Introduction
Celebrate Father’s Day with a hearty and delicious meal that’s sure to impress. There’s nothing quite like the rich, smoky flavor of classic BBQ ribs to make the day special. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a small family gathering, this recipe will be a hit. Dad will also love it if you cook these on his brand new Gas Grill
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Apple juice (for basting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption.
- Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the Dry Rub:
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
- Preheat the Grill:
- If using a charcoal grill, prepare for indirect cooking by banking the coals to one side. For a gas grill, heat one side to medium-high and leave the other side off.
- Preheat to 250°F (120°C).
- Cook the Ribs:
- Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat (the cooler side).
- Close the lid and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting with apple juice every 30 minutes to keep the ribs moist.
- Check for doneness: the ribs should be tender and the meat should easily pull away from the bone.
- Finish with BBQ Sauce:
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Optionally, move the ribs to direct heat for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce, being careful not to burn them.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
- Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
Tips for Perfecting the Ribs
- Temperature Control: Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial. Use a grill thermometer to ensure your grill stays around 250°F.
- Moisture: Basting with apple juice or a mix of apple juice and water keeps the ribs moist and adds flavor.
- Resting: Letting the ribs rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier bite.
Suggested Sides
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the rich ribs.
- Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly cornbread is a classic BBQ side.
- Baked Beans: Smoky, savory baked beans round out the meal.
Beverage Pairings
- Beer: A cold, refreshing beer like a lager or pale ale complements the smoky ribs.
- Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, sweet iced tea is a perfect match.