Grilled Ribs

Grilled ribs are a delightful dish that is simple to prepare, although it requires patience due to the slow cooking that softens the meat. Please note that while there are many ways to prepare ribs, I will provide a classic foundation that you can customize to your taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of pork ribs
  • Coarse salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Sweet paprika to taste
  • Garlic powder to taste (optional)
  • Dried oregano to taste (optional)

For the marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tablespoons of ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of mustard
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the marinade by mixing in a bowl the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and add salt and pepper to your liking.
  2. Lay the ribs in a tray and completely cover with the marinade, using a meat brush or your hands to ensure every part is covered. Leave in the fridge to marinate for at least an hour, although overnight would be ideal.
  3. When you are ready to cook, preheat the grill to a medium temperature. If possible, wood or charcoal can add an incomparable smoky flavor.
  4. Sprinkle the ribs with coarse salt, pepper, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and oregano, then place them on the grill.
  5. Cook the ribs for about 1.5-2 hours over indirect heat, turning occasionally. If the ribs tend to dry out, you can wrap them in aluminum foil after the first hour of cooking.
  6. In the last few minutes, increase the heat to obtain an external caramelized crust.

Remember to let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving them; this will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.

Fun Facts

Grilled ribs are a staple of American barbecue cooking, where the culture of “low and slow” cooking, that is at a low temperature for a long time, dominates the preparation of this dish. In Italy, we can add a local touch with the use of aromatic herbs such as rosemary or thyme in the marinade, or by serving the ribs with a side dish of grilled vegetables dressed with oil and oregano.

Enjoy your meal!

Grilled Ribs