To cook ribs with a propane grill, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
- Rack(s) of ribs
- Dry rub seasoning of your choice
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
Equipment:
- Propane grill
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
- Grill brush or scraper
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
- Preheat your propane grill by turning on the burners to medium heat. Close the lid and let it heat up for 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the rack(s) of ribs by removing the membrane from the bone side. This can be done by using a butter knife to loosen one corner of the membrane, then gripping it with a paper towel and pulling it off. This step is optional but removing the membrane helps the seasoning penetrate the meat better.
- Season the ribs generously with your chosen dry rub seasoning. Ensure both sides of the ribs are coated, patting the rub into the meat to help it adhere.
- Once the grill is preheated, reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Place the rack(s) of ribs on the grill, bone side down. Close the lid and let them cook for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Make sure the grill maintains a temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C) during this time.
- Every 30 minutes or so, check the ribs and rotate them for even cooking. You can also use this opportunity to lightly baste them with barbecue sauce if desired. Avoid adding sauce too early, as it may burn or char before the ribs are fully cooked.
- After about 1.5 to 2 hours, start checking the internal temperature of the ribs using a meat thermometer. For tender ribs, aim for an internal temperature of around 190-203°F (88-95°C). The meat should be tender but not falling off the bone.
- Once the desired temperature is reached, carefully remove the rack(s) of ribs from the grill using tongs. Tent them with aluminum foil and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender.
- After resting, slice the ribs into individual portions and serve them with your preferred barbecue sauce on the side.
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and the heat of your grill. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are cooked to your desired level of tenderness. Enjoy your delicious homemade grilled ribs!
Best Propane Grills of December 2024
Rating is 5 out of 5
Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cabinet Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463354021
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 24 burgers, 20 chicken breasts or 12 steaks on 435-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the primary grates and use the 130-square inch warming rack to cook with indirect heat and keep food warm.
- TRAY TOPPER: The stainless-steel Chef’s Delite tray shields more delicate foods from the heat and prevents small items from falling through the grates. Small holes on the bottom of the tray allow the chargrilled flavor to reach your food.
- SIDE BURNER: A 10,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee. When not in use, flip the lid down and use the surface as an additional workspace.
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill, Gas Grill with 3 Adjustable Burners & Instastart Push-Button Ignition; Great for Camping, Tailgating, BBQ, Parties, Backyard, Patio & More
- Grilling Power: Offers up to 20,000 total BTUs
- 3 Adjustable Burners: Improved burner technology for more precise temperature control
- Large Grilling Area: A spacious 285 sq. in. cooks a variety of foods at once
- Easy Setup: Sturdy quick-fold legs and 2 wheels for hassle-free setup and takedown
- Integrated Thermometer: Built-in design for accurate temperature monitoring
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Grill Boss GBC1932M Outdoor BBQ 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill for Barbecue Cooking with Top Cover Lid, Wheels, and Side Storage Shelves, Black
- Outdoor grill made for BBQ cookout weekends with friends and family all summer long; 3 burners for cooking chicken, steak, vegetables, and even sauces
- Made with a push-and-turn ignition that activates a flame to conveniently fire up the grill and start cooking, while the portable design makes it easy to take on the go
- Stainless steel control panel features a large temperature gauge and comes with a 25-burger capacity that allows you to cook up meats for the whole neighborhood quickly
- Dual side shelves expertly designed not just to keep your essentials within easy reach but also provide ample storage for all your spices, condiments, plates, and tongs
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Nexgrill Premium 3 Burner Propane Barbecue Gas Grill, Side Table Open Cart with Wheels, Outdoor Cooking, Patio, Garden Barbecue Grill, 27000 BTUs, Black and Silver
- 3 stainless steel burners produce 27,000 BTUs of cooking power
- Side shelves offers a convenient prep area
- 429 sq in. cooking area over easy-to-clean porcelian wire grates
- 27,000 BTUs main burners for ultimate grilling control
- 2 large wheels for easy mobility
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Char-Broil Classic Series Convective 3-Burner with Side Burner Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463773817-P2
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas to grill without the hassle of charcoal, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane gas tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 6 steaks on 360-square-inches of total cooking space. You can cook meats and larger items on the main grates and delicate foods on the warming rack.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 30,000 BTU rating. *BTU is a measurement of energy used by your grill and is not related to how hot it will get. Grills with lower BTUs burn less fuel to cook your food.
