Authentic Alabama Pit BBQ Beef Ribs with White Sauce

Introduction

There is something deeply primal and satisfying about cooking beef ribs over a wood fire, but when you introduce the distinct tang of Alabama white sauce, you elevate a standard backyard barbecue into a culinary journey through the Deep South. Unlike the sticky, sweet tomato-based glazes most people associate with ribs, this recipe leans into a northern Alabama staple: a mayonnaise and vinegar-based sauce that is creamy, peppery, and incredibly zestful. It is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, smoky fat of beef ribs.

Using your Arteflame grill for this recipe changes the game entirely. The center grill grate allows for that essential wood-fired sear, while the flat cooktop provides precise heat zones to render the fat slowly without flare-ups charring the meat to a crisp. This method results in ribs that are tender, juicy, and coated in a sauce that doesn't just sit on top but melds with the crust. Get ready to impress your guests with a flavor profile that is bold, unique, and undeniably delicious.

Ingredients

The Beef & Rub

• 2 racks of Beef Back Ribs or Short Ribs (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp Coarse Sea Salt
• 2 tbsp Black Pepper (coarsely ground)
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Onion Powder

Alabama White Sauce

• 1 cup Mayonnaise (high quality)
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 2 tsp Horseradish (prepared)
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

1. Remove the ribs from the packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures the rub sticks properly and helps form a better crust.
2. Flip the ribs over to the bone side and remove the silver skin membrane. You can do this by sliding a butter knife under the membrane and pulling it off with a paper towel for grip.
3. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Generously coat the ribs on all sides with this dry rub. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the White Sauce

1. While the meat rests, take a medium mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper.
2. Whisk the ingredients vigorously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste the sauce and add salt or extra black pepper if needed. The sauce should be tangy with a slight kick. Transfer it to a jar or squeeze bottle and refrigerate until you are ready to baste.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want the flat cooktop to reach a steady cooking temperature.
2. Wait until the coals are glowing and the cooktop is hot. Lightly oil the flat steel surface to prepare it for the meat.
3. Identify your heat zones: the area closest to the fire is for high-heat searing, while the outer edges are for slower cooking.

Step 4: Grill the Ribs

1. Place the beef ribs bone-side down on the cooler, outer zone of the flat cooktop. You want to cook them slowly to render the fat. Aim for a temperature around 250°F-275°F on the surface if you have an infrared thermometer.
2. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, rotating occasionally for even heat distribution.
3. Once the ribs have pulled back slightly from the bone, move them closer to the center fire to sear the meat side. Sear for 3-5 minutes until a beautiful mahogany crust forms.

Step 5: Baste and Serve

1. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush a light layer of the Alabama White Sauce onto the ribs. Let it set for just a minute or two—do not let the mayonnaise separate or burn.
2. Remove the ribs from the grill when the internal temperature reaches roughly 200°F (probe tender).
3. Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes. Serve with the remaining white sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips

Mastering beef ribs on the Arteflame requires patience and heat management. Because beef ribs are rich in connective tissue, they need time to break down. Utilizing the outer ring of the cooktop is crucial; if you place them too close to the center fire too early, the outside will burn before the inside is tender. Keep a close eye on the fire and add small logs as needed to maintain a consistent temperature without creating a blazing inferno.

Regarding the sauce, Alabama white sauce is meant to be tangy and somewhat thin, not thick like Kansas City sauce. If you find your sauce is too thick, splash in a little more apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of water to reach the desired consistency. It should coat a spoon but run off easily. Also, don't skip the horseradish; it provides a subtle nasal heat that cuts through the heavy mayonnaise and beef fat perfectly.

Variations

While the traditional Alabama white sauce is iconic, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit different palates or dietary needs. The robust nature of beef ribs allows for bold experimentation without losing the core identity of the dish. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Spicy Kick: Double the cayenne pepper and add a teaspoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the white sauce for a fiery version.
• Sweet & Tangy: Increase the brown sugar and add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• Herb Infused: Add fresh dill or chives to the white sauce for a fresher, garden-style flavor profile.
• Protein Swap: This sauce and method work exceptionally well with chicken halves or pork chops if you prefer white meat.
• Smoky Finish: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder directly into the sauce to mirror the wood-fired flavor of the grill.

Best pairings

Alabama Pit BBQ Beef Ribs are a heavy, rich dish, so the sides should offer texture and acidity to cleanse the palate. You want accompaniments that can stand up to the bold flavors of the beef and the creamy intensity of the white sauce without getting lost. Southern comfort food staples are usually the best route to take.

• Grilled Cornbread: Slice pieces of cornbread and toast them on the Arteflame cooktop with a little butter.
• Vinegar Slaw: A crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw (no mayo, since the ribs have plenty) provides a necessary crunch and acid.
• Pickles and Onions: Simple sliced white onions and dill pickles are traditional BBQ sides that cut through the fat.
• Collard Greens: Slow-cooked greens with ham hocks add an earthy element that pairs beautifully with smoked beef.
• Cold Lager: A crisp, cold beer or an iced tea is the perfect beverage to wash down the peppery spice.

Conclusion

Cooking Alabama Pit BBQ Beef Ribs on the Arteflame is more than just making dinner; it is an experience that connects you to the roots of American barbecue culture. The unique combination of the juicy, wood-fired beef and the zesty, creamy white sauce creates a flavor explosion that is unlike anything else. It challenges the norm of red BBQ sauce and rewards you with a complex, savory, and tangy bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a crisp autumn evening by the fire, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The visual appeal of the searing meat on the flat top, combined with the aroma of sizzling beef fat and vinegar, creates an atmosphere of anticipation. So fire up the grill, mix up that sauce, and enjoy the authentic taste of Alabama right in your own backyard.