Who doesn’t love sinking their teeth into tender, juicy baby back ribs? If you’re craving this mouthwatering delight, get ready to fire up your grill and prepare to impress your family and friends with this simple and delicious recipe.
Prepare the Ribs
To start, remove the pork ribs from the packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, spray an aluminum pan with nonstick cooking spray or rub it with oil. Place the ribs into the pan and remove the silver skin from the back side of the ribs. Removing this membrane is optional, but it will make the ribs easier to eat. Pro tip: removing the silver skin also helps the pork rub to penetrate the meat more effectively.
Add the Rub
Once the ribs are in the pan, sprinkle some of the pork rub seasoning onto the back of the ribs. Don’t be shy; really get in there and rub and press the seasoning in. If you find it easier to handle, you can cut the rack of ribs in half. The rule of thumb with rub seasoning is that however much naturally sticks to the ribs is enough. Any excess can be discarded. Finally, pour apple juice into the bottom of the pan, cover it with aluminum foil, and refrigerate until your grill is ready.
Get Both Sides
Now it’s time to flip the ribs over and season the opposite side. Just like before, apply the rub seasoning, and whatever sticks to the ribs is perfect. The rest can be discarded. Make sure to keep the seasoned ribs in the pan, and cover it with aluminum foil. While you’re at it, don’t forget to ensure your propane tank is full for the long, slow cooking process.
Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to a temperature of 300°F degrees. Maintaining this temperature is crucial to prevent the ribs from cooking too fast. Clean the grill grates and wipe them down with a bit of oil so that you have nice, clean, nonstick grates ready for the next step.
Time to Grill!
Place the pan of ribs onto the grill, cover it, and cook for about an hour, making sure to maintain the temperature at 300°F degrees throughout. Depending on the ribs and temperature consistency, it may take up to 2 hours for the ribs to be perfectly cooked. An inserted meat thermometer should read at least 145°F degrees when measured away from the bone. However, cooking the ribs low and slow for a longer duration will result in a more tender meat, reaching temperatures closer to 180°F-190°F degrees. Once cooked, carefully transfer the ribs from the pan to the grill, ensuring the heat remains low.
Create the Glaze
While the ribs are grilling, it’s time to whip up a delicious glaze. In a small pot over medium heat, whisk together orange marmalade and apple cider vinegar until well combined. This should only take a minute or two. If you have a side burner attached to your grill, you can easily prepare the glaze there.
Baste the Ribs
Take the pot off the heat and generously baste the cooked ribs with the marmalade sauce. Make sure to coat every inch for that burst of flavor.
Repeat the Process
Cover the grill again and cook the ribs for an additional 5 minutes. Then, repeat the glazing process one more time to achieve that perfect caramelization on the ribs.
Allow the Meat to Rest
Carefully remove the ribs from the grill and place them on a large cutting board. Let the meat rest and cool for a few minutes. This will help retain the juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
Cut the Ribs
With a sharp knife, carefully cut the ribs between the bones, creating individual portions. And voila! If cooked properly, the meat will effortlessly slide off the bone. Now it’s time to enjoy your perfectly grilled baby back ribs!
For more delicious recipes like this, visit Family Cuisine. Happy grilling!
