Minnesota Blueberry BBQ Ribs on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Bring out the best flavors of summer with these Minnesota Blueberry BBQ Ribs. Slow-grilled to perfection on the Arteflame Grill, these ribs are seared at 1,000°F to lock in the juices before being finished on the flat griddle cooktop. Coated in a sweet and tangy homemade blueberry barbecue sauce, these ribs are an irresistible dish that will impress your guests. The Arteflame’s even heat distribution ensures perfectly caramelized ribs packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
3. Allow the grill to heat up for 20 minutes until the cooktop is at the ideal temperature.

Step 2: Prep the Ribs

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
2. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3: Sear the Ribs

1. Place the ribs on the center grill grate and sear each side for about 2 minutes to lock in the juices.
2. Move the ribs to the flat griddle cooktop at a medium heat zone to cook slowly.

Step 4: Make the Blueberry BBQ Sauce

1. On the hot flat cooktop near the center, spread fresh blueberries and cook until they start to burst.
2. Mix in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper.
3. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
4. Finish by mixing in the butter for a rich, smooth taste.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

1. Brush the ribs generously with the blueberry BBQ sauce.
2. Continue cooking on the flat griddle until the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
3. Remove from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 180°F to allow for carryover cooking.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve with extra blueberry sauce on the side.

Tips

• For extra tenderness, remove the ribs 15°F before the desired temperature and let them rest.
• The variations in heat zones on the Arteflame cooktop allow for precise control—use this to your advantage.
• Butter enhances the flavor of the ribs compared to olive oil.

Variations

• Smoky Maple Ribs: Substitute brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for extra depth.
• Spicy Chipotle Ribs: Add 1 teaspoon of ground chipotle powder to the spice mix and mix adobo sauce into the blueberry BBQ sauce.
• Garlic Honey Ribs: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a touch of sweetness and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for a rich, savory flavor.
• Balsamic Fig Ribs: Replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar and replace blueberries with chopped figs.
• Classic BBQ Ribs: Swap the blueberry BBQ sauce with a traditional BBQ sauce for a timeless taste.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Smoky baked beans
• Coleslaw with vinegar dressing
• Grilled sweet potatoes
• A crisp Minnesota craft beer

Conclusion

These Minnesota Blueberry BBQ Ribs are the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors enhanced by the Arteflame Grill’s precision cooking. Whether you're sharing a meal with family or hosting a summer gathering, these ribs are sure to impress.