These Easy Greek Ribs are a tasty treat! Baked until tender, then grilled for that perfect char, they steal the show at any meal. The secret? A yummy blend of spices and a touch of lemon!
Honestly, who can resist the juicy goodness of falling-off-the-bone ribs? I love serving them with a side of fresh salad for a little crunch. They always get devoured at my gatherings! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These are the star of the dish. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs make a good alternative. They are a bit meatier but take longer to cook, so adjust your time accordingly.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well due to its high smoke point and mild taste.
Red Wine Vinegar: This brings a tangy kick. If you’re out, try apple cider vinegar or even a bit of lemon juice for a fresh zest. Both options add acidity, which balances the richness of the ribs.
Herbs (Oregano & Thyme): Dried herbs work great here, but fresh herbs can elevate the flavor. Use triple the amount if substituting fresh. I always keep dried herbs on hand for convenience!
Paprika: This gives the ribs a beautiful color and subtle sweetness. You can use smoked paprika for extra flavor or even chili powder if you want some heat.
Cayenne Pepper: Totally optional! If you’re sensitive to spice, leave it out. You can also swap in black pepper to keep a bit of extra heat without going overboard.
What’s Involved in Preparing the Ribs Properly?
One important technique in making these ribs tender and flavorful is marinating them. Let’s break it down.
- Start by removing the membrane on the back of the ribs. This helps the marinade penetrate better for tender meat.
- Whisk your marinade ingredients together thoroughly so that all the flavors meld. I sometimes add a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
- Once coated, wrap them tightly and refrigerate. If you can, let them marinate overnight for optimal flavor.
- Don’t skip the baking step! Slow cooking in the oven breaks down the meat’s fibers, making them melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Easy Greek Ribs Recipe (Baked Then Grilled)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Tzatziki sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 2.5 to 3 hours to bake, and 10-20 minutes to grill. If you can, let the ribs marinate overnight for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and the Baking Sheet:
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to help with cleanup later and place a wire rack on top of the sheet. This will hold the ribs in place while they bake.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat). Whisk everything together until well mixed—this is your delicious marinade!
3. Prepare the Ribs:
Take the ribs and check if there is a thin membrane on the back. If you find it, carefully remove it for more tender ribs. Now, take the marinade and generously rub it over both sides of the ribs, making sure they are coated nicely. To really let the flavors soak in, let them sit for at least 1 hour or pop them in the fridge overnight.
4. Bake the Ribs:
Once the ribs are marinated, place them bone-side down on the prepared wire rack. Put them in the preheated oven and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and has pulled back from the ends of the bones. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Grill the Ribs:
After baking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Carefully remove the ribs from the oven. It’s time to give them a perfect char! Grill the ribs for about 5-10 minutes on each side, brushing them with any leftover marinade to enhance the flavor. You want them to be caramelized with beautiful grill marks.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Slice them into portions and serve hot with lemon wedges and tzatziki sauce on the side if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious Greek ribs!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are tender and perfect for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just note that spare ribs may take a little longer to bake due to their size and fat content.
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level! If you prefer milder ribs, simply omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, you can increase the amount used or add a sprinkle of chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 1 hour, but overnight in the refrigerator is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more thoroughly, making for a more delicious rib!
