Baby Back Ribs on a Griddle

griddle baby back ribs
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Griddle cooking offers a unique twist on classic BBQ ribs, creating a smoky, caramelized flavor that will have everyone digging in. This recipe takes advantage of the griddle’s direct heat for a quick cook, while a foil “tent” steams the ribs to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

griddle baby back ribs

Baby Back Ribs on a Griddle

Griddle cooking offers a unique twist on classic BBQ ribs, creating a smoky, caramelized flavor that will have everyone digging in. This recipe takes advantage of the griddle's direct heat for a quick cook, while a foil "tent" steams the ribs to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baby back ribs, griddle
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4
Calories: 500kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your griddle to medium-high heat.
  • Prepare the rub: Combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the rub.
  • Sear the ribs: Place the ribs on the hot griddle, meaty side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
  • Create the foil tent: Tear off a large sheet of aluminum foil and fold it in half to create a double layer. Pour about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar onto the center of the foil. Place the ribs meat-side up on the foil, then fold the sides up and around the ribs to create a sealed tent.
  • Steam and sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the griddle with a lid. Steam the ribs for 45-60 minutes, or until tender and falling off the bone. Check on them occasionally and add more vinegar if needed to keep the bottom moist.
  • Glaze it up: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard. Carefully remove the foil and brush the ribs generously with the glaze. Increase the heat to medium-high and return the ribs to the griddle, open-faced. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, caramelizing the glaze and creating a sticky, delicious coating.
  • Rest and serve: Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with your favorite BBQ sauce, if desired.

Notes

Choose tender ribs: Look for ribs with good marbling and bendable bones.
Season generously: Don’t skimp on the rub! It adds depth of flavor and enhances the natural sweetness of the ribs.
Control the heat: Medium-low heat is key for gentle steaming and preventing the ribs from drying out.
Glaze and go: The final caramelization adds a sticky, irresistible finish. Don’t overcook at this stage, just achieve a beautiful char.
Get creative: Experiment with different rubs and glazes to find your perfect flavor combination. You can also add vegetables like onions or peppers to the foil tent for a complete meal.
With these tips and this recipe, you’ll be grilling up restaurant-worthy ribs on your griddle in no time. So fire up the heat, gather your friends and family, and prepare for a taste of smoky-sweet, fall-off-the-bone bliss!

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal
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