Direct Grilling Spare Ribs on a Char-Griller Charcoal Grill

Updated at: 15/12/2024

The smoky aroma of perfectly grilled spare ribs, their tender meat falling off the bone, is a culinary experience few can resist. Achieving this juicy perfection requires the right technique and equipment, and few grills deliver the intense heat and flavour quite like a Char-Griller charcoal grill. Its robust construction and versatile design make it ideal for tackling the challenge of direct grilling spare ribs, a method that yields incredibly flavorful results with beautiful char marks. The intense heat from the charcoal ensures a crisp exterior while maintaining succulent interior meat.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to mastering the art of direct grilling spare ribs on your Char-Griller. We'll cover everything from preparing the ribs and setting up your grill to achieving the perfect balance of smoke, heat, and time, guaranteeing tender, mouthwatering ribs every time. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot grill grates, charcoal, and cooking utensils. Burns are a serious risk.
  • Never add lighter fluid directly to hot coals. This can cause flare-ups and potentially dangerous explosions. Let the coals burn down to a consistent heat before adding more.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation while grilling. Charcoal grills produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and deadly. Grill in a well-ventilated area, away from enclosed spaces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs

    • Rinse and clean the ribs.
    • Remove excess fat and the silver skin membrane from the ribs.
    • Rub the ribs with olive oil, Lowry seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
    Rub the ribs with olive oil, Lowry seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.Rub the ribs with olive oil, Lowry seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.Rub the ribs with olive oil, Lowry seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
    Prepare the Ribs

  2. Initial Grilling

    • Place ribs on the grill, meat-side down.
    • Grill for 15 minutes, then flip the ribs.
    Grill for 15 minutes, then flip the ribs.
    Initial Grilling

  3. Main Grilling & Monitoring

    • Continue grilling, monitoring the temperature and adjusting the ribs' position to ensure even cooking. Flip and rotate every 10-15 minutes to avoid burning and achieve a nice sear.

  4. Check Doneness

    • After approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, check the ribs' internal temperature. They should be above 140°F for pork.
    After approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, check the ribs' internal temperature. They should be above 140°F for pork.
    Check Doneness

  5. Texas Cheat Method

    • Wrap each rib in foil (meat side down, shiny side up), adding a light soy sauce for moisture. Cook for another 20-30 minutes.
    Apply the Texas Cheat Method: Wrap each rib in foil (meat side down, shiny side up), adding a light soy sauce for moisture. Cook for another 20-30 minutes.
    Texas Cheat Method

  6. Final Steps

    • Remove ribs from grill after approximately 2 hours total cook time.
    • Cut and serve.
    Cut and serve.Cut and serve.
    Final Steps

Read more: How to Grill a Turkey

Tips

  • Removing excess fat prevents flare-ups and reduces the fat content.
  • Removing the silver skin membrane makes the ribs less tough and chewy when direct grilling.
  • Olive oil helps achieve a nice sear and texture, and allows seasonings to adhere better.
  • When direct grilling, engage your senses. Listen for flare-ups, observe the smoke and sizzle, and use a thermometer to monitor temperature.
  • The bone side of the ribs can withstand higher temperatures than the meat side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Ribs

Reason: Leads to dry, tough ribs that lack flavor and tenderness.
Solution: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach an internal temperature of 190-205°F (88-96°C) for optimal tenderness.

2. Not Managing the Heat Properly

Reason: Uneven cooking results in burnt edges and undercooked centers, or consistently low temperatures leading to tough ribs.
Solution: Maintain consistent charcoal heat by using a chimney starter and adjusting vents to regulate airflow.

FAQs

How long does it take to direct grill spare ribs on a Char-Griller?
Direct grilling spare ribs is a faster method than indirect grilling. Expect the cooking time to be around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the thickness of the ribs and the heat of your grill. You'll want to monitor them closely and adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
How do I prevent my ribs from drying out when direct grilling?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don't overcook them. You can also spritz the ribs every 20-30 minutes with apple cider vinegar or a flavorful spritzer to keep them moist. Keeping the grill temperature consistent helps as well, so avoid opening the lid too frequently.