How to Grill Pork Spare Ribs on Gas Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Grilling pork spare ribs on a gas grill can be a fun and rewarding experience, resulting in tender, flavorful, and juicy meat that will impress your family and friends. With a few simple steps and some essential techniques, you can achieve that perfect grill mark and flavor. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to grill pork spare ribs on a gas grill.
Preparation
Before you start grilling, it’s essential to prepare your pork spare ribs and gas grill. Here’s what you need to do:
- Rinse and pat dry: Rinse the pork spare ribs under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and remove any excess fat or membrane.
- Seasoning: Mix your favorite seasonings and rub them all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. You can use a simple dry rub made with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Brining: For an added layer of flavor and tenderness, consider brining your ribs in a solution of water, salt, and sugar for 2-4 hours or overnight.
Grilling the Ribs
Once you’ve prepared your pork spare ribs, it’s time to fire up your gas grill. Here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat: Preheat your gas grill to 225-250°F (110-120°C), as high heat can cause the meat to burn before it’s fully cooked.
- Grill orientation: Place the pork spare ribs in the grill, bones facing the coals, to allow for even heat distribution and to prevent flare-ups.
- Close the lid: Close the grill lid to trap heat and smoke, and ensure that the ribs are cooked evenly.
- Cooking time: Cook the ribs for 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Flip and baste: After 1-2 hours, flip the ribs and baste them with your favorite BBQ sauce. You can use a mop sauce or a sprayer to apply the sauce evenly.
Glazing and Finishing Touches
In the final 10-15 minutes of grilling, apply a glaze made from your favorite BBQ sauce and honey to add a sticky, caramelized crust to the ribs. Here’s a simple glaze recipe you can use:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| BBQ sauce | 1 cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you grill the perfect pork spare ribs:
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure to leave enough space between each rack of ribs to allow for even heat distribution and to prevent them from steaming instead of grilling.
- Keep an eye on the temperature: Monitor the grill temperature and adjust the burners as needed to maintain the desired temperature.
- Don’t press down: Resist the temptation to press down on the ribs with your spatula, as this can cause the meat to become tough and lose its natural juices.
- Let it rest: Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Conclusion
Grilling pork spare ribs on a gas grill requires some preparation, patience, and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to achieve that perfect grill mark and flavor that will impress your family and friends. Happy grilling!