How to Cook Mouth-Watering Beef Ribs on the Charcoal Grill

How to Cook Beef Ribs on the Charcoal Grill

There’s nothing quite like the smell of grilled beef ribs on a summer day. The smoky flavor of the charcoal grill, the tender meat, and the juicy sauce make for a truly unforgettable meal. If you’re looking for a way to impress your guests, or simply want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal, then you need to learn how to cook beef ribs on the charcoal grill.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of grilling beef ribs, from choosing the right cut of meat to preparing the grill and cooking the ribs to perfection. We’ll also provide you with some tips and tricks that will help you make the best beef ribs you’ve ever tasted.

So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy some of the most delicious beef ribs you’ve ever had!

Step Instructions Image
1 Prepare the ribs.
2 Heat the grill to medium heat.
3 Apply a dry rub to the ribs.
4 Place the ribs on the grill.
5 Cook the ribs for 3-4 hours, or until they are tender.
6 Rest the ribs for 10 minutes before serving.

How To Cook Beef Ribs On The Charcoal Grill?

Preparing the Ribs

The first step to cooking beef ribs on the charcoal grill is to prepare the ribs. This involves choosing the right ribs, trimming them, and marinating them.

Choose the right ribs

When choosing beef ribs, you want to look for ribs that are about 3-4 inches thick. The ribs should also have a good amount of meat on them. Avoid ribs that are too thin or have a lot of fat.

Trim the ribs

Once you have chosen your ribs, you will need to trim them. This involves removing any excess fat and cartilage. You can do this with a sharp knife.

Marinate the ribs

Marinading the ribs is optional, but it can help to add flavor and tenderness to the meat. There are many different marinades you can use, but some popular options include:

  • A dry rub: This is a simple marinade that is made with a mixture of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • A wet marinade: This is a marinade that is made with a liquid, such as vinegar, wine, or beer.
  • A combination marinade: This is a marinade that is made with both a dry rub and a wet marinade.

Marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.

Grilling the Ribs

The next step is to grill the ribs. This involves heating the charcoal grill, placing the ribs on the grill, and cooking them for 4-6 hours.

Heat the charcoal grill

To heat the charcoal grill, you will need to light the charcoal. You can do this by using a chimney starter or by placing the charcoal in a pile and lighting it with a match or lighter. Once the charcoal is lit, you will need to let it burn for about 15 minutes before placing the ribs on the grill.

Place the ribs on the grill

Once the charcoal grill is hot, you can place the ribs on the grill. You will want to place the ribs bone-side down. This will help to prevent the meat from drying out.

Cook the ribs for 4-6 hours

The ribs will need to cook for 4-6 hours. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the ribs and the temperature of the grill. You will want to check the ribs periodically and make sure that they are not burning.

Baste the ribs

You can baste the ribs during cooking to help to keep them moist. You can use a simple baste, such as barbecue sauce or apple cider vinegar.

Remove the ribs from the grill

Once the ribs are cooked through, you will need to remove them from the grill. You can do this by using a pair of tongs.

Let the ribs rest

The ribs will need to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

Serve the ribs

The ribs can be served with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.

Cooking beef ribs on the charcoal grill is a delicious and rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can create perfectly cooked ribs that are sure to please everyone.

Tips for Cooking Beef Ribs on the Charcoal Grill

  • Use a good quality charcoal. This will help to create a consistent heat and produce flavorful ribs.
  • Cook the ribs over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the meat from burning.
  • Baste the ribs regularly. This will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Let the ribs rest before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

With a little practice, you will be able to cook perfect beef ribs on the charcoal grill every time.

Preparing the Ribs

To prepare the ribs, you will need:

  • 4 racks of beef ribs
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder

First, rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry. Then, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Brush the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture and set them aside.

