Southern Grilled BBQ Ribs Recipe

Southern grilled BBQ ribs are a mouthwatering treat that'll transport your taste buds straight to the American South. To make them, you'll need pork baby back ribs, a dry rub of spices, and a tangy mop sauce. Start by removing the membrane and trimming excess fat from the ribs. Apply the rub generously, then grill indirectly at 225-250°F for 4-5 hours, basting every 45 minutes. In the final half hour, brush on BBQ sauce for that perfect caramelized finish. Let the ribs rest before serving to guarantee juicy, tender meat. With practice, you'll be a BBQ master in no time. There's so much more to discover about this beloved Southern staple.

Key Takeaways

• Use pork baby back ribs, seasoned with a dry rub of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.
• Cook ribs over indirect heat at 225-250°F for 4-5 hours until tender, basting every 45 minutes with a mop sauce.
• Remove membrane and trim excess fat before seasoning, then place ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill.
• Brush ribs with BBQ sauce during the final 30 minutes for caramelization, then rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Experiment with wood chips and spice variations to develop your unique Southern BBQ rib flavor profile.

History

Although the exact origins of barbecued ribs are debated, their roots can be traced back to the American South. You'll find that the tradition of cooking ribs over low heat for extended periods originated with Native Americans and was later adopted by European settlers.

As you investigate the history, you'll discover that enslaved Africans played a vital role in developing the flavors and techniques we associate with Southern BBQ today.

In the 19th century, BBQ became a staple at community gatherings and political rallies. You might be surprised to learn that different regions developed their own unique styles. For example, Memphis is known for its dry rub, while Kansas City prefers a sweeter sauce.

As you explore deeper, you'll see how BBQ ribs have become an integral part of Southern culture, bringing people together and creating lasting memories.

Today, you can find BBQ rib competitions and festivals across the country, celebrating this beloved dish. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a curious beginner, understanding the rich history of Southern BBQ ribs will enhance your appreciation for this mouthwatering tradition.

Recipe

Southern Grilled BBQ Ribs are a beloved staple of backyard cookouts and family gatherings across the American South. This recipe combines the smoky flavors of slow-cooked pork with a tangy, sweet barbecue sauce that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

To achieve the perfect tender and flavorful ribs, we'll use a combination of dry rub seasoning and a wet mop sauce during the cooking process. The key to success is patience, as these ribs require several hours of low and slow cooking to reach their full potential.

• 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs and trimming any excess fat. Mix the dry rub ingredients (brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper) in a bowl. Rub this mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.

Prepare your grill for indirect heat, aiming for a temperature of 225-250°F. Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill, bone side down. In a separate bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar, water, and vegetable oil to create the mop sauce. Every 45 minutes, baste the ribs with this mixture.

Cook for about 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bones. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

For best results, let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. If you don't have a grill, you can achieve similar results by using an oven set to 275°F and placing the ribs on a baking sheet covered with foil.

Final Thoughts

With these Southern Grilled BBQ Ribs, you'll have a showstopping dish that's sure to impress. Your guests will be raving about the tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone and the perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors.

Don't be surprised if they ask for your secret recipe!

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you make these ribs, the better you'll get at perfecting your technique. Feel free to experiment with different wood chips or adjust the spice blend to suit your taste. You might even discover your own signature twist on this classic Southern dish.

Serving these ribs is a great way to bring people together. Whether it's a backyard barbecue, family gathering, or neighborhood potluck, these ribs are sure to be the star of the show.

They're perfect for sharing and creating lasting memories around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Gas Grill Instead of Charcoal for This Recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a gas grill for this recipe!

While charcoal grills offer a distinct smoky flavor, gas grills are more convenient and provide consistent heat.

You'll still get delicious results with your gas grill. Just make sure to preheat it properly and adjust the heat as needed.

You might want to add some wood chips in a smoker box to infuse a bit of that classic BBQ smokiness.

With a little care, your ribs will turn out great!

How Long Can I Store Leftover BBQ Ribs in the Refrigerator?

Envision this: You're staring at a mountain of leftover ribs, wondering if they'll last until the next Ice Age.

Don't worry! You've got about 3-4 days to enjoy your BBQ bounty. Just make sure you're storing them right.

Pop those babies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Then, slide them into the fridge within two hours of cooking.

When you're ready to feast again, reheat them thoroughly. Your taste buds will thank you for the encore performance!

What Sides Pair Well With Southern Grilled BBQ Ribs?

You've got a lot of delicious options to pair with your southern grilled BBQ ribs!

Classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob are always crowd-pleasers. For something lighter, try a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.

Don't forget about mac and cheese – it's a perfect comfort food companion.

And for a true southern touch, whip up some creamy potato salad or tangy collard greens.

These sides will complement your ribs beautifully and make your meal complete!

Is It Necessary to Remove the Membrane From the Back of Ribs?

Yes, it's highly recommended to remove the membrane from the back of ribs.

It's tough, chewy, and can prevent flavors from penetrating the meat. You'll want to peel it off for tender, flavorful ribs that'll make your guests smile.

It's easy to do: just slip a knife under the membrane, lift it, and pull it off. Don't worry if it tears; keep working at it.

Your efforts will be rewarded with deliciously tender ribs everyone will love!

Can I Use This Recipe for Beef Ribs Instead of Pork Ribs?

You can certainly use this recipe for beef ribs! While it's originally for pork, the flavors will work wonderfully with beef too.

You'll need to adjust the cooking time, though, as beef ribs are usually thicker and tougher. They'll likely need a longer cook at a lower temperature to become tender.

Keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer to verify they're cooked to your liking. The result will be a delicious, beefy twist on the classic BBQ rib!