Must-Try Recipes for BBQ Ribs on the Grill

If you want fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs that turn heads at your next cookout, you’ve come to the right place.

These two cool recipes are made for backyard grill lovers who like flavor, fun, and a little bit of flair.

Whether you lean toward sweet and smoky or bold and spicy, you’ll find a rib recipe here worth firing up the grill for.

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel :)

Recipe 1: Sweet and Smoky Classic BBQ Ribs

This is the kind of rib you picture when someone says “BBQ.”

Sticky, smoky, and loaded with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of pork baby back ribs

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

• 1/2 cup apple juice (for moisture)

Steps:

• Prep the ribs – Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for tender results. Pat dry.

• Mix the rub – Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Coat the ribs evenly.

• Set up the grill – Heat to about 250°F for indirect cooking.

• Cook low & slow – Place the ribs bone-side down, close the lid, and cook for 2 hours.

• Moisture boost – Every 30 minutes, lightly spritz with apple juice to keep the ribs tender.

• Sauce & finish – Brush with BBQ sauce and grill for another 30–45 minutes until the glaze is sticky.

💡 Pro Tip: A temperature guide magnet like Easy Function’s Grill Temperature Magnet makes it easy to monitor perfect cooking heat right on your grill.

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon USA

Oh, and if you’ve never cooked ribs before, our guide on how to BBQ ribs on the grill walks you through the basics — from prep to perfect doneness.

Recipe 2: Spicy Maple Glazed BBQ Ribs

This one brings the sweet maple flavor with a chili kick.

Great for people who like a little heat in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of St. Louis-style ribs

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (choose your favorite)

Steps:

• Prep the ribs – Remove the silver skin, pat dry, and apply a thin coat of oil.

• Make the rub – Mix chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub onto the ribs.

• Set up the grill – Heat to about 275°F for indirect heat.

• Cook – Place ribs on the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook for 2–2.5 hours.

• Maple glaze – In a small saucepan, mix maple syrup, vinegar, and hot sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened.

• Glaze & finish – Brush over ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking, basting every 10 minutes for a shiny, flavorful finish.

🔥 Extra Tip: Cooking beef ribs instead? Learn how to cook the best beef ribs on a gas grill for a smoky, tender result every time.

Final BBQ Rib Tips

• Keep the lid closed as much as possible to hold in heat and smoke.

• Use indirect heat for tender, evenly cooked ribs.

• Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing for juicier bites.

If you want your BBQ game to be effortless, check out our other Easy Function tools made for grillers — from scrapers to smoking guide magnets — all designed to make grilling fun and fuss-free.

Click the image below to explore.