Introduction
Nothing beats the rich, smoky flavor of St. Louis-style ribs slow-grilled on an Arteflame. These BBQ honey-glazed ribs develop deep caramelized flavors with a perfect crust thanks to the high-heat sear from the center grill grate. The slow cooking on the flat-top griddle ensures they stay juicy and tender, locking in all the delicious flavors. This method guarantees ribs that are bursting with flavor and have just the right balance of sweetness and smokiness.
Ingredients
- 1 rack St. Louis-style ribs
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
- Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
- Light the napkins and allow the fire to establish.
- Wait about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is evenly heated.
Step 2: Prepare the Ribs
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Let the ribs sit for about 15 minutes while the grill heats up.
Step 3: Sear the Ribs
- Place the ribs, bone-side down, on the center grill grate.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes until a deep crust forms.
- Flip the ribs and sear on the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Slow Cook on the Flat Cooktop
- Move the ribs to the outer area of the cooktop.
- Cook for about 45-50 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- Baste with melted butter halfway through cooking.
Step 5: Apply the Honey BBQ Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and cayenne (if using).
- Brush the ribs with the glaze.
- Cook for another 10 minutes, flipping and glazing every few minutes.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove the ribs when the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
- Let them rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Remove the ribs from the grill when they reach 180°F as they will continue cooking.
- For extra smokiness, add wood chips to the fire.
- Baste frequently to build layers of flavor.
Variations
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Spicy Chipotle Ribs: Swap honey for chipotle hot sauce and add extra cayenne.
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Maple Bourbon Ribs: Replace honey with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon.
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Asian-Style Ribs: Use hoisin sauce instead of BBQ sauce and add sesame seeds.
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Garlic Butter Ribs: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush it on frequently.
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Mustard-Glazed Ribs: Use mustard-based barbecue sauce for a tangy twist.
Best Pairings
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Roasted Idaho potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Grilled baked beans
- Fresh lemonade
Conclusion
Cooking St. Louis-style ribs on the Arteflame grill brings out deep flavors with perfect caramelization. Searing on the center grate and slow grilling on the flat cooktop ensures a tender, juicy finish. Get grilling and enjoy these mouthwatering ribs!