Perfectly Grilled Spare Ribs: Sticky, Smoky BBQ Recipe

Grilled spare ribs are an ideal choice for weekend cookouts and family gatherings. Rubbed with a simple homemade spice blend and smoked over hardwood, these ribs come out tender, juicy and full of flavor.

When family comes together, tender ribs are always a hit. This recipe keeps the process straightforward while delivering great results.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Spare Ribs Recipe

Bold, balanced flavor: A homemade dry rub and the addition of hickory or pecan smoke give the ribs deep, rounded flavor without being overpowering.
Juicy and tender: The method ensures the meat stays moist and pulls away from the bone easily, making for an enjoyable bite every time.
Feeds a crowd: Ribs are perfect for gatherings — it’s just as easy to cook two or three racks as it is one, so you can serve a group with minimal extra effort.

Ingredients for Grilled Spare Ribs

Spare ribs
Olive oil
Brown sugar
Granulated garlic
Chili powder
Dried thyme
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for serving (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spare Ribs

Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and place them on a rimmed baking sheet.
Combine the dry rub ingredients in a bowl until evenly mixed.
Lightly brush the ribs with olive oil, then evenly coat them with the dry rub.
Build a grill fire and stabilize the temperature to about 350°F. Add hickory or pecan chunks or chips for smoke.
Arrange the ribs meaty side up over indirect heat. If cooking multiple racks, use a stackable heat-safe rack so they cook evenly; cooking time remains the same for one or more racks.
Close the grill and cook for one hour. If using stacked racks, rotate top and bottom layers halfway through to promote even cooking. Continue cooking until the ribs register 195°F–205°F on a digital meat thermometer.
Transfer the ribs to a rimmed baking sheet and let them rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Move the ribs to a cutting board and slice between the bones with a sharp knife. Serve with barbecue sauce if desired.

How to Store and Reheat

Store cooled ribs wrapped in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, wrap ribs in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.

Favorite Side Dishes for Ribs

Smoked mac and cheese
Grilled corn on the cob
Grilled ranch potatoes

More Rib Recipes to Try

Coca-Cola ribs — ribs glazed with a sweet and tangy Coca-Cola reduction.
Korean BBQ ribs — sweet and spicy, packed with savory flavors.
Peach BBQ ribs — bright and fruity with a homemade peach sauce.
Chili-rubbed ribs — seasoned with a bold chili-based dry rub.
Maple glazed ribs — rich, sweet and caramelized for a crowd-pleasing finish.

Grilled spare ribs are a satisfying, crowd-friendly meal. With a simple dry rub and a bit of hardwood smoke, you’ll have tender, juicy ribs that are easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

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Print Recipe

Grilled Spare Ribs

Grilled spare ribs are seasoned with a homemade dry rub and smoked over hardwood for tender, juicy pork ribs with great flavor.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time2 hours

Additional Time15 minutes

Total Time2 hours 25 minutes

Course: Ribs

Cuisine: American

Keyword: dry rub for pork ribs, how to grill ribs, pork ribs, ribs, spare ribs

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 380kcal

Author: Milisa

Ingredients

2 racks spare ribs
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
2 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon kosher salt
¾ teaspoon chili powder
¾ teaspoon dried thyme
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Pat ribs dry with paper towels and place on a rimmed baking sheet.
Mix dry rub seasonings together in a bowl.
Lightly coat with olive oil and sprinkle with dry rub.
Prepare a grill fire to 350° with hickory or pecan for smoke flavor.
Place ribs over indirect fire. If cooking two racks, use a stackable, heat-safe rack; cooking time will be the same for one or two racks.
Cook with the grill closed for one hour. Rotate racks if needed, then continue until the ribs reach 195°–205°F.
Remove to a rimmed baking sheet and rest about 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

How to Store and Reheat:

Store cooled ribs wrapped in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.

Nutrition