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Savory BBQ ribs, perfect for a Labor Day feast

Labor Day BBQ Ribs

Unlock the secrets to amazing Labor Day BBQ Ribs with this recipe. These ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for your holiday cookout.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ribs
  • 2-3 racks of pork ribs
  • 1/4 cup rib rub
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
BBQ Sauce (Homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Equipment

  • Grill or Smoker
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Spray Bottle (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your grill or smoker to 225-250°F (107-121°C).
  2. Remove the membrane from the back of each rib rack.
  3. Generously apply the rib rub to all sides of the ribs, ensuring even coverage.
Smoking/Grilling
  1. Place the ribs directly on the grill grates. Smoke/grill for 2.5-3 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature.
  2. Spritz the ribs with apple cider vinegar every hour to keep them moist and add flavor.
Wrapping
  1. After 2.5-3 hours, remove the ribs from the grill.
  2. Place each rack on a large sheet of aluminum foil. Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar over each rack before sealing the foil tightly.
  3. Return the wrapped ribs to the grill and cook for another 1.5-2 hours, or until very tender.
Saucing and Finishing
  1. Unwrap the ribs, reserving any liquid in the foil. Set the liquid aside.
  2. Brush both sides of the ribs with BBQ sauce.
  3. Return ribs to the grill, unwrapped, for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized. For extra tenderness, you can add 1/4 cup of the reserved foil liquid to a spray bottle and spritz the ribs as they finish.
  4. Remove ribs from the grill, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

For best results, prepare the ribs a day in advance by applying the rub and letting them sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and tenderizes the meat. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your ribs and your desired tenderness. A good internal temperature for fully cooked ribs is 195-203°F (90-95°C). Enjoy your delicious Labor Day BBQ Ribs!