- SIDE BURNER: A 8,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee.
- IGNITION: Electronic ignition ensures reliable starts every time. Simply turn the control knob, press the ignition button and the burners are lit.
- GRATES: Grates are porcelain-coated to resist rust and make them easier to clean. They retain heat to cook food evenly and leave impressive grill marks.
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel 30,000 BTU Patio Garden Barbecue Grill with Two Foldable Shelves
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of a control knob
- ❤ FEATURES: The whole Stainless steel control panel with chromium plating control knob makes this propane gas grill more study and delicate, a stainless steel handle and a built-in stainless steel thermometer on the cover lid, two foldable tables and two heavy duty wheel casters for storage and moving
- ❤ PORCELAIN-ENAMEL WIRE COOKING GRATES: The cooking area of our propane gas grill is 471.8 include 339 square inches for cooking and 132.8 square inches for warming
- ❤ MULTIFUNCTION AND PRACTICAL: This propane gas grill is perfect compliments any outdoor space like backyard, garden, courtyard, terrace and balcony of most family, alternative all season for outdoor cooking
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Char-Broil Classic Series Convective 2-Burner with Side Burner - 463672817-P2
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas to grill without the hassle of charcoal, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane gas tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 6 steaks on 280-square-inches of total cooking space. You can cook meats and larger items on the main grates and delicate foods on the warming rack.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 20,000 BTU rating. *BTU is a measurement of energy used by your grill and is not related to how hot it will get. Grills with lower BTUs burn less fuel to cook your food.
- SIDE BURNER: A 8,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee.
- IGNITION: Electronic ignition ensures reliable starts every time. Simply turn the control knob, press the ignition button and the burners are lit.
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Weber Summit S-460 Built-In Liquid Propane in Stainless Steel Grill
- 4 Stainless steel burners
- 48,800 BTU-per-hour input. Dimensions - lid open (inches): 58H x 34W x 31D
- 10,600 BTU-per-hour input sear burner
- 6,800 BTU-per-hour input smoker burner and stainless steel smoker box
- 4 Stainless steel burners
- 48,800 BTU-per-hour input
- 10,600 BTU-per-hour input sear burner
- 6,800 BTU-per-hour input smoker burner and stainless steel smoker box
- 10,600 BTU-per-hour input infrared rear-mounted rotisserie burner
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Propane Grill 4 Burner Barbecue Grill Stainless Steel Gas Grill with Side Burner and Thermometer for Outdoor BBQ, Camping
- Four-Burner Design: This propane grill is equipped with four stainless steel burners, providing ample cooking space and the ability to control different temperature zones. This allows you to cook various types of food simultaneously, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings and large barbecues.
- Stainless Steel Construction: The grill is built with a durable stainless steel body, which is not only corrosion-resistant but also easy to clean. This material ensures the longevity of the grill and adds a sleek and modern aesthetic to your outdoor cooking area.
- Side Burner: In addition to the main cooking area, this grill features a convenient side burner. This extra burner is ideal for heating sauces, sautéing vegetables, or any other side dishes, providing versatility in your outdoor cooking options.
- Built-In Thermometer: Monitoring cooking temperatures is made easy with the built-in thermometer. You can ensure that your food is cooked to perfection without the need for additional temperature gauges. This feature enhances your cooking precision and overall grilling experience.
- Ideal for Outdoor BBQ and Camping: Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or a camping trip, this grill is versatile and portable. Its propane fuel source makes it easy to set up in various outdoor settings, allowing you to enjoy delicious grilled meals wherever you go.
