This Southern ribs on the charcoal grill recipe covers any type of beef or port ribs on the charcoal grill. This is a part of our Grilling on Charcoal article and also is shown in our Grilling, Main Dishes, Beef, & Pork categories. Keep reading for some frequent questions answered.
About Ribs on the Charcoal Grill
See the good notes in the recipe for ribs on the charcoal grill to guide you when to turn ribs on the charcoal grill, cover the grill, temps to maintain, and timings.
How to Prepare Ribs for the Charcoal Grill
To prepare ribs for the charcoal grill, you first rinse off the slab of meat. Then, you pat it somewhat dry with paper towels. After this, you rub on the seasonings, all sides. Finally, and it’s an option I use, you can carve off sets of 3-4 ribs. Or, you can carve off each individual rib. This makes it significantly easier to eat for everyone. Plus, it gives more cooked edges that add tons of flavor. After all this, they’re ready to go onto the preheated charcoal grill.
And someone else carves them individually too! And, here’s a smoking method that’s fantastic. So, check it out at “Individually Smoked Pork Ribs“. It’s by Christie Vanover at Girls Can Grill. It’s shown with easy to follow steps and great pics.
You can carve ribs individually and then apply the rub. Or, as a second option, you can carve the individual ribs, place them in a bowl, and toss them to coat with the rub seasonings.
Questions on How to Cook Ribs on a Charcoal Grill
Here are some common questions regarding how to cook ribs on a charcoal grill. It covers how long and some items regarding the use of dry rubs.
How long to cook ribs on a charcoal grill wrapped in foil?
When wrapped in foil, reduce the time by about 1/3. So, while still on indirect heat, these would take about 40 minutes, if the grill cooking temp is about 350-375F. They’ll be more tender if you go for a full hour. They will cook faster if you put them on direct heat (open lid) for the first 10 minutes (in foil) and then turn them and conclude on indirect heat (closed grill lid).
How long do you cook ribs on a grill at 300 degrees?
This is how long to grill ribs at 300 degrees F. It usually is not less than 90 minutes and it will conclude after 2 hours. That’s if maintaining that temp, grill lid covered, and turning ribs once half-way through, all while on indirect heat.
Here’s our article on “How To Keep The Weber Charcoal Grill Hot” while grilling or smoking for those longer sessions.
Can you make smoking beef ribs on the charcoal grill?
Yes, you can smoke beef ribs on a charcoal grill. Also, you can smoke pork ribs. With that said, you can do any type if you can maintain the temp and keep the charcoal refilled appropriately. However, pork is faster and potentially is about 1/2 hour shorter.
You cook any type on indirect heat, at about 250-275 degrees for about 3-4 hours. Usually, you’ll have to refill the charcoal about every 1 hour and 15 minutes. So, after refilling, turn the ribs while the grill cover is open. Normally, maintain the grill with a covered lid in place during cooking. And, here’s a great charcoal grill smoking method shown on “Smoking Pork Ribs on the Weber Kettle“.
How do you have dry rub ribs on a charcoal grill?
You can follow the above recipe using no BBQ sauce. However, there’s one slight change. Initially, when placing the ribs to cook, put them on Direct Heat (on the grill over the charcoal) for about 5 minutes (open lid), turn it once and repeat for another side. Then, turn again and place onto indirect heat. Finish them out for about another 45-65 minutes, grill covered, no more turning, maintaining temp about 350-375 degrees F.
How To Manage The Sauce for BBQ Ribs on a Charcoal Grill
Manage the sauce for BBQ ribs on a charcoal grill by putting it on at least twice. But, you don’t put it on the ribs as soon as you put them on the grill. Actually, you brush on the barbecue sauce about 20-30 minutes before they’re done. That way, because of the sugar in the sauce, it doesn’t burn up. The 2nd time you apply it is a few minutes before they’re done. And this is when you brush it on and put the ribs on direct heat for about 1 minute. Then, turn them, and brush again. After 1 more minute, they come off.
Instead of regular BBQ sauce, you can use this Enhanced BBQ Sauce or this Southern FAST Vinegar-based BBQ Sauce.
Cook These Extras Alongside Ribs on the Charcoal Grill
Add this side of corn on the cob on the grill at the last 20 minutes of the ribs’ cooking time. Also, if you have grill space, you could add some Brats for indirect heat for that last 30-40 minutes.
Sides To Go With BBQ Ribs on the Charcoal Grill
Here are some good ideas for sides that go great with barbecued ribs
- Mashed Potatoes
- Southern Potato Salad or Mashed Potato Salad
- Oven Baked Potatoes
- Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Tator Tots or French fries from the Air Fryer
- Homemade Fried Mushrooms or Onion Rings
- Cooked Cabbage or Southern Cooked Cabbage
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Salad: Romaine Lettuce, Green Salad, Cauliflower & Broccoli Salad
- Fruit Salad: Cantaloupe Salad, Lime Jello Salad Cream Cheese
- Corn on the Cob from the Oven
Nutritional Values of BBQ Ribs on the Charcoal Grill
The calories for a good serving of Pork Ribs, including the BBQ sauce and dry rub, are about a little under 700 calories. I show more nutritional values in the <Print Recipe> option.
Conclusion
Now you know how to cook BBQ Ribs on the charcoal grill. And, you’ve learned several options about how long to cook ribs on a charcoal grill. It doesn’t take long, following this method. So, uplift your weekend and plan to cook ribs on a charcoal grill now.
Recipe for How to Cook Ribs on a Charcoal Grill
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Ingredients
- 4 lbs country style ribs country style w/bone or ⅔ amount if boneless
- 10 oz BBQ Sauce is about ½ of 18 oz bottle
Rub Option 1: Basic Rub Ingredients
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
Rub Option 2: Dry Rub for Pork
- 3 tsp Rub for Pulled Pork
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to be able to cook around 325°-375°F. for about an hour or more (plenty of charcoal). Rinse the rib slab(s) and place on a large cutting board.
- Choose just one "Rub Option" and combine the spices into a small dish. Rub spices onto the ribs, both sides.1 tsp Ground Black Pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Choose 1 cutting option: Leave uncut, cut into 4-rib slabs, or cut into individual ribs.
- Place the ribs on the grill on indirect heat (not directly over the charcoal). Close grill lid. Use vents to control cooking heat to be about 325-375°F. In 45 minutes, turn the ribs and refill charcoal if needed.In another 45 minutes, brush BBQ sauce on top, then turn the ribs and brush that side.. Refill charcoal if needed. Cook final 30 minutes.
Just learning how to grill. My friends loved these barbecued ribs this way. Thanks!!!
Loved the grilled ribs. Also, your blog is my go-to for insightful food recipes & articles.
What a fantastic read! Thank you for the valuable information on how to make these Southern style of barbecued ribs. Cheers.
Such valuable insights on grilling ribs. Thank you for sharing!
Really nice article on Southern ribs.
Great way to make ribs on the grill. Thanks.
I always wondered how they made ribs on the grill in the South. These are much better than the way I was making them up North. Thanks!!!
These ribs on the grill are flawless.
Great way to grill ribs. I used to put the BBQ sauce on too early. Southerners really know how to do it right.
Perfect.
Super easy to follow. Great Southern ribs.
Great!
Love it.
I confirm.