Easy BBQ Pork Ribs
This post was created in partnership with the National Pork Board.
Summer is my favorite time to grill. There is nothing better than long summer nights, cold drinks, hot ribs and entertaining with friends to set the scene for a Georgia summer barbecue. In particular, these ribs share my cookout table with grilled pork loin with Dijon honey mustard and shredded pulled pork two ways.
Growing up in the South, I have a few recipes I cannot wait to share with yāall. I enjoy cooking with pork for a couple of reasons. First, the flavor: it is so delicious that it does not require much seasoning. Second, it is convenient and versatile, which makes it as easy to love as my fried chicken board and the homemade turkey burger.
These ribs are so tender that the meat falls right off the bone, and the barbecue sauce is sweet and savory. Whatās more, the method is simple: simmer, marinate, then grill. As a result, they pair well with almost anything, from a watermelon salad with balsamic vinaigrette to honey bacon balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts.
What Are These BBQ Pork Ribs?
In essence, they are two-step ribs. The ribs are simmered in water until tender, marinated in barbecue sauce, and then finished on the grill over indirect heat while being basted until glazed.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Pork ribs (2 pounds). Simmered first so they turn out tender.
- BBQ sauce (2 bottles, store-bought). The marinade and the glaze. Use your favorite.
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
- Oil. For the grill grate.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
This post contains affiliate links. I only share products I personally use and genuinely love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Large Stockpot
Big enough to cover the ribs with water.
Shallow Baking Dish
For marinating the ribs.
Small Saucepan
For boiling the marinade before basting.
Basting Brush
For glazing on the grill.
Grill Tongs
For turning the ribs.
Grill Brush
For clean grates.
Rimmed Sheet Pan
Carries the ribs to and from the grill.
Serving Platter
For the finished ribs.
Small Sauce Bowls
For extra sauce at the table.
Carving Knife
For cutting between the bones.
Cutting Board
With a groove to catch the juices.
Cloth Napkins
You will need them.
How To Make BBQ Pork Ribs
Step 1: Simmer
Place the ribs in a large pot and cover with water. Simmer for one hour, or until the meat is tender.
Step 2: Drain and Season
Drain. Transfer the ribs to a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Marinate
Pour the BBQ sauce over the ribs and marinate in the refrigerator for two hours.
Step 4: Prepare the Grill
Prepare the grill for cooking with indirect heat.
Step 5: Boil the Marinade
Remove the ribs from the marinade. Transfer the marinade to a small saucepan and boil for several minutes.
Step 6: Grill and Baste
Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill the ribs for about 20 minutes, basting frequently with the cooked marinade, until nicely glazed.
Step 7: Serve
Serve and enjoy!
Easy BBQ Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork ribs
- 2 bottles BBQ sauce store-bought
- salt and pepper to taste
- oil for the grill grate
Instructions
- Place the ribs in a large pot and cover with water. Simmer for one hour, or until the meat is tender.
- Drain. Transfer the ribs to a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the ribs and marinate in the refrigerator for two hours.
- Prepare the grill for cooking with indirect heat.
- Remove the ribs from the marinade. Transfer the marinade to a small saucepan and boil for several minutes.
- Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill the ribs for about 20 minutes, basting frequently with the cooked marinade, until nicely glazed.
- Serve and enjoy!
KEEP HOSTING
More smoky, crowd-pleasing ideas for the cookout ā another BBQ favorite, a refreshing sip, and an easy spread to share.
Shredded Pulled Pork Two Ways
Tender, smoky pulled pork that feeds a crowd two delicious ways.
Get the Recipe ā
Grapefruit Rosemary Cocktail
A bright, herby pour that cuts right through smoky barbecue.
Pour a Glass ā
How To Make A Burger Board
A build-your-own spread made for easy backyard entertaining.
Keep Reading āVariations
Choose Your Sauce
Sweet, smoky or spicy; any store-bought BBQ sauce you love works.
Try Another Cut
See my grilled pork loin, linked above.
Make It Pulled
For sandwiches, make the shredded pulled pork linked above.
Go With Poultry
My herb-infused turkey wings are another crowd-pleaser.
When I Love Serving These Ribs
Summer Cookouts
The reason I love grilling season.
Fourth of July
Serve them with a pitcher of Fourth of July sangria.
Memorial Day
Furthermore, they kick off the summer well.
Labor Day
One last cookout before fall.
Game Day
Set them beside spicy Velveeta queso.
Sunday Family Dinner
Equally important, most of the time is hands-off.
What To Serve With These Ribs
A Fresh Salad
Cucumber tomato avocado salad or honey basil peach fruit salad.
A Board
A French fry board or a watermelon summer board.
A Cold Drink
Raspberry lemonade, a spiked Arnold Palmer or a bourbon peach tea smash.
Dessert
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Marinate cold. Keep the ribs in the refrigerator for the two-hour marinade.
- Boil the marinade. Boil it for several minutes before using it to baste.
- Leftovers. Refrigerate in a covered container and reheat gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why simmer the ribs first?
Simmering for an hour makes the meat tender before it goes on the grill.
How long do they marinate?
Two hours in the refrigerator.
How long do they grill?
About 20 minutes over indirect heat, basting frequently.
What BBQ sauce should I use?
Two bottles of your favorite store-bought sauce.
Do I have to boil the marinade?
Yes. Boil it for several minutes before basting with it.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, these ribs are everything I love about summer entertaining: tender, saucy and easy to share. Without a doubt, you will want to bookmark them for cookout season.