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Royal Gourmet GA6402H 6-Burner Gas Grill with Sear Burner and Side Burner, 74,000 BTU Cabinet Style Propane Grill for Outdoor BBQ Grilling and Backyard Cooking, Black
- Sufficient Cooking Capacity: Total of 835 square inches cooking area which can hold up to 39 hamburgers at one time. It can satisfy the need of an 8-10 gathering to conveniently cook as much gourmet food as possible.
- Mess-free Cleanup: Equipped with removable grease tray and grease cup to reduce the risk of flare-ups. It’s very easy to slide out and dump residues, thereby simplifying the cleanup procedure.
- Lockable Caster Wheels: Four directional caster wheels make it more convenient to move grill within your backyard or patio; the brake system is to lock the wheels while cooking for strong stability.
- High Cooking Output: Embodies five tube burners (10,000 BTU each), a sear burner (14,000 BTU) and a side burner (10,000 BTU). With all burners in use, you will have a total of 74,000 BTU output that can heat up the grill in no time.
- Burners for Different Purposes: With the capacity of offering 14,000 BTU power, the sear burner produces intense high heat for professional style searing. The single side burner is an appropriate choice to prepare side dishes.
Can I add a dry rub to the ribs before applying the marinade?
Yes, you can definitely add a dry rub to the ribs before applying the marinade. The dry rub will add an extra layer of flavor and create a delicious crust on the ribs. Simply apply the dry rub evenly on all sides of the ribs, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Afterward, you can apply the marinade and proceed with cooking or grilling the ribs according to your recipe's instructions.
Can I add wood chips or chunks to my propane grill for a smoky flavor?
Yes, you can add wood chips or chunks to your propane grill for a smoky flavor. This method is called "smoking" and is commonly done by using a smoker box or foil pouch to hold the wood chips or chunks. Pre-soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before using them to ensure they produce smoke instead of catching fire. Place the soaked wood chips or chunks in the smoker box or foil pouch, poke holes in the foil to allow smoke to escape, and then place it directly on the heat source of your propane grill. As the wood chips or chunks heat up, they will start to smoke and infuse your food with a smoky flavor.
Can I freeze cooked ribs for later consumption?
Yes, you can freeze cooked ribs for later consumption. However, it's important to properly store the cooked ribs to maintain their quality. Here's the recommended process:
- Allow the cooked ribs to cool down completely.
- Wrap the ribs tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain moisture.
- Place the wrapped ribs in airtight freezer bags or freezer-safe containers.
- Label the packaging with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the ribs in the freezer and ensure they are stored at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
When you're ready to consume the frozen cooked ribs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheating can be done in an oven, grill, or microwave, following your preferred method.
How do I know when the ribs are done cooking on the grill?
There are a few methods to determine when ribs are done cooking on the grill:
- Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. For pork ribs, it should reach 145°F (63°C). For beef ribs, aim for a higher temperature of around 160°F (71°C). Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bones.
- Bend Test: Pick up the rack of ribs with a pair of tongs and gently bounce it. If the meat starts to crack slightly and pull away from the bone, it's a good indication that the ribs are cooked and tender. Be careful not to drop or squeeze the ribs too hard.
- Visual Check: Look for visual signs of doneness. The meat should have pulled back from the bones, exposing them slightly. Additionally, the surface of the meat should have a nice caramelized crust, often referred to as a "bark." The color should be browned but not burned.
- Knife Test: Insert a sharp knife between the ribs and twist gently. If the knife easily goes through the meat and pulls out with little resistance, the ribs are likely done. If you encounter significant resistance, they may need more cooking time.
Remember to rest the ribs for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and tender ribs.
How long should I let the ribs rest after grilling before serving?
It is recommended to let the ribs rest for about 10-15 minutes after grilling before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, resulting in a more tender and flavorful eating experience.