Wisconsin Milwaukee-Style BBQ Ribs on Arteflame

Introduction

Milwaukee-Style BBQ Ribs get a delicious Wisconsin twist on the Arteflame grill. Using reverse searing, we lock in juices with a 1000°F sear on the center grill grate, then bring the ribs to tender, barbecue perfection on the flat griddle cooktop. The Arteflame grill’s unique design helps you achieve restaurant-quality results right in your backyard without using an oven or pans. Let’s bring big Midwest flavor to your grill!

Ingredients

• 2 full racks of St. Louis-style pork ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup Wisconsin-style BBQ sauce (or your favorite thick BBQ sauce)
• Extra butter for flat top cooking
• Vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• 3 paper napkins (for lighting the fire)
• Firewood

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on 3 paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill base.
2. Stack firewood above the napkins and light them with a match or lighter.
3. Allow the fire to build to cooking temperature (about 20 minutes).

Step 2: Prepare the ribs

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness and flavor penetration.
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub this dry spice mix generously over both sides of the ribs.

Step 3: Reverse sear the ribs

1. Once the center grate reaches 1000°F, place ribs meat side down on the grill grate just for 1–2 minutes to create a sear and lock in juices.
2. Flip and sear the bone side briefly before transferring to the outer flat cooktop griddle.

Step 4: Slow cook on the flat top

1. Position the ribs bone side down closer to the outer rim of the cooktop where the temperature is medium-low.
2. Baste ribs occasionally with a mix of apple cider vinegar, butter, and apple juice using a basting brush.
3. Continue to cook on flat top griddle for 2.5–3 hours, turning and basting every 30 minutes.

Step 5: Brush with sauce and caramelize

1. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush ribs generously with your Wisconsin-style BBQ sauce.
2. Move them slightly closer to the center to allow the sauce to caramelize and form a beautiful crust without burning.

Step 6: Rest and serve

1. Remove ribs from grill when internal temperature hits 195°F (they will rise to about 210°F while resting).
2. Let them rest 15 minutes before slicing for optimal juiciness.

Tips

• Use butter for basting and cooking instead of oil for a richer flavor.
• Always rest your meat before slicing to keep juices intact.
• Adjust cooking zones by sliding ribs between inner and outer flat top zones for perfect doneness.
• For extra smoke flavor, add wood chunks or chips to the firewood pile.
• Keep a spray bottle of apple juice nearby to increase moisture if needed.

Variations

1. Honey Bourbon Ribs: Substitute apple juice with bourbon and add 2 tbsp of honey for a deep, sweet flavor profile.
2. Spicy Chipotle Ribs: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder and add a minced chipotle pepper in adobo to the baste.
3. Peach Glazed Ribs: Mix BBQ sauce with peach preserves for a fruity, sticky glaze.
4. Garlic Herb Ribs: Add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic to your butter baste for a savory herbal twist.
5. Maple Mustard Ribs: Create a glaze with pure maple syrup and stone ground mustard for bold Wisconsin sweetness.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with garlic butter
• Smoked baked beans with molasses and bacon
• Wisconsin cheddar mac & cheese
• Grilled peach halves with brown sugar glaze
• Cold Wisconsin craft beer or a bourbon cola cocktail

Conclusion

These Wisconsin-style Milwaukee BBQ Ribs cooked on the Arteflame grill deliver smoky-sweet perfection with a sear that locks in flavor and tenderness. The unique flat top cooktop ensures every bite is caramelized and juicy. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this is the ultimate way to master ribs—Arteflame style.