Grilled Pork Back Ribs with Sweet Chili Grape Glaze
Tender pork back ribs get a quick simmer before hitting the grill, then are repeatedly basted with a glossy sweet and tangy sauce made from chili sauce and grape jelly. The combination creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside. Perfect for backyard barbecues and family gatherings, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality ribs with minimal prep time. The grape jelly balances the heat from the chili sauce, creating a unique glaze that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Make sauce by heating chili sauce, grape jelly, wine and mustard in saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until jelly melts
- 2
Heat grill for indirect cooking and cut ribs into serving pieces
- 3
Place ribs in Dutch oven with water, bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 5 minutes then drain
- 4
Grill ribs covered over medium coals 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with sauce every 3 minutes until pork is no longer pink and meat pulls away from bones
- 5
Heat remaining sauce to boiling, stirring constantly, boil and stir 1 minute before serving with ribs
Tips
Pre-boiling the ribs removes excess fat and ensures they cook evenly on the grill without drying out.
Brush sauce frequently during grilling to build up multiple layers of glaze for maximum flavor and shine.
Let ribs rest 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked ribs up to 3 days wrapped tightly. Reheat in 325F oven until warmed through.
Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Ribs can be pre-boiled morning of serving.
Serve immediately while hot with extra sauce on the side and napkins for sticky fingers.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip pre-boiling to avoid tough, chewy ribs.
Avoid high heat grilling to prevent burning the sugary glaze.
Don't forget to boil remaining sauce before serving to ensure food safety.
Substitutions
adjust heat to taste
FAQ
Can I use baby back ribs instead?
Yes, baby back ribs work well but may need 5-10 minutes less grilling time since they're more tender than back ribs.
What if I don't have grape jelly?
Apple jelly, apricot preserves, or even orange marmalade make excellent substitutes with slightly different flavor profiles.
How long do leftover ribs keep?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, cooked ribs will keep for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven at 325F.