If you’re a meat lover and enjoy grilling, you must have tried pork spare ribs on the grill at least once. This dish is a classic, and for a good reason. Pork spare ribs are juicy, flavorful, and offer a satisfyingly meaty texture that few other meats can match. With that said, grilling pork spare ribs can be a bit of a challenge, but don’t worry, we have got you covered with some tips and tricks to ensure that your next BBQ party is a hit.
Choosing the Right Pork Spare Ribs
Before you even fire up the grill, it’s essential to select the right cut of pork spare ribs. Look for ribs with a good balance of meat and fat, preferably from the lower half of the ribcage. If you’re not sure which cut to choose, ask your local butcher for recommendations.
Preparing the Pork Spare Ribs
Now that you have chosen the perfect pork spare ribs, it’s time to prepare them for the grill. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is essential as it ensures that the seasoning and smoke penetrate the meat evenly. Use a sharp knife to loosen the membrane at one end and then peel it off in one piece.
Next, rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, apply a dry rub to the ribs. A dry rub is a combination of spices, herbs, and sometimes sugar that is applied to the meat to add flavor. You can buy pre-made dry rubs from the store, or you can make your own by mixing together your favorite spices. Apply the dry rub generously to both sides of the ribs and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Prepping the Grill
While the pork spare ribs are marinating in the dry rub, it’s time to prepare the grill. The goal is to create a two-zone fire, with one side of the grill set to high heat and the other side set to low heat. This way, you can sear the ribs on the high heat side and then move them to the low heat side to cook slowly and evenly.
Grilling the Pork Spare Ribs
When the grill is hot and ready, it’s time to grill the pork spare ribs. Place the ribs on the high heat side of the grill, bone side down, and let them sear for a few minutes. Then, flip the ribs over and sear the other side. Once the ribs are nicely browned, move them to the low heat side of the grill and close the lid.
Now, the trick to perfectly grilled pork spare ribs is low and slow cooking. The low heat will allow the meat to cook slowly, which will keep it juicy and tender. Depending on the size and thickness of your ribs, they will take between 2-4 hours to cook fully. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The temperature should reach 145┬░F for safe consumption.
Basting the Pork Spare Ribs
If you want to add even more flavor to your pork spare ribs, you can baste them with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Basting adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the meat, and it also creates a delicious glaze on the outside.
Resting and Serving the Pork Spare Ribs
When the pork spare ribs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, which will make it even more tender and flavorful. Then, cut the ribs into portions and serve them with your favorite side dishes
