How to Cook a Slab of Pork Ribs on a Gas Grill: The Ultimate Guide

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to cook a slab of pork ribs on a gas grill. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pitmaster, this comprehensive article will provide you with all the tips and tricks to achieve perfectly cooked pork ribs that are bursting with flavor. With a bit of patience and the right techniques, you’ll become the hero of your next backyard barbecue.

The Essentials: Ingredients and Tools

Preparation Steps

Before firing up the grill, it’s crucial to prepare your pork ribs and season them well. This step ensures the flavors penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in a delicious and well-cooked slab of pork ribs.

Step 1: Trimming the Ribs

Start by trimming the pork ribs. Remove any excess fat and the thin membrane on the bone side of the ribs. This membrane can be tough and chewy when cooked, so eliminating it will improve the eating experience significantly.

Step 2: Seasoning

Rub the ribs with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. This helps the dry rub adhere better to the meat. Generously sprinkle your favorite dry rub all over the ribs, pressing it in to ensure it sticks. Let the seasoned ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. For a more in-depth flavor, you can refrigerate them overnight.

Grilling Techniques

Grilling pork ribs to perfection involves mastering a few essential techniques. This section covers everything from setting up your gas grill to achieving that coveted smoky flavor.

Step 1: Setting Up the Gas Grill

Preheat your gas grill to medium heat, around 300F. Set up the grill for indirect grilling by turning off the burners on one side. This method will allow the ribs to cook slowly and evenly without direct heat.

Step 2: Adding Smoke

If you love smoky ribs, use wood chips to add that authentic barbecue flavor. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then place them in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil, poking a few holes to let the smoke escape. Place the smoker box or foil packet on the heated side of the grill.

Step 3: Grilling the Ribs

Place the seasoned ribs on the cool side of the grill. Close the lid and let them cook for about 2-3 hours, maintaining a steady temperature of 300F. Occasionally check the grill to ensure the ribs are not cooking too quickly. Baste them with apple juice every 30 minutes to keep them moist and tender.

Finishing Touches

The final steps in how to cook a slab of pork ribs on a gas grill involve adding barbecue sauce and achieving that perfect caramelization.

Step 1: Applying Barbecue Sauce

Once the ribs are tender and cooked through, it’s time to apply the barbecue sauce. Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs. For an extra layer of flavor, repeat this step a few times, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly between applications.

Step 2: The Final Cook

Move the ribs to the direct heat side of the grill for a brief period, about 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as the sugars in the sauce can quickly turn from caramelized to charred. This step adds a beautiful, sticky glaze to the ribs.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve mastered how to cook a slab of pork ribs on a gas grill, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Serve your perfectly grilled ribs with some classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. Of course, no barbecue is complete without a refreshing drink on the side.

Clean-Up Tips

After a successful grilling session, it’s essential to clean your tools properly. Use a cookware cleaner to scrub your grill grates and maintain their condition. Don’t forget to treat your cutting board with a conditioner to extend its lifespan.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Conclusion

Learning how to cook a slab of pork ribs on a gas grill brings immense satisfaction and delicious rewards. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering ribs that will impress family and friends. Remember, the key to great ribs is patience and attention to detail. Happy grilling!

Further Reading

If you enjoyed this guide, feel free to check out our other grilling articles:

• Pork Chops
• Cooking Shrimp
• Baby Back Ribs
• Cooking Picanha
• Cornish Hens