Nebraska BBQ Ribs - Slow-Grilled with Homemade Sauce

Introduction

Get ready to experience Nebraska BBQ ribs like never before! Slow-grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill, these pork ribs are coated in a rich, homemade Nebraska-style BBQ sauce and seared at over 1,000°F for the ultimate crust. Using the reverse sear method, we lock in all the delicious juices and deliver mouthwatering, smoky flavor in every bite. No need for an oven—just fire up your Arteflame and let's get grilling!

Ingredients

• 2 racks of pork spare ribs
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of your Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood on top and light the napkins.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is sizzling hot.

Step 2: Prepare the ribs

1. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.
2. Mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
3. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the ribs.

Step 3: Slow-grill the ribs

1. Place the ribs on the griddle cooktop, near the outer edge where the heat is lower.
2. Grill slowly, flipping occasionally, for about 1.5 hours.
3. Use butter to keep the surface moist.

Step 4: Make the Nebraska-style BBQ sauce

1. On the Arteflame griddle, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
2. Let it simmer gently until it thickens.

Step 5: Sear the ribs

1. Move the ribs to the center grill grate at 1,000°F.
2. Quickly sear each side for a rich, caramelized crust.

Step 6: Glaze and finish

1. Brush BBQ sauce over the ribs.
2. Move them back to the warm griddle cooktop to let the sauce caramelize.
3. Remove the ribs when the internal temperature is 185°F (they will rise to 200°F while resting).

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

1. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes.
2. Slice into portions and serve with extra BBQ sauce.

Tips

• Keep a spray bottle of apple cider vinegar to mist the ribs occasionally for extra moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Let the ribs rest before slicing for the juiciest results.

Variations

• Sweet Honey Glaze: Replace brown sugar with honey in the BBQ sauce for a sweeter finish.
• Spicy Kick: Add an extra teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a splash of hot sauce.
• Whiskey-Infused: Mix 2 tbsp whiskey into the BBQ sauce for a deep, smoky flavor.
• Mustard-Based: Use 1/2 cup yellow mustard instead of ketchup for a Carolina-style twist.
• Maple Glazed: Substitute brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, caramelized sweetness.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Smoky baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Grilled sweet potatoes
• A cold, crisp Nebraska craft beer

Conclusion

Grilling Nebraska BBQ ribs on the Arteflame brings out incredible flavors and the perfect texture. With crispy, caramelized edges and juicy, smoky meat, these ribs will become your go-to BBQ favorite. Fire up your Arteflame and taste the difference!