These Easy Greek Ribs are packed with flavor and juicy goodness! You start by baking them in the oven before giving them a quick grill to finish, making them tender and delicious.
I love how simple this recipe is! Just slather on a tasty Greek marinade and let the oven do its magic. Perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner at home! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: You can use baby back or spare ribs for this recipe. Baby back ribs are leaner and cook quickly, while spare ribs are meatier and more flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using turkey ribs as a substitution.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and depth to the ribs. If you prefer, you can substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil. Both will give a nice flavor without overpowering the herbs.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Lime juice works well too if lemon isn’t on hand. Vinegar (like apple cider) can be a tasty alternative but use it sparingly.
Herbs and Spices: The oregano and thyme are key to the Greek flavor. If you don’t have these, Italian seasoning can make a good substitute. I like a hint of smoked paprika for extra depth, but regular paprika works fine too.
Tzatziki Sauce: This refreshing dip pairs perfectly with the ribs. If you’re short on time, store-bought tzatziki is fine. For a quick homemade version, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender and Juicy?
The key to tender, juicy ribs lies in the baking process. Cooking them at a low temperature allows the meat to break down, making it succulent. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) – this slow cooking is crucial.
- Cover the ribs with foil before baking. This keeps moisture in, preventing them from drying out.
- Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. This long baking period helps make the meat pull away from the bone easily.
After baking, don’t skip grilling! This step helps develop a nice char and flavor. Make sure your grill is hot for those perfect grill marks. Enjoy your delicious Greek ribs!
Easy Greek Ribs Recipe (Baked Then Grilled)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- Tzatziki sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and about 2.5 to 3 hours for baking in the oven, followed by 10-15 minutes on the grill. In total, you can enjoy delicious Greek ribs in roughly 3 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drips, and place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will help the heat circulate around the ribs while they’re baking.
2. Mixing the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). This will be your flavorful spice mix for the ribs!
3. Coating the Ribs:
Take your ribs and rub the spice mixture all over them, making sure to cover every part so they’re packed with flavor. Place the ribs, bone-side down, on the wire rack, and then cover them with another piece of aluminum foil to keep them moist while baking.
4. Baking the Ribs:
Now, pop the baking sheet with the ribs into the preheated oven. Let them bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is super tender and easily pulls away from the bone. This slow cooking will make them deliciously juicy!
5. Grilling the Ribs:
While the ribs are cooling down after they bake, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. When the ribs are done in the oven, carefully take them out and peel away the top layer of foil. Place the ribs directly on the grill grates and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to get a nice char and those beautiful grill marks.
6. Serving It Up:
Once grilled to perfection, take the ribs off the grill and let them cool just a bit. Serve them hot with tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy those delicious, Greek-inspired ribs with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are a popular choice, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly—spare ribs tend to take a bit longer than baby backs.
How Can I Make These Ribs Spicier?
If you want to add more heat, consider increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a dash of cayenne pepper to your spice rub. You could also marinate the ribs in hot sauce for a few hours before cooking for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Ribs in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ribs a day ahead! Simply follow the spice rubbing step, cover them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
To store leftovers, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or on the grill for a couple of minutes to regain that nice char.
