Slow-Grilled Baby Back Ribs with White Barbecue Sauce
Tender baby back ribs rubbed with aromatic spices and slow-grilled for five hours with a tangy white barbecue sauce. The apple juice creates a moist cooking environment while the low heat breaks down the meat to fall-off-the-bone perfection. This Alabama-style approach delivers smoky, savory ribs with a creamy, peppery sauce that sets them apart from traditional tomato-based barbecue. Perfect for weekend cookouts when you have time to tend the grill.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pound baby back pork ribs
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups white barbecue sauce, prepared
- 1 quart apple juice
Instructions
- 1
Remove skin from back of ribs the night before serving
- 2
Mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika
- 3
Rub spice mixture on both sides of ribs
- 4
Wrap ribs in plastic and refrigerate overnight
- 5
Heat grill to maintain temperature between 225-245 degrees F
- 6
Mix white barbecue sauce ingredients in a small bowl
- 7
Fill a flat wide pan with apple juice and place on back of grill
- 8
Unwrap ribs and place on upper rack over apple juice, meat side up
- 9
Smear ribs generously with sauce and close grill lid
- 10
Apply more sauce every hour for the next four hours
- 11
Remove ribs at hour five and test doneness by bending rack in half
- 12
Let ribs rest covered with loose foil for five minutes
- 13
Discard apple juice pan
- 14
Slice between ribs and serve with remaining sauce
Tips
Use a disposable aluminum pan for the apple juice to make cleanup easier and prevent flare-ups from dripping.
Test doneness by bending the rib rack - it should start to break at the bend when properly cooked.
Keep grill adjustments minimal during cooking to maintain consistent low temperature throughout the five-hour process.
Good to Know
Leftover ribs keep in refrigerator for 3-4 days wrapped in foil or airtight container.
Ribs must be rubbed and refrigerated overnight before cooking. Can be fully cooked and reheated.
Serve immediately after resting with extra white barbecue sauce and classic sides like coleslaw or corn.
Common Mistakes
Keep grill temperature consistent to avoid tough or dried meat
Don't skip the overnight rub time or flavors won't penetrate
Avoid opening grill frequently as it drops temperature and extends cooking time
Substitutions
may need longer cooking time
FAQ
Can I cook these ribs in the oven instead?
Yes, cook at 225°F in the oven for the same time, placing apple juice pan on lower rack and ribs on upper rack.
What if I don't have an upper grill rack?
Place ribs next to the apple juice pan but not directly over the lit burner to prevent burning.
How long will these ribs keep in the refrigerator?
Cooked ribs will keep for 3-4 days wrapped in foil or stored in an airtight container.