( Close-up of tender pork ribs cooking on a gas grill, coated in barbecue sauce with charred edges and smoky steam in the background )A plate of perfectly grilled pork ribs served with coleslaw and cornbread, garnished with parsley and a side of barbecue sauce.

how to cook ribs on a gas grill

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How to Cook Ribs on a Gas Grill: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re craving perfectly tender, smoky, and juicy ribs but don’t have a smoker, don’t worry. Cooking ribs on a gas grill is a great way to enjoy delicious barbecue ribs right in your backyard. With the right techniques, seasonings, and grilling process, you can achieve ribs that rival your favorite barbecue restaurant.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right type of ribs to achieving the ideal smoky flavor on a gas grill. Let’s dive in!

What Is This Recipe?

This recipe is a step-by-step guide to cooking pork ribs on a gas grill using indirect heat. It’s a foolproof method to create juicy ribs with a caramelized BBQ glaze without needing a smoker. Perfect for backyard cookouts, casual gatherings, or even weeknight dinners, this technique works for spare ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, and baby back ribs.

The secret lies in slow cooking over low, indirect heat and finishing with a flavorful BBQ sauce glaze. The result? Ribs that are smoky, tender, and packed with flavor.

Recipe Overview

Prep TimeCook TimeTotal TimeServingsYield
15 minutes2.5 – 3 hours3 – 3.5 hours41 rack of ribs

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

  • 1 rack of pork ribs (baby back, St. Louis-style, or spare ribs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons your favorite dry rub for ribs
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce

Optional Dry Rub:

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Tools You’ll Need:

  • A gas grill with a lid
  • Aluminum foil
  • A meat thermometer
  • A basting brush

Directions

Step 1: Choose the Right Ribs

The type of ribs you choose plays a crucial role in the outcome. Here’s a quick guide to help:

  1. Baby Back Ribs: Smaller, leaner, and quicker to cook. Ideal for a tender bite.
  2. Spare Ribs: Larger and meatier with more fat, making them ideal for long, slow cooking.
  3. St. Louis-Style Ribs: A trimmed version of spare ribs, offering uniform shape and even cooking.

When buying ribs, look for a rack with even thickness, good marbling, and no shiners (exposed bones).

A close-up of pork ribs being trimmed and seasoned with a dry rub on a wooden cutting board, with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar displayed in small bowls nearby.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs

  1. Remove the Membrane: Flip the ribs so the bone side is facing up. Slide a knife under the thin membrane on the back and pull it off. This ensures the seasoning penetrates the meat better.
  2. Season the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, brush them with olive oil, and apply your dry rub generously. Press the rub into the meat for even coverage. Let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate them overnight for maximum flavor.
Ribs wrapped tightly in aluminum foil with a drizzle of barbecue sauce, ready for pre-cooking on the gas grill , cook ribs on a gas grill

Step 3: Preheat Your Gas Grill

Preheat your gas grill to 275°F to 300°F and set it up for indirect cooking:

  1. Turn on one or two burners on one side of the grill, leaving the other side off.
  2. Place a drip pan under the cool side of the grill to catch any fat drippings.
  3. If you want a smoky flavor, add a smoker box filled with wood chips (like hickory or applewood) over the lit burners.

Step 4: Cook the Ribs

  1. Place the seasoned ribs bone-side down on the cool side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid to trap the heat and smoke.
  2. Cook the ribs for about 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes to ensure the temperature remains steady. Add more wood chips to the smoker box if needed.
  3. After 2 hours, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Return them to the grill and cook for another 30-60 minutes.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

  1. Unwrap the ribs and brush them generously with BBQ sauce on both sides.
  2. Move the ribs to the hot side of the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes per side, allowing the sauce to caramelize. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  1. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes to retain their juices.
  2. Slice the ribs into portions and serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
A plate of perfectly grilled pork ribs served with coleslaw and cornbread, garnished with parsley and a side of barbecue sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ribs

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: The ideal internal temperature for ribs is 190°F to 205°F.
  • Don’t Rush: Low and slow cooking is the key to tender ribs.
  • Experiment with Rubs and Sauces: Try different spice blends and BBQ sauces to customize the flavor.
  • Add Moisture: Keep a spray bottle with apple juice or water to spritz the ribs occasionally, preventing them from drying out.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories450
Protein28g
Fat25g
Carbohydrates15g
Sugar10g
Sodium800mg

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FAQ

1. Can I cook ribs on a gas grill without a smoker box?

Absolutely. While a smoker box enhances the smoky flavor, you can achieve similar results by placing wood chips directly on the grill grates wrapped in aluminum foil with holes.

2. How do I know when the ribs are done?

Ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190°F to 205°F, and the meat pulls back from the bones.

3. What type of wood chips work best for ribs?

Hickory, applewood, and cherry wood are popular choices. They add a subtle smoky flavor without overpowering the meat.

4. Can I cook frozen ribs on a gas grill?

It’s best to thaw the ribs completely before grilling to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning.

5. Should I sauce my ribs early or late?

Sauce your ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This prevents the sugar in the sauce from burning.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to cook ribs on a gas grill is a game-changer for any barbecue enthusiast. With this method, you’ll enjoy tender, flavorful ribs that are perfect for any occasion.

Fire up your grill, gather your favorite BBQ sauces and rubs, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these mouthwatering ribs!

Don’t forget to share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we’d love to see how your ribs turn out!