How to Grill Baby Back Ribs on a Gas Grill – BBQ Guide

What are baby back ribs?

Baby back ribs, also sometimes referred to as pork loin back ribs, are the tender and meaty portions of the rib cage that run along the spine of a pig. They are smaller and leaner than other types of ribs, making them ideal for grilling on a gas grill.

At the heart of any great barbecue is delicious, tender, and flavorful baby back ribs. Grilling baby back ribs on a gas grill is a quick and easy way to achieve perfectly cooked ribs every time. Whether you’re an experienced griller or new to the process, these simple steps will help you create mouthwatering grilled baby back ribs every time.

Grilled baby back ribs ingredients

To grill your baby back ribs on a gas grill, you will need:

Ribs – While any type of baby back ribs will work for this recipe, it is generally recommended to purchase meaty ribs that have been raised without hormones or antibiotics to ensure the best flavor and texture. Look for ribs that are uniform in size and thickness for even cooking.

Seasoning – In addition to the basic seasoning that comes on your ribs, you can add additional spices and flavors to create your ideal flavor profile. Options include salt and pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder or paste, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar or honey, barbecue sauce or dry rubs, and more.

Marinade or brine – A marinade or brine is a great way to add even more flavor and moisture to your ribs. Some popular options include apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, beer, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, or other sauces and marinades.

Aluminum foil – For extra tender and juicy ribs, it is important to use a heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap your ribs during the grilling process. This helps keep the ribs from drying out or burning on the grill.

Besides the ingredients, you will need the following equipment:

• A rack of baby back ribs
• Olive oil or other cooking oil
• Your favorite barbecue sauce
• A gas grill with a cover and grates that can be cleaned easily

Prepping the ribs

To start, you will want to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done easily by carefully loosening it with a butter knife, then pulling it off in one piece. Once the membrane has been removed, you can rinse and dry the ribs, then coat them with your favorite barbecue sauce.

How to grill baby back ribs on a gas grill?

1. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs, rinsing and drying them, and coating them with your favorite barbecue sauce.
2. Next, set up your grill for indirect heat by arranging your charcoal or gas burners so that the heat is not directly under the ribs, but around them instead.
3. Place the ribs on the cooking grates and close the cover, cooking them for 2-3 hours until they are dark brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork.
4. To finish your grilled baby back ribs, brush them with more barbecue sauce and grill for a few minutes to give them that perfect crispy exterior.

Baby back ribs temperature chart

If you are looking for a specific temperature to grill your baby back ribs, here is a general guide to help you out:

• Medium rare: 145-150 degrees F
• Medium: 160 degrees F
• Well done: 170 degrees F or more

How to cut baby back ribs?

To cut your grilled baby back ribs, start by removing the rib bones from the meat. This can be done easily with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Then, you can slice the ribs into individual portions and serve immediately.

For extra flavor, you may also choose to chop or shred the meat before serving. Whether you are looking for tender and juicy ribs or crispy and flavorful ones, grilling baby back ribs on a gas grill is the perfect way to achieve your ideal results every time.

Side dishes for ribs

Some great side dishes that pair well with grilled baby back ribs include coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese.

Additionally, a cold beer or glass of red wine is always a nice complement to this hearty dish.

Grilled Baby Back Ribs Recipe FAQ:

Should ribs be wrapped in foil when grilling?

Yes, wrapping your ribs in foil while grilling is a great way to lock in moisture and prevent them from drying out or burning on the grill. Additionally, aluminum foil can also be used as an easy tool for basting the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce and adding extra flavor throughout the cooking process.

However, it is important to note that wrapping your ribs in foil will typically cause them to cook a bit more slowly than if they were grilled directly on the grates. As such, you may need to adjust your cooking times accordingly.

Ultimately, the best way to determine how to grill your baby back ribs is by experimenting with different cooking methods and temperatures until you find the results that you prefer.

Whether you prefer tender, juicy ribs or crispy and flavorful ones, grilling baby back ribs on a gas grill is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic barbecue favorite.

How long do you cook baby back ribs on a gas grill?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as cooking times will vary depending on the temperature and heat settings of your grill, as well as how large your ribs are. A good general guideline is to cook your baby back ribs for 2-3 hours over indirect heat, until they are dark brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork.

Additionally, you may want to experiment with different cooking times and temperatures in order to find the best results for your taste preferences. Some great tools that can help you monitor your ribs as they cook are a meat thermometer or oven mitts, which can be used to check on how done they are without having to remove them from the grill.

Do you flip baby back ribs on a gas grill?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as how often you flip your baby back ribs will depend on a variety of factors such as the temperature and heat settings of your grill, how large your ribs are, and how done you want them to be.

However, some general tips for how to successfully flip your baby back ribs on a gas grill include ensuring that they are not too crowded on the cooking grates, using tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them over, and flipping each rib individually instead of trying to flip several at once.

In general, how you cook your baby back ribs is up to your personal preferences and how you like them best. Whether you choose to grill them over direct heat, indirect heat, or somewhere in between will depend on how quickly you want them to cook and how much time you have available.

What is the 3 2 1 method for grilling ribs?

The 3 2 1 method for grilling ribs refers to a popular technique for achieving the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor in this classic barbecue favorite. This method involves first cooking the ribs over indirect heat for about 3 hours, followed by 2 additional hours over direct heat to create that delicious caramelized crust on the outside.

Finally, you can finish your ribs off by basting them with your favorite barbecue sauce and allowing them to rest for about 1 hour before digging in. Whether you prefer juicy, tender baby back ribs or crispy, flavorful ones, the 3 2 1 method is a great way to achieve delicious results every time.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for tender and juicy ribs or crispy and flavorful ones, grilling baby back ribs on a gas grill is the perfect way to achieve your ideal results every time.

Godfrey Jensen

I’m Godfrey Jensen, CEO and head chef at Lapps Meats. We’re a top-quality butcher with over 70 years of experience. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best, freshest products possible. We take our food seriously, and we love serving the community by providing them with quality meat products.