How to Cook Ribs on a Gas Grill Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking ribs on a gas grill. The smoky flavor, the juicy meat, and the tender texture all combine to create a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a grilling novice or an expert looking to try a new recipe, this guide is designed to show you how to cook ribs that will have your friends and family raving.

Selecting the Perfect Ribs

Before you fire up the grill, you’ll need to select the right type of ribs. There are generally three types of pork ribs that you can choose from:

• Baby Back Ribs: Leaner and smaller than other types, baby back ribs come from the back of the ribcage.
• Spare Ribs: Larger and meatier, these ribs are cut from the belly side of the ribcage.
• St. Louis Style Ribs: Similar to spare ribs, but trimmed to create a uniform, rectangular shape.

For this recipe, we’ll focus on baby back ribs due to their popularity and ease of cooking.

Ingredients & Tools

Ingredients

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (approximately 3-4 lbs each)
• Your favorite dry rub or spice mix
• BBQ sauce (optional for glazing/final touch)

Tools

• Gas grill
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil
• Basting brush (for BBQ sauce)
• Grill tongs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs by gently lifting and peeling it away with a knife.
2. Apply your dry rub generously to both sides of the ribs. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for better flavor absorption.

Grilling The Ribs

3. Preheat your gas grill to a low temperature, around 225°F (107°C), to maintain a slow cooking environment.
4. Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill, away from direct heat. If you have a grill with multiple burners, turn off the burner directly under the ribs.
5. Close the grill lid and let the ribs cook for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Your target internal temperature is 185°F to 190°F (85°C to 88°C).
6. During the final 30 minutes, you can begin basting the ribs with BBQ sauce if you prefer a glazed finish. Apply the sauce in layers, allowing a few minutes between each application.
7. Once the ribs have reached the target internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes, covered loosely in aluminum foil.
8. After resting, cut the ribs between the bones, and they’re ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Ribs Every Time

• Keep it low and slow: The key to tender ribs is to cook them at a low temperature for a longer period of time.
• Maintain temperature: Try to not open the grill lid too often, as this can cause the temperature to fluctuate and lead to uneven cooking.
• Moisture is your friend: To prevent the ribs from drying out, some grillers add a water pan underneath the grilling area to maintain humidity.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is the surefire way to know when your ribs are perfectly cooked.
• The bend test: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, the ribs should bend easily at the end but not fall apart when you lift them with tongs.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cooking sumptuous, fall-off-the-bone ribs on a gas grill is an easy and rewarding experience if you follow these steps. Feel free to experiment with different rubs or wood chips to add extra flavors that cater to your taste buds. So, fire up that grill and let the magic happen – mouthwatering ribs await!