How to Make Ribs on the Grill

Moist, mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone ribs made on the bbq. No oven or pressure cooker required! These finger licking good, grilled bbq ribs are easy and delicious when you follow this simple step-by-step recipe on how to make ribs on the grill.

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A step-by-step guide to making ribs on the grill. No oven or pressure cooker required!

How to Make Ribs on the Grill

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Probably I should just label this grilling month, right?

Why not – so much delicious grilling food…. I could go there! 😀

Ok… so today we’re talking ribs. But unlike my earlier post starting the ribs in your pressure cooker, these ribs are made entirely on the grill. That’s right, no oven, no pressure cooker… no problem!

Juicy and delicious these ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender!

Best Way to Cook Ribs on the Grill

Yes, you heard me right these ribs are cooked entirely on the grill. It’s super easy to do, the hardest part is waiting for them to be done!

I zipped down to my local Walmart to pick up a slab of ribs, Smithfield Extra Tender Pork Spareribs. I was pleased with the price AND the quality of these ribs. These ribs are super meaty!

Smithfield Fresh Pork is perfect any night on the grill, whether a great weeknight meal or getting together to barbecue with family and friends.

While you’re at Walmart be sure to check out the Hero of the Grill Contest and Sweepstakes at SmithfieldGetGrilling.com where you can share and nominate who inspired you to get grilling for a chance for your hero to win $5,000! Not to mention you can enjoy great grilling content and enter for a chance to win prizes EVERY DAY!

Here’s what the packaging looks like, be sure to grab these!

Dry Rub for Ribs

Championship Pitmasters use Smithfield Fresh Pork in their competitions and on their backyard grill; because they know when the quality of the meat matters most which is why they use Smithfield Fresh Pork.

For more grilling content also visit Facebook/CookingWithSmithfield

Follow these step-by-step directions how to make ribs on the grill

1. Start with a large sheet pan. Tear off two large pieces of heavy duty tin foil, place one on the pan. Set the remaining piece of foil aside.
2. Remove the ribs from the packaging. Blot with a paper towel.
3. Drizzle olive oil lightly over the ribs, rub with your hands to make sure the ribs are coated.
4. Sprinkle generously with sweet dry rub a couple tablespoons per side.
5. Cover with the second piece of foil and seal well.
6. Return the ribs to the refrigerator. The rub can remain on the ribs for 4 to 24 hours.
7. Remove the ribs from the fridge and allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes
8. Preheat the grill to 325 degrees.
9. Add the sheet pan topped with ribs right to the top of the grill.
10. Don’t open the grill, just monitor the temperature. Keep it between 325-350. Cook for 2 hours.
11. Open and remove the ribs. Take them out of the foil and finish them on the grill.
12. Slather each side with sauce (you can find my sweet plumb bbq sauce here!) and cook to sear the sauce, only about 5 minutes per side.
13. Remove and allow to rest. Slice the ribs. I like to mop with additional sauce, serve and enjoy!

Why fire up the oven when these can be made right on the grill?!!!

Cooking Ribs on the Grill

If you don’t have a gas grill this can certainly be done on a charcoal grill, just cover and monitor the heat with a heat thermometer.

Check out the picture above. See how those ribs are pulling off the bone? That’s what happens with this cooking process. They are absolutely fall off the bone tender, moist and delicious!

Grocery list for Ribs

• foil
• one rack Smithfield Extra Tender Pork Spareribs
• dry rub
• barbecue sauce

What if you’re camping and want to enjoy grilled ribs? That’s easy too!

• Season the ribs with dry rub and wrap the ribs in foil before leaving the house.
• Toss it right on the grill, indirect heat and cover with a large aluminum bowl. The bowl will mimic the oven and keep the temperature constant.
• Remove from foil, slather with sauce and finish on the hot side of the grill. Remember the ribs are cooked at this point, you just need to sear on the sauce.

Fall off the bone tender ribs!

How to cook ribs on the grill

Essential grilling tools

• heavy duty aluminum foil
• large aluminum sheet pan (I have an old sheet pan I’ve set aside for use on the grill)
• a couple of large spatulas for flipping the ribs

How long does it take for ribs to cook on the grill?

This recipe will take about two and a half hours to cook the ribs.

What temperature do I grill pork ribs?

325 degrees is the optimum temperature for this recipe – low and slow!

Should I dry rub ribs overnight?

Absolutely! The longer the better – don’t have time to make your own dry rub? No pressure, use your favorite store-bought flavors!

How do you know when ribs are done?

I love this method by Are My Ribs Ready Yet? Use a toothpick and slide it into the meat near the bone. When it slides in and out easily you’ll know they are done. Test several spots to be sure!

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I hope you found these instructions help and you’ll be making fall off the bone tender ribs at home in no time!

If you love this meal as much as I do, be sure to leave a five-star rating below! Also, I love it when you tag me Instagram with pictures of my recipes!

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

How to make ribs on the grill

Make your own fall off the bone tender ribs at home like a pro! You'll love how easy this recipe AND how delicious!

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time2 hrs 10 mins

resting time15 mins

Total Time2 hrs 20 mins

Course: Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 580

Author: Souper Chef Deb

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

• 1 rack baby back ribs
• 4 tbsp sweet rib rub
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

• Start with a large sheet pan. Tear off two large pieces of heavy duty tin foil, place one on the pan set the remaining piece aside.
• Remove the ribs from the packaging. Blot with a paper towel. Drizzle olive oil lightly over the ribs, rub with your hands to make sure the ribs are coated.
• Sprinkle generously with sweet dry rub a couple tablespoons per side. Be sure to hit all the nooks and crannies and rub it in well. 
• Cover with the second piece of foil and seal well. Return the ribs to the refrigerator. The rub can remain on the ribs for 4 to 24 hours.
• Remove the ribs from the fridge and allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to 325 degrees.
• Add the sheet pan topped with ribs right to the top of the grill. Don't open the grill, just monitor the temperature. Keep it between 325-350. Cook for 2 hours.
• Open and remove the ribs. Take them out of the foil and finish them on the grill. Slather each side with sauce and cook to sear the sauce, only about 5 minutes per side.
• Remove and allow to rest. Slice the ribs. I like to mop with additional sauce, serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 633mg | Potassium: 849mg | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 3.2mg