BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Discover a unique method of grilling ribs that packs incredible applewood flavors. Learn how to use a two-step grilling process to create BBQ baby back ribs that are so tender and flavorful, they'll be the hit of your next backyard BBQ. This recipe for apple smoked bbq ribs lets the ribs keep all their juices, ensuring you get a bite that is bursting with flavor every single time.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Apple Seasoned Ribs, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Ribs

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 20

Servings

Calories 635kcal

Author Evelyn Osborn

Equipment

Grill
Grilling Tools
Aluminum Foil
Basting Mop

Ingredients

4 racks baby back ribs “to your BBQ Comfort”
4 Tablespoons Emeril’s Essence (1 tablespoon per slab)
Apple wood McCormick Grill Mates Rub
1-2 bottles Redds Apple Ale or Apple Juice
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce or your favorite

Instructions

Season the Ribs Start by generously rubbing both sides of the baby back ribs with McCormick Grill Mates Applewood Rub. Be extra liberal here—some of the seasoning will fall off or burn off during grilling, and you want plenty of that signature applewood flavor. Flip the ribs and lightly season the back side with Emeril’s Essence for a nice savory balance.
Sear the Ribs Preheat your grill to 375–400°F. Place the seasoned ribs directly on the grill and sear for about 15 minutes per side, until you get nice char marks and good color on both sides. This step locks in flavor and gives the ribs that beautiful grilled crust.
Create the Foil Cocoon Remove the ribs from the grill. Place them on overlapping sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (be generous with the overlap) to form a watertight “bowl.” Pour one bottle of Redd’s Apple Ale (or apple juice) over the ribs so it puddles at the bottom. Cover with another sheet of foil and roll the edges tightly together to seal everything into a snug cocoon. This traps the steam and infuses the ribs with tenderizing apple flavor.
Steam on the Grill Place the foil-wrapped ribs back on the grill and cook at around 400°F for 45 minutes. This gentle steaming method makes the ribs incredibly tender while keeping all those delicious juices inside.
Sauce and Finish Carefully remove the ribs from the grill and open the top of the foil cocoon. While the ribs are still hot, generously mop them with your favorite BBQ sauce (we love Sweet Baby Ray’s). Reseal the foil and return the ribs to the grill for a few more minutes so the radiant heat helps the sauce melt in and get nice and sticky. Add another layer of sauce if desired.
Serve Remove the ribs from the foil, slice between the bones, and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed hot off the grill!

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