How To Cook Ribs On A Blackstone Griddle 2022

Al Mazer

4 min read

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27-11-2024

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How to Cook Ribs on a Blackstone Griddle: 2023 Guide to Tender, Juicy Perfection

The Blackstone griddle has become a backyard staple, offering a versatile cooking surface perfect for everything from pancakes to perfectly seared steaks. But did you know it's also an exceptional tool for cooking fall-off-the-bone ribs? Forget the smoker; with the right technique, your Blackstone can deliver tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful ribs that will impress even the most discerning barbecue enthusiast. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from selecting the right ribs to achieving that perfect bark.

Choosing Your Ribs:

The type of ribs you choose significantly impacts the final result. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Baby Back Ribs: These are smaller, more tender ribs with a sweeter, more delicate flavor. They cook faster than spare ribs.
• Spare Ribs: Larger and meatier than baby backs, spare ribs have a richer, more savory flavor. They require a longer cooking time.
• St. Louis-Style Ribs: These are spare ribs that have been trimmed to a more consistent shape and size.

For this guide, we'll focus on cooking baby back ribs, but the techniques can be adapted for spare ribs with slight adjustments to cooking time.

Preparing the Ribs:

Before you even fire up the Blackstone, proper preparation is key.

1. Remove the Membrane: This thin membrane on the back of the rib rack can prevent the ribs from properly tenderizing and absorbing smoke flavor. Use a butter knife or your fingers to peel it off completely.

2. Seasoning is Key: A good rub is the foundation of delicious ribs. There are countless recipes available, but a basic rub typically includes:

   • Brown sugar
   • Paprika
   • Garlic powder
   • Onion powder
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
   • Cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)

Generously apply the rub to both sides of the ribs, ensuring it gets into all the crevices. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours, to allow the rub to penetrate the meat.

Cooking the Ribs on the Blackstone:

Now comes the fun part! Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking ribs on your Blackstone griddle:

1. Preheat the Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat (around 350-375°F). A properly heated griddle is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing sticking.

2. Sear the Ribs: Place the ribs bone-side down on the hot griddle. Sear for about 3-5 minutes, until a nice crust forms. This step adds depth of flavor and helps create that desirable bark.

3. Flip and Continue to Sear: Flip the ribs and sear the meat-side for another 3-5 minutes.

4. Add Liquid: Create a shallow pool of liquid on one side of the griddle. Apple cider vinegar, apple juice, or even water works well. This will help maintain moisture and prevent the ribs from drying out during the cooking process. You might even consider adding a splash of your favorite BBQ sauce to the liquid for extra flavor.

5. Indirect Cooking: This is where the magic happens. Move the ribs to the side of the griddle away from the direct heat source. The liquid will create steam, helping to tenderize the ribs. Keep the griddle at a medium heat (around 300-325°F).

6. Wrap the Ribs (Optional): After about 1.5 - 2 hours of indirect cooking, you have the option to wrap the ribs in butcher paper or aluminum foil. This method traps moisture and helps speed up the tenderizing process. Add a few tablespoons of your chosen liquid (apple juice, etc.) before wrapping.

7. Continue Cooking: If wrapped, continue cooking for another 1-1.5 hours, or until the ribs are tender. If not wrapped, continue cooking for another 2-3 hours, checking for tenderness.

8. Checking for Doneness: The ribs are done when they are tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork. You should be able to easily bend a rib bone without much resistance. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of around 200-205°F.

9. Apply BBQ Sauce (Optional): During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, apply your favorite BBQ sauce to the ribs. This adds flavor and creates a beautiful glossy finish. You can brush it on multiple times to build up the glaze. However, if you wrapped them in foil or paper, the sauce might burn, so use caution here.

10. Rest: Once cooked, remove the ribs from the griddle and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful ribs.

Tips for Blackstone Rib Success:

• Maintain Consistent Temperature: Use a griddle thermometer to monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed.
• Don't Overcrowd the Griddle: Give the ribs enough space to cook evenly.
• Experiment with Flavors: Get creative with your rub and BBQ sauce combinations.
• Clean Your Griddle Properly: After cooking, clean your Blackstone griddle thoroughly to prevent sticking and build-up.

Adapting for Spare Ribs:

Spare ribs require a longer cooking time due to their larger size and thicker meat. Expect to add an additional 1-2 hours to the cooking time, potentially more depending on the size and thickness. You may also need to adjust your wrapping strategy, potentially wrapping them earlier in the process.

Conclusion:

Cooking ribs on a Blackstone griddle might seem unconventional, but with the right technique and a little patience, you can achieve incredible results. This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation for your rib-cooking journey. Don't be afraid to experiment with different rubs, sauces, and cooking times to discover your perfect Blackstone rib recipe. Get ready to impress your friends and family with fall-off-the-bone deliciousness!