The Holy Grail of ribs, smoked, grilled baby back ribs, can be yours. It's not that hard. Do them low and slow like the smokers do but on your gas grill. The trick is the grill set up. Once you get this down, it's easy.
Introduction
There are three recipes I consider the Holy Grail of grilling. First, this recipe for baby back ribs. Second, Brisket (How to Cook a Brisket on a Gas Grill.) And third, Pulled Pork from Butt (Pulled Pork on a Gas Grill - Not That Hard.)
For real beginners, I want to add on hamburgers (How to Grill a Hamburger - A Beginner Tutorial) along with chicken breasts (How to Grill Chicken Breasts on a Gas Grill).
If you conquer all of them without fear, you are a grill master. You have won the backyard battle.
With ribs, there is are just a few things to learn, and you can do this over and over. First, you must set up your grill. And you must know your endpoint, that is it, the rest is a personal preference.
My Rating
An easy 5. My wife wanted it over and over and gave a five, also. "The best-looking ribs...ever."
♨️Grill Setup
By far, the most important thing about this recipe is the grill set up. You get that right, you are golden and can do no wrong (almost). Get it wrong, and you have no chance. This goes for almost any grill recipe more complicated than a hot dog.
Fortunately, it is not that hard. Please review these details on the grill setup.
How to Set Up Your Gas Grill for Smoking and Low and Slow Cooking
A Beginners Guide to Grill Temperature on a Gas Grill
But here is a summary.
Indirect Heat
You will be using indirect heat, meaning the meat will not be directly over the burners. All grills are different, but you will need to learn this for your grill for this and other recipes.
You will need a way to check and monitor the surface temperature of the grill where the ribs will be cooking. This is NOT a hood thermometer. They are first inaccurate, and second are nowhere near the surface where the cooking is happening. I suggest a grill surface thermometer that will be about $10. It will make your grilling of all recipes 200% better instantly.
If you are lucky, the manufacturer of your grill provides these instructions. But even then, you will need to spend a bit of time experimenting with your set up. For my 4 burner grill, I can use the center area with those two burners off and the two outside burners on about medium. But yours may be totally different.
You will also need a drainage pan under the ribs. This is usually under the grids but CAN NOT rest on the burners.
Again, please see my more comprehensive guide listed above.
Smoking
I have a smoking box built-in my new grill. On my old grill, I used a cast-iron smoking box (link in The Cooking for Two Shop.) You could use an aluminum foil pack of wood chips. I generally use hickory, but cherry, pecan, mesquite, and apple are commonly used. Some people like oak but I really dislike oak for this.
Again, please see my more comprehensive guide listed above.
🐖The Ribs
First, your ribs should not be frozen when cooked with this method. Also, examine the ends of the bones for bone chips before proceeding.
What are Baby Back Ribs?
Back ribs are cut from the top/back part of the rib, where it meets the spine. They are called baby back since they are shorter than the other rib cuts. They will usually be 10-12 ribs that are 4-5 inches give or take a little and usually weighs 1 ½ to 2 pounds.
Since they are meatier and in higher demand, they will cost more but well worth the price.
Removing the membrane
Pork ribs have a membrane on the back of the ribs, which is the lining in the lung cavity. It does not have to be removed, but most experts want it removed (and I do, also.) I think you get more rub flavor if you remove it.
This is easier than you think. I like to use my fingers and a butter knife. And many times, the best part of the knife is the handle. Work your way under it in the area of a rib near an end. Then once you can get a good hold on it, start pulling at an angle, and it will come off. It is an acquired skill, so you won't be perfect the first time.
The Dry Rub
I included a nice simple 8:3:1:1 rub in the recipe. A great rub by any standard, but do you want a "top of the line " rub? It is a bit more complicated, but try Marlowe of Memphis BBQ Dry Rub, it is more work, but it is worth it. Try some Marlowe Memphis Dry-Rubbed Ribs today.
🌡️Grill Temperature
Most smokers and top grillers like to cook ribs in the 225°-250° grill temperature range. While higher temperatures will cook faster, that is not better. It will tend to cause dried out meat.
⏰How Long?
While there are the variables of the grill and meat, there is never an exact time for something like this.
A good estimate for cooking a medium size rack of ribs is 3 hours. If the ribs are a bit small or you are unsure about your grill setup, start checking at about 2 hours. A thick slab may take 4 hours. If you are cooking more than one slab with a vertical rack, add about 30-60 minutes.
How to tell if they are done?
This is the biggest issue. Too long, and they are dry and overcooked. Too short, and they are tough. I'm combining three things.
1) Temperature, I want the instant-read temperature at 190° plus range. More like 200°-205° is better. It is hard to get an accurate temperature due to the thin meat and the bones interfering.
2) I want to see some bone. This means the ends of the rib bones are sticking out some.
3) When I pick up the ribs with tongs holding them about ⅓ of the way up, they crack some.
