Easy Grilled Sticky Ribs

Chef John's easy grilled sticky ribs recipe produces a caramelized, sticky rib that's tender on the inside and perfect for summer parties.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr 15 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 890 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 4 teaspoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 racks baby back pork ribs
• 4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.33 cup ketchup

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).

Step 2

Mix salt, sugar, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for dry rub together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Line a large sheet pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place rack of ribs on the prepared pan, bone side down. Poke all over with a sharp knife. Make shallow slits across at an angle, and then repeat the opposite way; this allows the dry rub to penetrate. Coat on both sides with rub; flip back over, ensuring the bone side is down. Wrap tightly with foil.

Step 4

Transfer to the center of the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until cold and firm, at least 2 hours, up to overnight.

Step 5

Preheat a charcoal grill until coals are very ashy and hot.

Step 6

Remove from the refrigerator, unwrap, and brush off excess fat. Slice between the bones to separate each rib.

Step 7

Combine ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, oil, and cayenne with a spoon in a bowl for glaze.

Step 8

Place ribs on the preheated grill and cook for 2 minutes; flip and brush over glaze. Flip and repeat process until ribs are as caramelized as you prefer, about 10 minutes more.

Step 9

Remove to a plate and brush over one more application of glaze. Serve.