How to Grill Bone-In Short Ribs to Perfection

How to Grill Bone-In Short Ribs

Bone-in short ribs are a delicious and hearty cut of meat that is perfect for grilling. They are also relatively easy to cook, making them a great option for a beginner griller.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps of grilling bone-in short ribs, from choosing the right cut of meat to preparing it for the grill. We will also provide tips for grilling short ribs so that they come out perfectly cooked and juicy.

So whether you are a seasoned griller or a novice, read on for all the information you need to know about grilling bone-in short ribs!

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Step Ingredients Instructions
1
  • 2 racks bone-in short ribs
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1/4 cup garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup onion powder
  • 1/4 cup dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the salt, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and olive oil.
  3. Coat the short ribs in the spice rub.
  4. Grill the short ribs for 3-4 hours, or until they are cooked through and tender.
2
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  1. Once the short ribs are cooked through, brush them with barbecue sauce.
  2. Continue to grill the short ribs for 10-15 minutes, or until the barbecue sauce is caramelized.
3
  • Serve the short ribs immediately.
  1. Enjoy!

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Choosing the Right Ribs

When it comes to choosing the right ribs for grilling, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Type of ribs: There are two main types of ribs: baby back ribs and spare ribs. Baby back ribs are shorter and thinner than spare ribs, and they come from the loin area of the pig. Spare ribs are longer and fattier than baby back ribs, and they come from the belly area of the pig. Both types of ribs are delicious, but they have different cooking methods and flavors.
  • Quality of ribs: When choosing ribs, it’s important to select ribs that are high-quality. Look for ribs that are bright red in color, with a good amount of marbling. The ribs should also be firm and have a slight amount of elasticity. Avoid ribs that are dry, discolored, or have a lot of fat.
  • Preparing the ribs for grilling: Before grilling ribs, you’ll need to prepare them by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. You can do this by using a sharp knife to carefully loosen the membrane from the ribs, then pulling it off. You can also use a paper towel to help you remove the membrane. Once the membrane is removed, you can season the ribs with your favorite rub.

Marinating the Ribs

Marinating ribs is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to them. There are many different marinades you can use, but some of the most popular include:

  • Teriyaki marinade: This marinade is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. It’s a classic marinade that’s perfect for baby back ribs.
  • Barbecue marinade: This marinade is made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion powder. It’s a smoky and tangy marinade that’s perfect for spare ribs.
  • Spicy marinade: This marinade is made with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper. It’s a flavorful and spicy marinade that’s perfect for those who like their ribs with a kick.

No matter what type of marinade you use, be sure to marinate the ribs for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This will give the ribs plenty of time to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

Grilling the Ribs

Once the ribs are marinated, you’re ready to grill them. Here are a few tips for grilling ribs:

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat. You don’t want the grill to be too hot, or the ribs will burn.
  • Place the ribs on the grill bone-side down. This will help to protect the meat from the heat.
  • Grill the ribs for 3-4 hours, or until they are cooked through. You’ll know the ribs are done when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
  • Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Serving the Ribs

Ribs are best served when they’re hot off the grill. You can serve them with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw.

Grilled ribs are a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily grill up some mouth-watering ribs that your guests will love.

Here are some additional tips for grilling ribs:

  • Use a good quality wood or charcoal for grilling. This will help to create a delicious smoky flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the grill. This will prevent the ribs from cooking evenly.
  • Check the ribs frequently to make sure they’re not burning. Ribs can burn quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
  • Serve the ribs with your favorite sides. Some popular sides for ribs include grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw.

With these tips, you’ll be grilling up some delicious ribs in no time!

3. Grilling the Ribs

How to grill the ribs

Grilling bone-in short ribs is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you can do to make sure they turn out perfectly.

1. Choose the right ribs

When choosing ribs for grilling, you want to look for ribs that are well-marbled with fat. This will help to keep the ribs moist and flavorful as they cook. You should also avoid ribs that are too thin or too thick. A good rule of thumb is to choose ribs that are about 1 inch thick.

2. Prepare the ribs

Before grilling the ribs, you need to prepare them by removing the membrane from the back. The membrane is a thin, tough layer of tissue that covers the ribs. It can be difficult to remove, but it’s important to do so because it will prevent the ribs from becoming tough and chewy. To remove the membrane, use a sharp knife to carefully loosen it from the ribs. Once it’s loosened, you can grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.

