grill is a convenient and accessible alternative. This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to achieving perfectly cooked pork ribs on a gas grill, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying backyard feast.
Step 1: Preparing the Ribs
- Remove the Silver Skin: The silver skin is a thin membrane on the back of the ribs that can prevent the rub from penetrating the meat. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the silver skin, ensuring not to cut into the meat.
- Apply the Rub: Create a flavorful rub using your preferred blend of spices, such as brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Generously apply the rub to both sides of the ribs, ensuring even coverage.
Step 2: Setting Up the Grill
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the gas grill to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) with all burners on low. This low temperature will allow the ribs to cook slowly and evenly.
- Create an Indirect Cooking Zone: To prevent the ribs from burning, create an indirect cooking zone by turning off the burners directly under where the ribs will be placed. This will create a cooler area for the ribs to cook.
Step 3: Grilling the Ribs
- Place the Ribs on the Grill: Place the prepared ribs on the indirect cooking zone, bone-side up. Close the grill lid and cook for 1 1/2 hours.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: After 1 1/2 hours, flip the ribs and continue grilling for another 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165-170 degrees Fahrenheit (74-77 degrees Celsius) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
Step 4: Basting and Finishing
- Baste with Barbecue Sauce: Once the ribs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and brush them generously with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Return to Grill for Charring: Place the ribs back on the grill over direct heat and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the sauce has caramelized and the ribs have a slight char.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
- Rest the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful ribs.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the ribs between the bones and serve immediately with additional barbecue sauce or your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Pork Ribs on a Gas Grill
- Use a Thermometer: Accurately measuring the internal temperature of the ribs is crucial to ensure they are cooked to perfection.
- Control the Heat: Maintaining a consistent low temperature throughout the cooking process is essential for tender ribs.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can result in dry and tough ribs. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and remove the ribs from the grill once they reach the desired doneness.
- Experiment with Rubs and Sauces: Explore different spice blends and barbecue sauces to create unique and flavorful ribs.
- Pair with Sides: Serve the ribs with classic sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans to complete the barbecue experience.
Ribs on the grill- The Weber Way
FAQ
How long does it take to cook ribs on a gas grill?
Ribs need to cook at 225* for 3–4 hours. I usually partially boil mine first. Then, at around 250 F, I put them on the grill and let them cook for around 3–1/2 hours. Don’t put barbecue sauce on until the last hour of grilling.
Should I wrap ribs in foil on gas grill?
Low and slow is the key to achieving tender ribs. While the grill is warming up, remove the ribs from the fridge and wrap each of them in a large sheet of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil, creating a packet. You can see a how-to with photos provided in my post above.
How do you keep ribs moist on a gas grill?
To keep ribs moist while smoking on a grill or oven, use a spray bottle to mist them with liquid (e.g., apple juice) every 20-30 minutes. Consider brining or marinating beforehand, maintaining a consistent temperature, and wrapping the ribs in foil to trap steam.
How do you cook ribs on a gas grill without smoking?
Preheat the grill to 300 degrees with the lid closed. Place the ribs on the grill under indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour, checking the temperature regularly to ensure even cooking. After 1 hour, open the foil and check if the ribs are cooked through.