Master the Art of BBQ: How to Cook Spare Ribs on Gas Grill in Foil

Theres something undeniably mouth-watering about a perfectly cooked slab of spare ribs straight off the gas grill. The succulent flavors, the lip-smacking sauce, and the crispy yet tender meat create a symphony in your mouth thats hard to resist. If youre wondering how to cook spare ribs on gas grill in foil, youve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide goes over everything you need to know to become a BBQ maestro in your own backyard.

The Ribs: A Foundation for Flavor

Before diving into the intricate techniques, its essential to understand the main star of this show: the spare ribs. These ribs come from the longer, lower section of the pig's rib cage and typically feature more meat between the bones than other rib cuts like baby back ribs. The higher fat content and marbling in spare ribs make them ideal for slow cooking, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful throughout the grilling process. Familiarizing yourself with the anatomy of spare ribs and selecting the right slab from your local butcher can significantly impact the end result.

Tools of the Trade

Cooking exceptional spare ribs requires specific tools. Heres a list of essential kitchen and grill equipment:

• Gas Grill
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients You'll Need

Preparing the Ribs

The preparation process begins with trimming and seasoning your spare ribs. Remove the silver skina thin, tough membrane covering the bone side of the ribsusing a sharp knife and cutting board. Some people prefer to leave it on, but we recommend removing it for better tenderness and seasoning penetration.

Once your ribs are trimmed, its time to season. Brush olive oil all over the ribs to act as a binding agent for the spices. Next, evenly sprinkle the garlic, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, and onion powder over the meat. Pat the seasoning into the meat to ensure it adheres well. For maximum flavor, consider letting the ribs sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or overnight if possible, allowing the spices to infuse deeply into the meat.

Wrapping the Ribs

The key to juicy, tender spare ribs is wrapping them in aluminum foil for part of the cooking process. This technique, often referred to as the Texas crutch, helps retain moisture and accelerates the cooking process. To wrap your ribs, lay out a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, placing the ribs meat side down. If you want an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a little more apple cider vinegar and some additional brown sugar over the ribs before sealing the foil tightly around them.

Grilling the Ribs

Preheat your gas grill to a medium-low heatapproximately 275F. Place the foil-wrapped ribs on the grill and close the lid. This slow-cooking process is critical for breaking down the connective tissues in the meat, making the ribs tender. Aim to cook the ribs for about 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the grill maintains a consistent temperature.

The Unveiling

After 2 to 3 hours, carefully remove the ribs from the grill and unwrap the foil. Be cautious, as the steam inside the foil can cause burns. Youll notice that the ribs have begun to cook through and are incredibly tender. If a knife easily slides into the meat without much resistance, you know your spare ribs are thoroughly cooked.

Adding the BBQ Sauce

Now comes the fun partadding the BBQ sauce. Brush a generous layer of your favorite BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs. Return the ribs to the grill, this time directly on the grill grates. Increase the heat slightly to about 350F and cook for an additional 2030 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce, adding a smoky, sweet, and tangy finish to your well-cooked ribs.

Serving the Ribs

Once the sauce is caramelized and sticky, carefully remove the ribs from the grill. Let them rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat. After the brief resting period, slice the ribs between the bones using a sharp knife and serve them hot. These ribs pair wonderfully with traditional BBQ sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.

Cleaning Up

After enjoying your delicious meal, its important to clean your tools properly. Use a Cookware Cleaner to remove any stubborn residue from your gas grill. Dont forget to treat your cutting board with oil to keep it in good condition for future BBQ adventures.

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Conclusion

Cooking spare ribs on a gas grill in foil is a game-changer for BBQ enthusiasts. The Texas crutch technique ensures your ribs remain juicy and tender, while the BBQ sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. With the right equipment and a bit of patience, you can create a restaurant-quality BBQ experience in your own backyard. So fire up that gas grill, get your ingredients ready, and enjoy the true art of grilling.