3. Season the ribs

Once the ribs are trimmed, you need to season them. You can use any seasonings you like, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. You can also use a dry rub or a marinade. If you’re using a dry rub, apply it to the ribs all over and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling. If you’re using a marinade, place the ribs in a large bowl or bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the ribs are completely covered in marinade, then let them marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.

4. Grill the ribs

To grill the ribs, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas grill, you can turn on all of the burners. If you’re using a charcoal grill, you can build a two-zone fire with the coals on one side of the grill and the cooking grate on the other side.

Once the grill is hot, place the ribs on the cooking grate. If you’re using a gas grill, you can close the lid. If you’re using a charcoal grill, you can leave the lid open.

Grill the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re browned on all sides. Then, move the ribs to the indirect heat side of the grill and cover the grill. Cook the ribs for 1-1.5 hours, or until they’re tender and cooked through.

5. Check for doneness

To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ribs. The internal temperature should be 195-200 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Serve the ribs

Once the ribs are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, slice them between the bones and serve them immediately.

7. Tips for grilling bone-in short ribs

  • If you’re short on time, you can cook the ribs in the oven instead of on the grill. To do this, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs on a baking sheet and bake them for 2-2.5 hours, or until they’re tender and cooked through.
  • If you want to add a smoky flavor to the ribs, you can smoke them before grilling them. To do this, place the ribs on a smoker and smoke them for 2-3 hours at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • You can also grill the ribs wrapped in foil. This will help to keep them moist and tender. To do this, wrap the ribs in foil and place them on the grill. Cook the ribs for 1-1.5 hours, or until they’re tender and cooked through.

4. Carving and Serving the Ribs

How to carve the ribs

Carving bone-in short ribs is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you can do to make sure they look and taste their best.

1. To start, place the ribs on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut between the bones to separate the ribs.
3. Slice the ribs against the grain.
4. Serve the ribs immediately.

How to serve the ribs

There are a few different ways to serve bone-in short ribs. You can serve them as an entree, or you can use them as a main course for a barbecue. Here are a

How long do I cook bone-in short ribs on the grill?

The cooking time for bone-in short ribs will vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and the desired doneness. For medium-rare ribs, cook for 3-4 hours over indirect heat at 225-250 degrees F. For well-done ribs, cook for 5-6 hours.

What temperature should I grill bone-in short ribs?

The ideal temperature for grilling bone-in short ribs is 225-250 degrees F. This will allow the ribs to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy finished product.

What type of grill should I use to cook bone-in short ribs?

You can cook bone-in short ribs on any type of grill, but a charcoal grill or smoker will produce the best results. The indirect heat from charcoal or wood smoke will help to create a flavorful crust on the ribs while the meat cooks slowly and evenly.

What seasonings should I use on bone-in short ribs?

There are many different ways to season bone-in short ribs, but some popular options include:

  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic powder and onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Brown sugar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dry rub

How do I make sure bone-in short ribs don’t dry out?

The best way to prevent bone-in short ribs from drying out is to cook them slowly and evenly. This can be done by using indirect heat on a charcoal grill or smoker, or by braising the ribs in a slow cooker. You can also baste the ribs with liquid during cooking to help keep them moist.

What are some side dishes that go well with bone-in short ribs?

Some popular side dishes for bone-in short ribs include:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Corn on the cob
  • Baked beans
  • Mac and cheese
  • Salad

How do I store leftover bone-in short ribs?

Leftover bone-in short ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight and then cook them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until heated through.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to grill bone-in short ribs. We have covered everything from choosing the right cut of meat to preparing and cooking it. We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you will enjoy grilling your own bone-in short ribs soon.

Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:

  • Bone-in short ribs are a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that can be grilled, roasted, or braised.
  • When choosing short ribs, look for ribs that are well-marbled and have a good amount of meat on them.
  • To prepare short ribs for grilling, trim any excess fat and season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
  • Grill short ribs over indirect heat until they are cooked through and tender.
  • Let short ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

We hope that you enjoy grilling your bone-in short ribs!

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.