Are you looking for the best BBQ Spare Ribs recipe that's grilled to perfection with crispy outer edges? Guess what, I've got you covered with the most mouth-watering fork-tender ribs coated in a Cajun dry rub for your next backyard barbecue. You will leave your family and friends coming back for more.
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Delicious Meat and Seafood Pairing
While you're firing up your good old charcoal grill, make it worth your wild and grill some other delicious meat like these Grilled Flanken Short Ribs or try this Grilled Teriyaki Pork Ribs Recipe for a slight twist.
You can add more variety to your dinner menu with the Best Charcoal Grilled Chicken Wings my Jerk Grilled Whole Chicken, or these Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs that are perfect for meal prep or keep things simple with these flavorful Cajun Grilled Chicken Legs (Drumsticks).
If Cajun Grilled Salmon In Foil isn't on the menu, should you even be grilling? Well, okay, I know that's an extreme comment but the truth-of-the-matter is that if you love salmon, this recipe should be on your radar.
So, if you're a meat-eater and love pork, I'm positive that you'll love this recipe. These BBQ spare ribs are smoked flavored ribs are beautifully caramelized and tender with the most robust flavor.
Recipe Notes
To create the dry rub, add all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until combined.
Do not add salt to the dry rub instead add your salt after you coat the ribs.
Our favorite dry rub has:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Black pepper
- Cayenne
- Cumin
- Dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, herbs de provence)
How Do You Prepare Spare Ribs
BBQ Spare ribs are so easy to prepare.
- Wash the spare ribs in cold water then pat dry with paper towels. Some people remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, but I find that even if you don't you are still left with delicious tender ribs.
- Season the spare ribs with kosher salt and a generous amount of dry rub on both sides.
- Place the ribs in a roasting pan or baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
- Marinate the ribs for at least 1 hour up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- Remove them from the fridge, place them on the countertop and allow them to come to room temperature before you start grilling.
How to Start a Charcoal Grill
- Remove the grates and open any vents
- Pile in the charcoals and arrange across the barrel
- Carefully squirt lighter fluid all over the unlit charcoal and let it sit for 10 minutes or so (Please follow directions on the can before applying lighter fluid if you've never used lighter fluid)
- Light the charcoals with a match and when the flame dies down put the grill grates back on
- Adjust the vents to reach a temperature of 250°F (the target temperature is 250°F; however, the temperature will fluctuate with the opening and closing of the lid, so a temperature between 240°F and 250°F is good)
How to Cook Spare Ribs on the Grill
Follow these easy steps for perfectly cooked BBQ spare ribs.
- Preheat your charcoal grill (following the steps above)
- Position the slab of ribs onto the grill grates and close the lid. After 30 minutes, turn the slab of ribs over to grill the other side for 30 to 45 minutes. By this time, the ribs should be a beautiful brown color and no longer pink.
- Remove the ribs from the grill and place onto a clean roasting pan or baking sheet.
- Slather on your favorite BBQ sauce if you'd like and place in a preheated 330 degree oven.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes to tenderize your BBQ spare ribs even more.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Pork Spare Ribs on the Grill
It takes anywhere from 1 hr to 1 hr 15 minutes to cook pork spare ribs on a charcoal grill. Then, place the ribs uncovered in the oven and cook at a low temperature for 20 to 25 minutes to further tenderize the ribs.
Recipe Tips
Here are 4 recipe tips to consider that will add to the delicious flavor and beautiful appearance of your bbq spare ribs:
- Select ribs that are meaty with a good amount of marbling.
- Do not skimp on the dry rub as this adds such an incredible depth of flavor and helps form the crispy outer coating on the ribs use a store brand dry rub or create your own.
- Do not add salt to your dry rub blend (this will allow you to control the amount of salt without having to second guess if you've added to much or too little).
- If you're adding BBQ sauce, slather your favorite sauce on at the end and heat until ribs are further caramelized for a few extra minutes.
Best Side Dishes
Let's also get into what to serve with BBQ ribs. We've rounded up more than 15 of the best sides to pair with BBQ spare ribs from Easy No Mayo Coleslaw to tasty Strawberry Parfait (Shortcake).
