Ingredients:
For the Pork Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds or 1.8-2.3 kg)
- Dry rub seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Dry Rub Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Barbecue Sauce (Optional):
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce of your choice
Instructions:
1. Prep the Pork Ribs:
- Start by removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. To do this, use a knife to gently lift a corner of the membrane and then grab it with a paper towel to get a good grip. Pull the membrane off in one piece.
2. Prepare the Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create your dry rub seasoning.
3. Season the Ribs:
- Rub the dry rub seasoning evenly over both sides of the ribs. Be generous with the seasoning and ensure it’s well coated. You can do this step the night before and let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for extra flavor.
4. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 325-350°F (163-177°C). If you’re using charcoal, set up a two-zone fire with direct and indirect heat.
5. Grill the Ribs:
- Place the seasoned ribs on the grill, bone side down. If you’re using charcoal, put them over indirect heat.
- Close the grill and let the ribs cook for about 2-2.5 hours, or until they are tender and the meat has pulled away from the bone. Turn the ribs occasionally and adjust the grill temperature to maintain a steady heat.
6. Optional Barbecue Sauce Glaze:
- In the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, you can baste the ribs with barbecue sauce if desired. Brush the sauce over the ribs, and let it caramelize for a few minutes on each side.
7. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the ribs between the bones, and serve with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Enjoy your mouthwatering, tender pork ribs! They’re perfect for a barbecue or a special meal with friends and family.