How to make Perfect BBQ Ribs on a Charcoal Grill Recipe

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!

Barbecue ribs are a classic favorite, and when done right, they can make and gathering a hit.  But you don't need any fancy equipment to achieve greatness.   Using a simple charcoal grill gives the ribs a distinct smoky flavor that's hard to beat.

Whether you're a BBQ novice or seasoned pitmaster, this guide will help you make perfect BBQ ribs every time.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

INGREDIENTS:

When preparing to make your ribs you will need to gather a few simple ingredients.

• 1 rack of Pork Baby Back Ribs
• 1 your favorite BBQ Sauce
• Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Oregano
• Heavy Duty Foil

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:

1.  Prepare the Ribs:

Before you start grilling, it's essential to prepare your ribs properly:

• Remove the Membrane:  Flip the ribs over to the bone side.  Use a knife to lift the membrane at one end, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.  Not glamorous, but essential.  
• Apply the Rub:  Cut the rack of ribs in half.  This makes them more manageable.  Dry your ribs with a paper towel and coat them with a thin layer of mustard.  This gives the rub something to cling to, as well as tenderize and give some added flavor.  In a bowl combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.  LIBERALLY sprinkle the rub all over you ribs.  Flip and do the same to the other side. 

2.  Wrap the Ribs:

Okay, this is where I am going to blow your mind.  So often we fall into the trap of thinking that great ribs have to cook low and slow for hours to get great flavor and tenderness.  I'm here to tell you that you can have these ribs done and on your table in ONE HOUR.  Yes, you read that right, one hour.  The trick is to fully cook the meat on the frill in a foil pouch.  This creates and oven-like environment.  Let me show you what I mean.

• Wrap in Foil:  Get two sheets of heavy duty foil and place them on top of one another.  Spray the top sheet with cooking spray.  Place the seasoned half-rack of ribs, meat-side-up, on the foil.  Like this. 

Fold the foil around it into a packet with the seam facing upward.  This will prevent the juices from leaking out.  Wrap the second piece of foil around the first in the same manner.  This will ensure no leakage or flair-ups.  

• Marinate:  Place the foil packets into the refrigerator to marinate, and head out to get the grill ready.

3.  Setting up the Charcoal Grill:

Setting up your grill correctly is crucial for achieving that perfect, smoky flavor.  And remember when I told you that you didn't need to have any fancy equipment for this?  Well, I wasn't lying.  Tp prove it, I purchased this inexpensive charcoal grill from Walmart ($19.99).  Then, I picked up the only charcoal we will use in this house, Kingsford Charcoal.

• Light the Charcoal:  Following the instructions on the package of charcoal, I placed the charcoal in a layer, in the bottom of my grill and lit a fire.  I gave the charcoal about 15-20 minutes to fully heat up.  The coals will turn white and ashy.  This is how you know the grill is ready.
• Add Wood Chips:  If you would like to enhance that smokey flavor, you can soak some wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then scatter them over the hot coals.  This will produce a nice smokey and add even more flavor to the ribs.  

4.  Cooking the Ribs:

• Place the grate over the coals, and place the packets of seasoned rib meat on top.  Before you ask, NO, you don't have to move the charcoal to one side, and cook over indirect heat, and NO you don't have to have a drip pan.  Just place the rib packets directly over the heat.
• Close the lid on the grill and let them cook for 50 minutes.

5.  Finishing Touches:

Unwrapping and glazing the ribs is the final step.

• Unwrap and Sauce:  Carefully unwrap the ribs and place them meat-side-down on the grill.  Brush the underside the of the ribs with your favorite sauce.   Close the lid and let them cook for 5 minutes.  After 5 minutes flip the ribs and brush the sauce all over the top.  Close the lid one more time and cook for another 5 minutes.  Now you are ready it eat!  It's that simple!

TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT BBQ RIBS:

• Don't Be in a Hurry:  Allow the charcoal to heat properly.  You want the white, ashy coals for the best, most consistent heat.  Allow the meat the time it needs to cook properly.  Give it the full hour.  

• Don't Mess with the Foil:  Once you have wrapped the ribs, NO PEEKING!  Remember you are creating that oven-like atmosphere which is going to give you the moist and juicy ribs you love!
• Wood Chips:  Though this is not a necessary step, I do think it adds a lot of flavor to the ribs, so if you are able do it.  

• Use a Quality Sauce:  Let's be honest, the sauce is the star of the show, so use the best sauce you can afford.   

Making the perfect BBQ ribs on a charcoal grill is a simple way to achieve flavorful, tender, ribs in a fraction of the time of a traditional smoker.  By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering this classic barbecue dish.  So fire up your charcoal grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your friends and family with the BEST BBQ ribs they have ever tasted!

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!  

~The Kitchen Wife~