More Grilling Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
If so, let me know how it went. Leave a 'Star Rating' within the recipe card down below and/or TAG @cookingwithbliss on Instagram. I can't wait to see how it turned out.
📖 Recipe
Grilled BBQ Pork Spare Ribs
Grilled BBQ Pork Spare RibsEquipment
- Charcoal grill
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs pork spare ribs
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt (or less)
Dry Rub Blend
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less depending on how much of a kick you like)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne (more or less depending on how much heat you like)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dry herb (either thyme, oregano, herbs de provence, or parsley)
Instructions
Dry Rub Blend
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside
Pork Ribs
- Wash the slab of ribs with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the membrane on the back side by placing a paring knife underneath the membrane and gently pull it back from one end of the slab to the other end and discard. If it's slippery, you can use a paper towel so you'll have a better grip when pulling the membrane back. (Note: I find that there isn't a difference in removing the membrane, so I tend to omit that particular step). Remove any excess fat by cutting it off with a sharp knife and discard.
- Place the ribs in a roasting pan or baking sheet. Season the slab of ribs with kosher salt and a generous amount of dry rub. Gently massage the dry rub into the ribs then lightly press into the ribs with your hands. Place plastic wrap over the ribs and allow the ribs to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour up to 24 hours.
- After the ribs have marinated, place on the countertop and bring to room temperature. Meanwhile, fire up the grill using your process and when the grill is ready, position the slab of pork ribs on the grill grates and close the lid. Grill on one side for 30 minutes then flip and grill the other side for 30 to 40 minutes.
- By this time, the ribs should have a beautiful brown crispy outer coating and no longer pink. Remove the ribs from the grill and place them in a clean roasting pan or baking sheet. At this point, slather on your favorite BBQ sauce if you like. Place the ribs in a 330 degree preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes to tenderize the ribs more.
- Allow the ribs to cool a bit. Using a sharp knife, cut the slab into individual ribs by cutting alongside each rib bone and serve.
Video
Notes
- Select ribs that are meaty with a good amount of marbling.
- Do not skimp on the dry rub as this adds such an incredible depth of flavor and helps form the crispy outer coating on the ribs use a store brand dry rub or create your own.
- Do not add salt to your dry rub blend (this will allow you to control the amount of salt without having to second guess if you've added to much or too little).
- If you're adding BBQ sauce, slather your favorite sauce on at the end and heat until ribs are further caramelized for a few extra minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
Drew says
Made this recipe last week. So good we are making it again tonight. Thx.
Cree says
Hey Drew - This makes me so happy! More importantly, I truly appreciate you taking the time to come back to leave a 5-star rating.
Robb says
Why would not put do not use salt in the very beginning for us who have no Idea how to cook? Already rubbed in. No idea if i need to wash everything off and start again.
Cree says
Hello Robb - I noticed your comment and wanted to address it directly. I emphasized 3 times in this post to not add salt to your dry rub. This is my preference as it allows me to control the salt levels in my recipes without guesswork. I'm also sensitive to the fact that some people follow a low-sodium diet and may need to reduce the amount of salt to meet their dietary needs. By adding salt separately, in my opinion, you can better gauge if you need more or if you have enough. However, if you initially combined the salt with your dry rub, that's fine there's no need to rewash your ribs.
Danielle says
I have used my own rub mixture for years. Its similar to this one. What was new for me was using the grill and finishing in the oven. 250° grill 30 min. first side, another 40 min. after flipping. Then 25 min. in a 330° oven. Finally about 10 min. resting. Those bones were photography worthy, except my phone died before I could capture a pic. They were delicious! Thanks for great instructions!
Cree says
Hey Danielle, I would have loved to have seen a pic. I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe and thanks so much for leaving a 5-star rating. I'm so appreciative. This means so much.
Kris says
We had to reduce the grilling time due to thin-cut ribs. Turned out most excellent!
Cree says
Kris, I am beyond happy that your ribs turned out excellent. Thank you so much for leaving a review and a 5-star rating. I appreciate this so much. Have a wonderful day.
Greg Gibson says
Only gave 4 stars as ribs with rub in fridge for later Charcoal grilling. Only had enough smoked paprika for 2 tbl so added 1 tbl regular paprika with it.
Happy Mothers Day 2023.