Honey Chipotle Grilled Ribs

Serves 6 · 25 min prep · 70 min cook

Ingredients

• 4 lb baby back pork ribs
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 3 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp neutral oil

Instructions

1. 1Pat the ribs dry and remove the thin membrane from the bone side by sliding a knife under one corner and pulling it off in one sheet. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, pressing the rub into the meat.
2. 2Wrap the seasoned racks tightly in foil or place on a sheet pan, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight so the flavors sink in and you can host without last-minute stress.
3. 3Preheat a gas or charcoal grill for two-zone cooking: one side medium-high heat around 375°F and the other side cooler for indirect heat. Oil the grates lightly once hot.
4. 4Place the ribs bone-side down on the cooler indirect side, close the lid, and cook 45 to 55 minutes, rotating once, until the meat starts to pull back from the bone ends and feels tender when pressed.
5. 5While the ribs cook, mince the chipotle peppers and whisk them with honey, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and oil in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened; keep warm.
6. 6Move the ribs to the hotter direct side for a brief char. Brush a thick layer of the honey-chipotle glaze over the meaty side and grill 3 to 4 minutes per side, glazing again after flipping, until sticky, caramelized, and lightly charred at the edges.
7. 7Transfer ribs to a cutting board and rest 8 to 10 minutes so juices settle. Slice between the bones into individual ribs or small clusters for easy grabbing.
8. 8Arrange on a large platter, drizzle any remaining warm glaze over the top, and serve family-style with extra napkins. Perfect make-ahead main for a backyard crowd.