These Easy Greek Ribs are a tasty way to enjoy dinner. First, they bake until tender and then are grilled for that perfect char. The blend of herbs and spices gives them a great flavor!
I love serving these ribs with a side of Greek salad. Trust me, when your friends taste them, they’ll be asking for the recipe! Cooking them is a breeze and they always impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are tender and flavorful, perfect for grilling. If baby back ribs are unavailable, you can use spare ribs, but they may need a bit longer to cook due to their size and thickness.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade stick. If you want a different flavor, avocado oil is a great substitute due to its high smoke point.
Greek Seasoning: Store-bought is convenient, but you can make your own with a mix of dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for its bright flavor. If you’re out, lime juice works in a pinch, or even apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
Tzatziki Sauce: While optional, it adds a nice cool contrast to the ribs. You can use store-bought or make your own using yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill if you’re feeling adventurous.
How Do I Remove the Membrane from the Ribs?
Removing the membrane is essential for tender ribs and better flavor absorption. It’s a thin layer on the back of the ribs. Here’s how to do it:
- First, slide a butter knife under the membrane at one end to lift it up.
- Use a paper towel to get a better grip and gently pull it off. It should come off in one piece, but if it tears, just keep going.
- This step is worth the effort; your ribs will be more enjoyable!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Ribs?
For perfectly tender ribs, low and slow is the way to go. Cooking them at 300°F in the oven allows the collagen to break down without drying them out. Here’s how:
- After marinating, place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil, which helps keep moisture in.
- Cover them with more foil while baking to create steam.
- Check for tenderness by inserting a knife; it should slide in easily. Enjoy the process and patience!
Easy Greek Ribs (Baked Then Grilled)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
For Serving:
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or oregano) for garnish
- Tzatziki sauce for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 3-4 hours total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing and marinating the ribs, plus 2.5 to 3 hours baking them, followed by 10-20 minutes grilling. If you marinate overnight, it’ll really boost the flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
To get started, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking will make the ribs tender!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Take the ribs and flip them over to the bony side. Use a knife to carefully remove the thin membrane covering the back for better flavor and tenderness. After that, pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Greek seasoning, minced garlic, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is nicely combined. This marinade will pack a ton of flavor into your ribs!
4. Marinate the Ribs:
Put the ribs in a large baking dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the ribs to coat them nicely. Cover the dish or seal the bag and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better if you have the time.
5. Bake the Ribs:
Once the ribs are marinated, place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (this makes for easy cleanup!). Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are super tender.
6. Preheat the Grill:
While the ribs are baking, get your grill going by preheating it to medium-high heat. This is where you’ll add that smoky, grilled flavor!
7. Grill the Ribs:
After baking, carefully transfer the ribs to your grill. Grill them for about 5-10 minutes on each side. You can baste them with any leftover marinade during grilling for extra flavor and to help them brown nicely.
8. Serve:
Once the ribs have a lovely char, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano, and if you like, serve with tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious Greek ribs!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can substitute baby back ribs with spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, with spare ribs generally taking a bit longer to cook, about 3 to 4 hours in the oven.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Seasoning?
No problem! You can make your own Greek seasoning by mixing together dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of cumin and coriander. Adjust the ratios to your taste preferences, but equal parts of each herb generally work well!
How Can I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Skip Baking and Just Grill the Ribs?
While you can grill the ribs directly, baking first ensures they become tender. If you prefer to grill them entirely, consider using a low and slow method over indirect heat. Cook the ribs on the grill at a lower temperature for about 3-4 hours, turning occasionally for even cooking.
