Barbecue Cooking Gas Grill Grill Ribs

How Long Should You Cook Baby Back Ribs on a Gas Grill?

Written By Avi Green
How Long Should You Cook Baby Back Ribs on a Gas Grill?

For any barbecue enthusiast, mastering the art of cooking baby back ribs on a gas grill can be an ultimate achievement. With the right techniques and some patience, you can create juicy, mouth-watering ribs that will impress friends and family. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps and answer the primary question: how long to cook baby back ribs on a gas grill? Let's dive into the details.

Why Cook Baby Back Ribs on a Gas Grill?

Baby back ribs are a popular choice for grilling sessions due to their tenderness and flavor. Cooking them on a gas grill is convenient and offers consistent heat control. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned griller, a gas grill can give you that perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat.

Pre-Cooking Preparations

Before we get into the cooking time, there are a few preparatory steps to ensure your ribs turn out perfect:

  1. Selecting Your Ribs: Choose ribs with a good amount of meat and a balanced fat-to-meat ratio.
  2. Removing the Membrane: The silverskin membrane must be removed for optimal flavor and texture.
  3. Marination: Marinate the ribs with your favorite seasoning or a homemade rub for at least 4-6 hours.
how long to cook baby back ribs on a gas grill

Setting Up Your Gas Grill

Before you start cooking, ensure your gas grill is adequately prepped. For a comprehensive guide on setting up a gas grill, check out this article.

The Cooking Process

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Start by preheating your gas grill to a temperature of around 225 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This low and slow cooking method ensures the ribs cook evenly and stay tender.

Step 2: Indirect Heat Method

For baby back ribs, the indirect heat method works best. Place the ribs on the cooler part of the grill, away from direct flames. This will prevent them from charring while cooking thoroughly.

Step 3: Cooking Duration

The million-dollar questionhow long to cook baby back ribs on a gas grill? Generally, it takes about 3 to 4 hours to cook baby back ribs thoroughly on a gas grill. This duration can vary based on the rib size and grill temperature.

Step 4: The Foil Method

A popular technique among pitmasters is the '3-2-1 method':

  • 3 Hours Unfoiled: Grill the ribs uncovered for the first 3 hours.
  • 2 Hours Foiled: Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and cook for another 2 hours. This helps retain moisture.
  • 1 Hour Unfoiled (Optional): Unwrap the ribs for the final hour to let them firm up and caramelize.
how long to cook baby back ribs on a gas grill

Tips for Perfect Ribs

  • Keep a Consistent Temperature: Maintaining a steady grill temperature is crucial for even cooking.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature, aiming for around 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Add Wood Chips: To infuse a smoky flavor, use a smoker box or wrap wood chips in foil and place them on the grill.

For more grilling tips, you can explore How Long to Cook a Pork Loin.

Serving Suggestions

Once your ribs are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete barbecue feast.

FAQs

1. How do I know when the ribs are done?

A meat thermometer is your best friend. The ribs are done when the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit, and the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bones.

2. Can I cook ribs faster on a gas grill?

While it's possible to cook ribs faster at higher temperatures, this method often results in tougher, less flavorful ribs. The low-and-slow method is highly recommended for tender ribs.

3. How do I add a smoky flavor using a gas grill?

To add a smoky flavor, use wood chips in a smoker box or wrap them in foil and place them on the grill. Apple, hickory, or mesquite wood chips work well with baby back ribs.

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(180 Cu. In. (2 Pack)
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(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
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(Hot&Spicy) CJ Korean BBQ Original Sauce Chicken & Pork Marinade 29.6 Ounce (1)
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(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
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, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
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, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
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, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
$10.28
, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
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, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
$5.65
, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
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- 4 Piece Black Drillbrush Ultra Stiff Cleaning Brush Set - Metal Brush for Drill Alternative - Grill Brush for Cordless Drill - Grill Grate Cleaner Brush
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- BBQ Grill Cleaner Oil | 100% Plant-Based & Vegan | Best for Cleaning Barbeque Grills & Grates | Use with Wooden Scrapers, Brushes, Accessories & Tools | Great Gift for Dad! (8Oz)
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- Carolina Barbeque Sauce, Gourmet Carolina Sauce, Tangy BBQ Sauce with Tomato Vinegar, Premium Ingredients, Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients (20 Oz)
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- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 1/4" Thick, 14" X 18"
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- Magnetic Barbecue BBQ Light Set for Grilling - 6 Alkaline AAA Batteries Included - Works on All Grills with an Exception to Stainless Steel.
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- Master Grill Pan, Korean Traditional BBQ Grill Pan - Stovetop Nonstick Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless BBQ Cast Aluminum Grill Pan
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- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
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- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
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- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
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- Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill
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- Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan With, Pfoa-Free, Dishwasher Oven Safe, Made in Korea
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-Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven, Rotating Propane Pizza Grill Oven for Exterior Backyard Pizza Maker with 14" Pizza Stone, Portable Pizza Ovens for outside with Pizza Peel,Pia,Cutter,Gloves and Thermometer.
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. the Safer Grill Cleaning Brush. All Natural. No Metal Bristles.
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07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
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07061 22-Inch Electric Griddle with Removable Handles, Black, 22-Inch
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1 Pair/2 Pieces BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves, Heat Resistant Barbecue Oven Gloves, 1472°F/800°C Kitchen Fireproof Mitts Heat Proof for Grilling, Baking, Cooking, Welding Gloves Mitts - Red
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1 Piece Random Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Pan/Pot (4 Styles: 10.25" Skillet/2Qt Saucepan/2.8Qt/4.8Qt Dutch Oven) – Healthy round Pot for Sourdough Bread Baking on All Stovetops, Mystery Cookware Box
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1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
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1/2" X 1/8" Lavalock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal for Nomex Door Lid, Self Stick Grey
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1/3Pc Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mat 40*33Cm Baking Mat Cooking Grilling Sheet Heat Resistance Easily Cleaned Kitchen for Party
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10 Inch Griddle Spatula Holder Magnetic Design, Stainless Steel Grill Barbecue Tool Rack, Griddle Accessories for Blackstone Flat Top Griddle and Other Grill Griddles (2 Pcs)
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub - All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket - Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub - BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling - No MSG, 0 Calorie - 10.5Oz Bottle
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10-LED Grill Light, as Labeled
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100 Pcs Grilling Gloves Kit Disposable BBQ Gloves with 2 Pairs Cotton Liners Grilling Gloves Cooking Gloves Latex Free Nitrile Gloves for Outdoor Grilling Barbecue Cooking
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100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets - Maple Wood (20 Lb. Bag) Perfect for Pellet Smokers, Smoky Wood-Fired Flavor
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100% Compostable Food Prep Gloves, Restaurant-Quality,For Food Handling, Powder-Free, 100 Count, Medium, Earth Friendly Highest ASTM D6400, US BPI and Europe OK Compost Certified, San Francisco
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100% Cotton Kitchen Apron with an Adjustable Neck with Long Ties for Women Men Chef
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12 Inch round Pizza Stone, Heavy Duty Cordierite Pizza Grilling Stone, Bread Baking Stone for RV Oven, Grill and Toaster Oven, Ideal for Baking Crisp Crust Pizza, Bread, Cookies and More
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12 Inch Lightweight Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle with Cleaning Kit - Smooth Polished Surface, Easy to Clean Cast Iron Skillets Use in the Oven, on the Stove or Grill, over a Campfire
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