Image above: The bend test- out back on Whidbey Island.

For years, I have attempted to make good ribs on the weber. Sometimes it turns out just right. Sometimes guests are over and the ribs aren’t ready on time. Sometimes, I am good with the hours-long ritual of watching over the smoky grill.

I have been to see my buddy a couple times and he does ribs that are boiled first, then go to the grill. They turn out really nice.

I have never attempted to learn this method. The time is now.

What others are saying:

What we did:

Removed the membrane from the ribs, then cut them up.

Boiled some beer, added ribs, turned heat down to a slow boil.

To the beer boil, we added:

A whole bulb of garlic, two whole jalapeños. Some cracked, black pepper. Half cup sugar. Half cup salt.

Left the ribs in for no more than 30 mins. Removed ribs and placed in the refrigerator overnight.

Time to set up the Weber – What we use:

Apple Wood Chunks

We use the chimney method/no lighter fluid to start:

Slow ‘n Sear water bath separates the hot and cold sides of the grill.

Add some wood chunks to the charcoal when you dump the chimney.

Add about a quart of hot tap water. Do not fill all the way or it will slop on the coals when you wire brush the grill. Check water level and add more when needed when turning the meat.

It was a breezy day out here.

The meat was on for almost 4 hours, but I was experimenting with turning the top vent to the almost closed position. I will try to keep the heat up a bit and see if it all works out a bit faster next time.

Our mobile BBQ workstation:

Neighborhood Spirit

The ribs went on for about 45 mins with no sauce, just smoke. Turned them once during this time.

Added sauce a couple of times.

Done

Kitchen Table

Vegan Compromise

Two person household. My wife is vegan/plant based. She works with plant based recipes and cooking all year. She made the slaw and pasta below. She makes the best slaw dressing I have ever tasted.

Very happy with this method for ribs. This was a fun project and it may be the way for me to go from now on?

My loving wife assisted with all phases of this project. It was a fun time for us. She is an expert in the kitchen.