Nothing says Labor Day cookout like a rack of perfectly grilled ribs—tender, smoky, juicy, and full of bold summer flavor. This recipe delivers classic American BBQ ribs with a beautifully caramelized finish, using a simple dry rub and a tangy-sweet glaze. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or celebrating the holiday with close family, these grilled ribs are guaranteed to be the star of your menu.
They’re beginner-friendly, grill-master approved, and designed with the long weekend in mind.

Duration / Prep Time

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 rack of grilled BBQ pork ribs (about 6 servings)

Ingredients

For the Dry Rub

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Ribs

  • 1 rack pork baby back ribs (2 to 3 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup apple juice or apple cider (for moist heat zone)

For the Glaze

  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

  1. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the rack (this helps the ribs become tender and allows seasonings to penetrate).
  3. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.

Step 2: Season with Dry Rub

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dry rub ingredients.
  2. Generously coat the ribs on both sides, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
  3. Let the ribs rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while you preheat the grill.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (325–350°F).
  2. Set up for indirect grilling: one side heated, the other side off.
  3. Place a small aluminum pan filled with apple juice under the cool side to create steam and prevent the ribs from drying out.

Step 4: Grill the Ribs

  1. Place the ribs bone-side down on the cool (indirect) side of the grill.
  2. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour 15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure steady heat.
  3. If the edges begin to darken too much, rotate the rack for even cooking.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 6: Glaze & Finish the Ribs

  1. Brush the ribs generously with the glaze.
  2. Move the ribs to the direct heat side of the grill.
  3. Cook for another 20–30 minutes, flipping and brushing with more glaze every 5–7 minutes until caramelized.
  4. Remove ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip removing the membrane—it’s the #1 step for tender ribs.
  • Keep the grill lid closed to maintain even temperature and smoke.
  • Use a meat thermometer: ribs are most tender at 190–203°F internal temp.
  • Low & slow wins—avoid rushing the cook on high heat.
  • For extra smoky flavor, add a handful of water-soaked wood chips (hickory, applewood, or mesquite) to your grill.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values

  • Calories: 435
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Conclusion

These Labor Day grilled ribs are everything a holiday cookout should be—easy to make, wildly flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a perfectly balanced dry rub, sweet-tangy glaze, and foolproof grilling method, you’ll deliver ribs that are tender, juicy, and beautifully caramelized every single time.
Serve them with classic BBQ sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, macaroni salad, or grilled veggies, and you’ve got a feast that embodies the best of summer. Happy grilling—and happy Labor Day!

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