If you use a larger rib like a St. Louis or similar, they will also take longer. DO NOT GO BY TIME ONLY HERE.
📖Related Recipes
Easy Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
Memphis Barbecue Sauce - A Wonderful Thing
Marlowe of Memphis BBQ Dry Rub
🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
Set up the grill for indirect cooking over a drip pan under the indirect are with ½ to 1 inch of water. Stabilize temperature about 250°. Clean and oil grill, of course.
Prep the ribs. Remove the inner lining and check for bone chips. There seems always to be some.
Rub with about ½ cup of a dry rub of your choice. I have included an 8:3:1:1 rub in the recipe but use what you want. The rub will work fine if applied just before grilling or the day before. If applying early, then wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Place over the drip pan and start your smoke. I did about 30-60 minutes. Then keep your hands off for about 3 hours total from the start of cooking. Add some time to that if cooking more than one slab. It may be 4 hours or more. If you are unsure of your grill setup or doing smaller ribs, start checking at 2 hours.
The ribs are done when: First, temperature, I want the instant-read temperature in 190° plus range (200°-205° preferred.) Second, I want to see some bone. This means the ends of the rib bones are sticking out some. Lastly, when I pick up the ribs with tongs holding them about ⅓ of the way up, they crack some.
Allow to rest for 10 minutes before digging in.
Potato Bonus
Scrub and coat medium-large russet potatoes with oil. Toss them on the grill with ribs in the indirect heat area. They will be great.
📖Full Recipe
How to Grill Baby Back Ribs on a Gas Grill
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs - or more
- ½ cup rub of your choice
Excellent rub if you don't have one. Enough for 2 slabs. Cut in half to have less leftover if you want, but I save it for next time.
- 8 tablespoons brown sugar - ½ cup
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Set up the grill for indirect cooking with a drip pan under the indirect are with ½ to 1 inch of water. Stabilize temperature about 250°. Clean and oil grill, of course.
- Prep the ribs. Remove the inner lining and check for bone chips. There seems to always be some bone chips.
- Rub with about ½ cup of a dry rub of your choice. I have included a 8:3:1:1 rub in the recipe but use what you want. The rub will work fine if applied just before grilling or the day before. If applying early then wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Place over the drip pan and start your smoke. I did about 30-60 minutes. Then keep your hands off for about 3 hours from the start of cooking. Add some time to that if cooking more than one slab. It may be 4 hours or more. If smaller rubs or you are unsure of your grill, start checking at 2 hours.
- The ribs are done when: First, temperature, I want the instant read temperature in 190° plus range. Second, I want to see some bone. This means the ends of the rib bones are sticking out some. Lastly, when I pick up the ribs with tongs holding them about ⅓ of the way up, they crack some.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before digging in.
My Private Notes
Recipe Notes
Pro Tips:
- Grill set up is job one as they say.
- DO NOT GO BY TIME ONLY HERE. Learn your end point of cooking, and you can do no wrong.
- If you are unsure of your grill setup, or doing smaller ribs, start checking at 2 hours.
- Know your endpoint:
a) Temperature, I want the instant-read temperature in 190° plus range. More like 200°-205° is better. It is hard to get an accurate temperature due to the thin meat, and the bones interfering.
b) I want to see some bone. This means the ends of the rib bones are sticking out some.
c) When I pick up the ribs with tongs, holding them about ⅓ of the way up, they crack some.
Dry Rub Note:
I included a nice simple 8:3:1:1 rub in the recipe. A great rub by any standard but do you want a "top of the line " rub? It is a bit more complicated but try Marlowe of Memphis BBQ Dry Rub it is more work but it is worth it.Helpful links.
How to Set Up Your Gas Grill for Smoking and Low and Slow Cooking A Beginners Guide to Grill Temperature on a Gas Grill This post is for one slab of baby backs. You could do two side by side if you have enough space or use a rib rack. The time is about at 3 hours. If you have a large slab of ribs or do a rib rack to cook more slabs at once, you will need to add some time. I'll say up to 4 hours or more here . If you use a larger rib like a St. Louis or similar, they will also take longer.To adjust the recipe size:
You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.
Nutrition Estimate
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Originally published May 11, 2014. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.
Michael Lawton
Can you please clarify what stArt your smoke for 30 minutes means. Do you mean put ribs in for 30 minutes, then remove foil pack?
DrDan
The duration of smoking is somewhat to taste. To me, 30 minutes of smoke gets very nice results. Would I remove a foil pack after 30 minutes if it was still smoking? No I would let it get done. With my grill a full wood chip bin gets about 30 minutes of nice smoke. A nicely made foil pack will also do about 30 minutes and if you have one of the cast iron smoking boxes, filled with chips will last 30-40 minutes.
Shirley Kressel
What is the purpose of the pan of water? Is it to catch grease to prevent flare-ups? Or to keep the meat from drying out?
