Barbecuing ribs on a gas grill can lead to tender, smoky, and flavorful results when done properly. With a few tips on preparation, grill setup, and cooking technique, you’ll be making restaurant-quality ribs at home in no time.
Ingredients & Supplies Needed
- Pork spare ribs or baby back ribs
- Dry rub – made of spices like brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper
- Barbecue sauce
- Aluminum foil
- Gas grill with lid
- Grill brush
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs & spatulas
Prep the Ribs
- Choose meaty, uncut spare ribs or baby back ribs. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness.
- Pat the ribs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Apply a generous coat of dry rub on both sides and between ribs. Let them sit for at least 30 mins.
Set Up the Grill
- Preheat your gas grill on high heat, close the lid and let it heat for 10-15 mins.
- Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a brush. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- For indirect grilling, turn off one burner, keeping the other hot. Ribs will cook on the cooler side while absorbing smoke flavor.
How to Cook the Ribs
Indirect Grilling Method (about 1.5-2 hrs)
- Place ribs on the cooler side of the grill, bone-side down and cover.
- Grill for 1-1.5 hours with the lid closed until ribs are tender. Maintain temperature of 250°F if possible.
- Baste ribs with barbecue sauce during last 10-15 mins of grilling.
- Ribs are ready when meat pulls back from the bones and reaches 195°F internal temp.
Foil Wrapping Method (about 1.5 hrs)
- Place ribs bone-side down on hot side first to get grill marks for 5 mins.
- Transfer to a large sheet of heavy duty foil. Add some liquid like apple juice or beer. Wrap tightly.
- Put foil packet on cooler side and grill for 1-1.5 hours.
- Unwrap ribs, brush with sauce and grill unwrapped on high heat for 10 mins until caramelized.
3-2-1 Method (about 3 hrs)
- Grill ribs for 3 hours – bone-side down for first 2 hours, meaty-side last hour.
- Wrap ribs in foil with liquid and cook for 2 hours.
- Unwrap and grill again for 1 hour to caramelize. Apply sauce last 10-15 mins.
Tips
- Use a water pan under ribs while grilling for extra moisture.
- Spray ribs with apple juice/cider periodically for moisture.
- Add wood chips to gas grill smoker box for smoky flavor.
- Let ribs rest for 10 mins before cutting for juicier meat.
- Slice ribs between bones before serving.
Properly barbecuing ribs on a gas grill is easy with some basic preparation and by following indirect grilling methods. Low, slow cooking infuses the ribs with tender, smoky barbecue flavor. Experiment with different rubs, sauces and cooking times to find your ideal ribs.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to BBQ Ribs on a Gas Grill
What type of ribs work best for grilling on a gas grill?
Both baby back ribs and spare ribs can be used, though baby backs tend to cook a little faster. Choose meaty, high quality ribs for best results.
Should the membrane be removed from the ribs before grilling?
Yes, peeling off the thin membrane from the bone-side of the rack will allow smoke and seasoning to better penetrate the meat. It also makes the ribs more tender.
What temperature should you grill ribs at on a gas grill?
Use a low indirect heat around 250°F if possible. The ribs need to cook low and slow next to the heat, not directly over it. Higher temps can toughen the meat.
How long does it take to grill ribs on a gas grill?
If cooking indirectly, ribs take about 1.5-3 hours depending on thickness. Grill for minimum 5-6 hours for fall-off-the-bone ribs. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
Why are the ribs tough and dry after grilling?
The heat was likely too high. Also, lack of moisture during the long cook time can dry them out. Try using a spray or water pan, and wrapping them in foil during part of the cook.
Can you get decent smoke flavor when grilling ribs on a gas grill?
Yes, use wood chips or pellets in a smoker box. Pre-soak them for 30 mins so they smolder and produce more smoke instead of burning up quickly.
What barbecue sauces work best for basting grilled ribs?
Use thick, sticky sauces that contain tomatoes, sugar, and spices. Apply the sauce during the last 10-15 mins to avoid charring.
In summary, mastering how to bbq ribs on a gas grill takes some technique but the smoky, tender results are well worth the effort. With the right preparation and indirect grilling methods, you can enjoy backyard barbecue ribs rivaling your favorite restaurant off a basic gas grill.