Award-Winning Baby Back Ribs

Grilling ribs is simpler than you might think. Discover how to perfectly grill baby back ribs every time with this foolproof method!

Grilling Baby Back Ribs

Curious about grilling baby back ribs? Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of ingredients and detailed step-by-step instructions, but let's start with the essentials:

Grilling Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick look at the process of grilling perfect baby back ribs:

1. Prepare the spice rub.
2. Trim the ribs and coat them with the spice blend.
3. Grill the ribs following the full recipe instructions below.
4. Brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce.
5. Grill for an additional five minutes.

Spice Blend for Baby Back Ribs

This baby back rib recipe uses a savory homemade spice rub made with a blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking Time for Ribs on the Grill

It takes about an hour to cook these baby back ribs to perfection on the grill. To check if they’re done, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the ribs; it should read 145°F (63°C).

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Baby Back Ribs

Looking for tasty side dish ideas? Check out our selection of 13 Delicious Side Dishes for Ribs for perfect pairings. Here are a few crowd favorites you’ll find in the collection:

• Southern Dill Potato Salad 
• Corn Fritters 
• Shoepeg Corn Salad 

Storing Leftover Baby Back Ribs

Store your leftover baby back ribs in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat, use the oven, grill, air fryer, or (in a pinch) the microwave.

Dinogo Community Feedback and Praise

“This recipe is foolproof,” says Charles Nguyen. “With easy-to-find ingredients, just pick up high-quality ribs, add your favorite BBQ sauce, and you’re good to go!”

“Absolutely amazing,” says Adam Brown. “You can customize the spice mix, but follow the cooking instructions and you'll have ribs so tender the meat falls right off the bone.”

“The rub is simply incredible,” says Mosey. “Pair it with my favorite BBQ sauce, and it’s heaven on a plate! Best ribs I’ve had in a long time!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients List

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• salt and pepper to taste

• 3 pounds baby back pork ribs

• 1 cup barbeque sauce

Instructions

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients.

Mix cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small jar. Secure the lid and shake to combine the spices.

Remove the membrane from the back of each rib rack. Use a small, sharp knife to carefully separate the membrane from the ribs, then cut off as much as possible.

Generously sprinkle the rub onto both sides of the ribs. To avoid making the ribs too dark or spicy, don’t press the spices in too deeply. Store any leftover spice mix in a jar for future use.

Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the lower rack of the grill to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups. Arrange the ribs on the top rack (away from the coals if using charcoal). Lower the gas heat to low, close the lid, and cook the ribs undisturbed until the meat easily pulls away from the bone, about 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) when inserted into the center.

Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and grill for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve the ribs as a whole rack or slice between each bone and arrange the pieces individually on a platter.

A Note from the Editor

Nutrition Information (per serving)