Learning how to make the perfect BBQ ribs can be challenging for beginners. The good news is, we’re here to help you with tips from the experts!
This way, you don’t have to worry about getting the right tenderness and flavor anymore. Plus, you can spend more time with your family and guests!
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The Perfect BBQ Ribs | 7 Helpful Tips for Beginners
1. Prepare the Perfect Ribs
The first thing to learn about how to make the perfect BBQ ribs is to know the different cuts. The options include baby backs, spare ribs, and St. Louis spare ribs.
After you decide which cut you’re going to use, the next thing to do is to prepare the ribs. Once you have your rack of ribs out of the package, you’ll notice a shiny thin layer of the membrane covering the bones.
You can either leave it or remove it. If you decide to remove it, simply use a butter knife and slightly separate the membrane from the meat.
Trim 1 bone from the large end of the ribs and 2 bones from the small end to create a consistent and equal-sized rack good for smoking or grilling.
2. Use the Perfect Blend of Seasonings
Now it’s time to season the ribs with just the right blend and mixture of the perfect seasonings. Simply sprinkle your favorite BBQ dry-rub seasoning on each side of the ribs.
You can also try the yellow mustard, which will help tenderize the meat without getting a “mustard” taste. After seasoning the meat, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
3. Apply Your “Secret” Marinade
People tend to have their “secret” version of a perfect BBQ marinade. So if you have one, then this is the perfect time to bathe the meat with that marinade.
4. Prepare the Perfect Grilling Space
Grilling is definitely one of the best parts of the perfect BBQ ribs recipe. It’s also the most difficult. Which one should you use?
Using a charcoal grill is the perfect way to get those ribs perfectly done. You’ll be able to get that signature smoky flavor of BBQ meat.
Feel free to use other methods, though. Almost any grill can be made into an indirect smoker for longer cooking times. It’s also important to look for the perfect temperature.
For smoking at the house, 250 degrees is a good one. With that temperature, the baby back ribs will cook in approximately 4 hours while a St. Louis cut rib will cook in about 5 hours.
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5. Smoke the Ribs with Wood
When using wood to smoke your ribs, it should be done in moderation. Too much smoke will overpower the meat and make it bitter. Fruitwood like apple or cherry is typically the best choice for backyard grilling.
When your cooker comes to the perfect temperature, just add four chunks of wood to the charcoal, and you’ll get just the right amount of smoke.
6. Glaze
Always remember not to put on any barbecue sauce until the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking. Else, you’ll have black ribs, and the inside part won’t be able to cook perfectly.
Also, adding the sauce immediately will over caramelize the sauce. Only add it during the last few minutes of cooking and allow it to set on the meat. Apply another thin coating of sauce before serving.
7. Be Patient
This may seem obvious, but patience is the most important thing when learning how to make the perfect BBQ ribs. These can take a while to cook and grill.
You will have to deal with a lot of smoke. As they say, though, patience is a virtue. It will reward you with the most delectable rib you’ve ever dreamed of!
Watch this video by Ballistic BBQ for a delicious Texas-style BBQ rib:
Learning how to make the perfect BBQ ribs can take time. Even the masters have to cook hundreds before perfecting the techniques.
Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t get them right a few times. More than anything, you want to have lots of fun learning the process!
Do you have some cool tips on how to make the perfect BBQ ribs? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on June 4, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
I enjoy outdoor cooking, and especially when I come up with some great dish my wife and kids just compliment me and say that I need to do all of the cooking, normally I love to cook on my grille year around, besides finding this site, just gave me an inspiration.