How To Grill Baby Back Ribs

Follow these easy tips to guarantee grilling baby back ribs is always a success.

Lisa Cericola

Updated on April 12, 2024

Reviewed by

Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs - Southern Living — Photo:
Jen Causey; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey

When it comes to grilling baby back ribs, Our Test Kitchen's unique stacking method gives you tender results every time you grill. Follow our pointers, and your grilled ribs will be legendary, fall-off-the-bone masterpieces in no time.

Your grill will thank you, and your guests will too. Of course, your masterpiece won't be complete without one of our barbecue sauce recipes, and don't forget to include one of our best barbecue side dishes. Without further ado, here are our five tricks for super-tender baby back ribs.

01 of 05

Tenderize The Ribs

How To Grill Baby Back Ribs: Make Meat Tender — Photo: Jennifer Davick

Start by removing the very thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Do this by slicing into the membrane with a sharp knife, then pull it off of the ribs using a paper towel to help you get a good grip.

02 of 05

Season The Ribs

How To Grill Baby Back Ribs: Add Spicy Flavor — Photo: Jennifer Davick

Seasonings not only add flavor—they also tenderize the ribs. In addition to adding salt, pepper, and spices, you can add an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar or citrus juice, to help tenderize the meat. Wrap the meat with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 8 hours.

03 of 05

Stack And Grill The Ribs

How To Grill Baby Back Ribs: Stack & Grill — Photo: Jennifer Davick

Let the ribs come to room temperature. Preheat the grill to medium heat—around 350°F—leaving one side unlit. Stack the ribs on the unlit side, and grill, covered, for 40 minutes. Rotate the slabs, moving the bottom slab to the top of the stack. Grill for another 40 minutes.

04 of 05

Separate And Baste The Ribs

How To Grill Baby Back Ribs: Separate & Baste — Photo: Jennifer Davick

Lower the temperature to 300°F. Unstack the ribs, and place bone side down on the unlit side of grill. Baste with barbecue sauce; cover and grill for 30 minutes, basting occasionally.

05 of 05

Grill Ribs Until Tender

Continue cooking ribs over low heat until the meat pulls from the bone. This takes patience, as ribs can take two hours or more to cook to perfection. Remove the ribs from the grill, and let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving. Toss or serve with sauce if desired.

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