Easy Charcoal Grill BBQ Ribs Recipe

Updated at: 09/12/2024

Craving juicy, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs but intimidated by complicated recipes? This video delivers a surprisingly simple charcoal grill method that yields unbelievably delicious results! Forget fussy techniques – this recipe focuses on a flavorful dry rub, minimal prep, and a relaxed cooking process. Learn how to achieve perfectly tender ribs in just a couple of hours, even with some casual, board-game-playing interruptions! The video demonstrates a foolproof technique for starting your charcoal fire, preparing the ribs (including membrane removal!), and maintaining the ideal cooking temperature. Plus, you'll discover a bonus tip for using the leftover rib sauce to create incredibly flavorful collard greens.

Ready to ditch the takeout and experience the satisfaction of crafting restaurant-quality BBQ ribs at home? This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through each step, from prepping the dry rub to achieving that perfect smoky flavor. Let's get started with the detailed instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use tongs or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot ribs and grates. Burns are a serious risk.
  • Never leave a lit charcoal grill unattended. Keep a safe distance from the grill and children.
  • Ensure your charcoal is fully extinguished with water before disposing of the ashes. Embers can reignite and cause fires.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs

    • 2 tablespoons each of salt, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
    • Pat dry the ribs, trim excess fat, and remove the membrane from the back.
    • Optionally score the meat between the bones.
    • Cover both sides of the ribs with the dry rub and marinate for 15 minutes.
    Cover both sides of the ribs with the dry rub and marinate for 15 minutes.Cover both sides of the ribs with the dry rub and marinate for 15 minutes.Cover both sides of the ribs with the dry rub and marinate for 15 minutes.Cover both sides of the ribs with the dry rub and marinate for 15 minutes.
    Prepare the Ribs

  2. Prepare the Grill

    • Light charcoal using the paper packaging, add unlit charcoal to one side, and wait until partially covered in white ash before distributing.
    • Preheat the grill for about 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grill grate.
    • Place an aluminum pan with apple juice next to the charcoal to keep the ribs moist.
    Place an aluminum pan with apple juice next to the charcoal to keep the ribs moist.Place an aluminum pan with apple juice next to the charcoal to keep the ribs moist.Place an aluminum pan with apple juice next to the charcoal to keep the ribs moist.
    Prepare the Grill

  3. Cook the Ribs

    • Place the ribs above the aluminum pan, add wood chips to the charcoal, and cook for about 2 hours, adding more charcoal as needed.
    • Brush barbecue sauce on the ribs, wrap in heavy-duty foil, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
    Brush barbecue sauce on the ribs, wrap in heavy-duty foil, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 200°F.Brush barbecue sauce on the ribs, wrap in heavy-duty foil, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
    Cook the Ribs

  4. Rest and Serve

    • Let the ribs rest for 15 minutes before serving.
    Let the ribs rest for 15 minutes before serving.
    Rest and Serve

  5. Prepare Side Dish (Optional)

    • Boil the rib sauce, add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and cook collard greens for 10 minutes.
    For a side dish: Boil the rib sauce, add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and cook collard greens for 10 minutes.
    Prepare Side Dish (Optional)

Read more: How to Grill a Turkey

Tips

  • Decrease the cayenne pepper in the rub if you prefer less spice.
  • The recipe is forgiving; you don't need to constantly monitor the grill temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Ribs

Reason: Ribs become dry and tough when cooked for too long at too high a temperature.
Solution: Use a lower temperature and cook until tender, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer.

2. Uneven Cooking

Reason: Hot spots on the grill lead to some parts of the ribs burning while others remain undercooked.
Solution: Maintain consistent heat by properly managing charcoal distribution and using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook ribs on a charcoal grill?
Rib cooking time depends on the type of ribs (baby back or spare ribs) and your preferred tenderness. Generally, expect 3-4 hours for baby backs and 4-5 hours for spare ribs, using the 3-2-1 method (3 hours wrapped, 2 hours unwrapped, 1 hour sauced). Always use a meat thermometer; they're done when the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C).
What's the best way to prevent my ribs from drying out?
The key to juicy ribs is proper moisture management. Use a spritzer bottle with apple juice or apple cider vinegar to keep them moist throughout the cooking process. Wrapping your ribs in foil during part of the cooking process (as in the 3-2-1 method) also helps retain moisture and tenderizes them.