Yes, you can put ribs on a grill. However, there are key considerations for grilling ribs properly.
Grilling Ribs Successfully
The most important factor for grilling ribs is using indirect heat. This prevents the ribs from burning before they are fully cooked. Ribs require a long cooking time to become tender, and direct heat will cause them to char on the outside while remaining tough inside.
Indirect Heat Explained
- What is it? Indirect heat means the ribs are not placed directly over the heat source.
- Why use it? This allows them to cook slowly and evenly, becoming tender and juicy.
- How to achieve it on a gas grill:
- Turn off at least one burner completely.
- Place the ribs on the side of the grill where the burner is off.
- The heat from the lit burner(s) will circulate and cook the ribs indirectly.
Grilling Ribs: Direct Heat vs. Indirect Heat
| Feature | Direct Heat | Indirect Heat |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Exposure | Ribs directly over the heat source | Ribs are not directly over the heat source |
| Cooking Speed | Fast | Slower |
| Tenderness | Less Tender | More Tender |
| Risk of Burning | High | Low |
| Best For | Quick-cooking meats | Larger cuts of meat that need time to tenderize |
