West Virginia Coal Country Rib Tips on Arteflame

Introduction

Packed with smoky flavor and brushed in a bold Appalachian-inspired barbecue sauce, these Coal Country Rib Tips are grilled to perfection the West Virginia way using the Arteflame Grill. Get ready to reverse sear for ultimate tenderness and juicy flavor with a sauce that sings with mountain heritage.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork rib tips, trimmed
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional heat)
• Vegetable oil (for lighting grill)

• Appalachian BBQ Sauce:
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of your Arteflame Grill.
3. Stack dry firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Wait approximately 20 minutes for the grill to get hot for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Rib Tips

1. While the grill heats, pat the rib tips dry with paper towels.
2. Mix together salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
3. Rub the seasoning mix thoroughly over the rib tips.

Step 3: Sear Over the Center Grill Grate

1. Once the center grill grate hits around 1,000°F, place rib tips directly on it to sear.
2. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes to lock in juices.

Step 4: Reverse Sear on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move seared rib tips to the flat cooktop area closer to the outer edge for slower, even cooking.
2. Add butter under the rib tips and let them cook in their own juices, turning occasionally.
3. Cook the rib tips for 45–60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (remove at 175°F and rest).

Step 5: Make the Appalachian BBQ Sauce

1. While rib tips cook, make the sauce directly on the flat cooktop using a heat-proof container like a small cast iron dish.
2. Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire, dry mustard, chili flakes, and black pepper.
3. Simmer gently on the flat cooktop near the hotter center area for 10 minutes until thickened and slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Glaze and Rest

1. Brush the rib tips generously with Appalachian BBQ Sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
2. Transfer the ribs to a wooden board, let them rest at least 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips

• Use real firewood for authentic smoky flavor.
• Butter makes a better sear on the flat top and enhances flavor.
• Remove your meat from the grill when it's 15°F below your target temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Use tongs to safely move meat around the temperature zones of the Arteflame.
• For a saucier finish, glaze the rib tips twice during the final cooking minutes.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Tips: Swap the brown sugar in the rub with honey powder and add extra cayenne for heat.
2. Maple Bourbon BBQ Tips: Replace molasses in the sauce with West Virginia maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon.
3. Garlic Herb Tips: Add fresh minced garlic and chopped rosemary to the rub and finish with a garlic butter glaze.
4. Sweet Peach Tips: Mix peach preserves into your BBQ sauce and cook down on the flat top for a sticky-sweet glaze.
5. Coffee Rubbed Tips: Add ground coffee and ancho chili powder to the dry rub for an earthy, smoky finish.

Best Pairings

• Grilled cornbread on the flat top with melted butter
• Fire-grilled collard greens with smoked bacon
• Cast iron mac and cheese made on the flat top
• Grilled sweet potato wedges
• Iced sweet tea or a West Virginia craft beer

Conclusion

Nothing says West Virginia heritage like rib tips kissed by real fire and glazed with a bold Appalachian BBQ sauce. The reverse searing technique on the Arteflame Grill ensures juicy results with a sear that locks in the flavor. Whether you're serving up a backyard feast or impressing guests, these rib tips are pure grilling gold.