DrDan
Hi Shirley,
The pan is mainly to catch the grease. Usually, everybody puts water in it for moisture but I doubt that matters much. Since the ribs are on the indirect side, there are no flare-ups issues, just the mess.
Dan
Ben Rencher
No mention of sauce. Do you omit it, or use it later for dipping, or like some recipes add it and put back on the grill at the end for a glaze?
Thanks!
DrDan
Yep, these are dry rubbed. A sauce is optional. A light brushing before the end is good and/or add sauce for serving. If you don't have a sauce, I absolutely love my Memphis sauce. https://www.101cookingfortwo.com/memphis-barbecue-sauce-wonderful-thing/
DrDan
Since you have lots of space in there. Don't crowd them much and I think you are looking at 3 1/2 to 4 hours still. I have never don this, but just my guess which you asked for. They are not a thick chunk of meat like a pork butt (or a whole pig)
DrDan
gary nuttall,sr.
First time cooking ribs on home built grill.Cooker made from 280 gal.oil drum.I have cooked a 250 lb. pig in 10 hours at 350 degrees. Any guess cooking time for 40 lbs. pork ribs at 250 degrees, there are 8 racks.
Nick
Just put some on the grill. Hope all turns out well. First time cooking ribs. :/ Wish I would have started them a bit earlier. Now I must wait 31/2 hours to see my masterpiece.
DrDan
Hi John, Sorry for any confusion. The ribs are over the water pan with indirect heat. You can add some smoke if you want. I have those instructions also at https://www.101cookingfortwo.com/set-gas-grill-smoking-low-slow-cooking/. So the smoke is on top of the indirect heat. I like hickory for my smoke, but it is an individual taste thing.
John
Did you just do over a water pan with indirect heat or did you smoke them? There is no mention of wood used, just instruction #4. Not very clear what to do for smoke.
Brandon
I did 2 slab st Louis style and they were competition good . I varied from the rub recipe a Lil bit with my own ingredient as I was lacking some ingredients. My boss is a award winning cooker and these tasted as good as his and fell off the bone as well . 4_5 hours total cooking time .
DrDan
Hi Brandon, Thanks for the note. Now, "competition good" is a very high bar. I'm glad they worked so well for you.
Dan
Jack
If I do it this way will the ribs fall off the bone. I have always cooked them in the oven and finished in the grill. They fall right off the bone when I'm done. I have been wanting to try on my grill and smoke them but am afraid to change how I make them.
DrDan
Hi Jack, these instructions will leave a little "tug" on the bone which is what the BBQ judges are looking for. If you want fall off a clean bone ( like my wife) then cook a bit longer. I frequently do the oven to grill trick when I don't want to bother but this give a nice texture to the surface and is the better way...
Dan
gary
What type of wood chips do you use.
DrDan
I generally use Hickory. It is always available locally. Apple is nice for a change for chicken. I want to try cherry this season sometime.
Ka
Just started these..... how long for the potatoes to cook and should I wrap them in foil?
DrDan
Put them in the back of the indirect area now. About the same time as the ribs.
DrDan
Jim
A very good recipe, but WHOA, WAY too much salt. 3T was decidedly overkill. I slow cooked mine for 5 hours (3+ lbs) and they were juicy and perfect, but I'll have to drink an entire Poland Spring delivery truck's worth of water to counteract the sodium. In all honesty, it made the effort not worth it. I'd do it again, but with at least 1/3 of the salt.
DrDan
The rub recipe is a classic 8:3:1:1 rub so the salt (3 Tablespoons) is correct. Sorry it was too much for you. This does make about double want you need for one slab hence the 1/2 cup recommendation. So cut back to what is good for you.
DrDan
Cherie
I have to say my ribs turned out fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing that recipe it is definitely a keeper and I will use it again. All of your tips end extra help links were very useful too!
Henry Clayton
Since I got rid of my Weber charcoal grill and my New Bruansfel grill, I haven't been able to figure out how to do ribs the right way on my 4 burner Kenmore gas grill. This recipe looks like it should work.
DrDan
Thanks Henry, Yep it should work. If your grill instruction has directions for indirect cooking follow that and if not then check "How Set Up Your Gas Grill for Smoking and Low and Slow Cooking" linked near the top of the post.
Happy grilling
DrDan
d n
came out perfect! I did a large slab for 4.5 hours. Half just with the rub above, half I added BBQ sauce. Jury is out on which is better, but they both were awesome.
DrDan
Thanks so much for the note and rating.
DrDan
Jesse
Dan, I can' wait to give this a try. The pictures are mouthwatering!
Keep up the good work my friend
Garell York
These look real good, I have just put them on my gas grill. Thanks for the recipe.
DrDan
Ribs are always good. Hope it works well for you.
DrDan
Miss Lilli
Tried 'your' ribs & they were excellent!! & for an extra touch sprinkle your oiled potatoes w lemon pepper seasoning!! Pleases our palate!