Grilling the Ribs

To grill the ribs, you will need:

  • A charcoal grill
  • A charcoal chimney
  • Wood chips (optional)
  • A spray bottle filled with water

First, build a fire in the charcoal chimney. Once the coals are hot, spread them out evenly in the bottom of the grill. If you want to add a smoky flavor to the ribs, add some wood chips to the coals.

Next, place the ribs on the grill, meat side down. Cover the grill and cook the ribs for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, baste the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture and flip them over. Cover the grill and cook the ribs for another 30 minutes.

Repeat this process, basting the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture every 30 minutes, until the ribs are cooked through and tender. This will take about 2-3 hours.

Finishing the Ribs

To finish the ribs, you will need:

  • A large piece of aluminum foil
  • 1 cup of barbecue sauce

First, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce. Then, wrap the ribs in foil. Place the ribs on the grill and cook them for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving the Ribs

To serve the ribs, you will need:

  • A cutting board
  • A sharp knife
  • A serving platter

First, slice the ribs against the grain. Then, arrange the ribs on a serving platter. Serve the ribs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.

Additional Tips and Tricks

  • To make sure the ribs are cooked evenly, rotate them every 30 minutes.
  • If you want to add a smoky flavor to the ribs, smoke them for 1-2 hours before grilling them.
  • To make the ribs extra tender, cook them low and slow for 6-8 hours.
  • Serve the ribs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.

    How long do I cook beef ribs on the charcoal grill?

The cooking time for beef ribs on the charcoal grill will vary depending on the size of the ribs and the desired doneness. For medium-rare ribs, cook for 3-4 hours over indirect heat. For well-done ribs, cook for 5-6 hours.

What temperature should I cook beef ribs on the charcoal grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking beef ribs on the charcoal grill is 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the ribs to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy finished product.

What type of charcoal should I use for beef ribs?

The best type of charcoal for cooking beef ribs is lump charcoal. Lump charcoal is made from wood that has not been processed, and it burns hotter and cleaner than other types of charcoal. This will help to create a more flavorful and smoky grilled flavor.

What wood should I use for beef ribs?

The best wood for smoking beef ribs is fruitwood, such as apple, cherry, or hickory. These woods impart a sweet and smoky flavor to the ribs that is perfect for summertime grilling.

How do I prepare beef ribs for the charcoal grill?

Before cooking beef ribs on the charcoal grill, you will need to prepare them by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help to prevent the ribs from becoming tough and chewy. You will also need to season the ribs with a dry rub or marinade.

How do I cook beef ribs on the charcoal grill?

To cook beef ribs on the charcoal grill, you will first need to build a charcoal fire in a charcoal grill. Once the coals are hot, you will need to arrange them in a two-zone fire. The first zone will be the hot zone, where the ribs will be cooked directly over the coals. The second zone will be the cool zone, where the ribs will be cooked indirectly.

To cook the ribs directly over the coals, place them on the grill grates in the hot zone. Cook the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned. Then, move the ribs to the cool zone of the grill and cook for another 3-4 hours, or until they are cooked through.

How do I know when beef ribs are done?

The best way to tell when beef ribs are done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the ribs should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit when they are cooked through.

How do I rest beef ribs after cooking?

After cooking beef ribs, it is important to let them rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy finished product.

What are some tips for cooking beef ribs on the charcoal grill?

Here are some tips for cooking beef ribs on the charcoal grill:

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ribs are cooked through.
  • Let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Serve the ribs with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw.

In this article, we have discussed how to cook beef ribs on the charcoal grill. We have covered everything from choosing the right ribs to preparing the grill and cooking the ribs to perfection. We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you will enjoy making delicious beef ribs at home.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • Choose ribs that are well-marbled and have a good amount of fat.
  • Trim the ribs and remove any excess fat.
  • Marinate the ribs in a flavorful marinade for several hours or overnight.
  • Cook the ribs over indirect heat until they are tender and juicy.
  • Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.

With a little practice, you will be able to cook perfect beef ribs on the charcoal grill every time. So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

Similar Posts