The cooking time for ribs on a small charcoal grill can vary depending on a few factors, including the heat of your grill, the thickness of the ribs, and the desired level of doneness. However, as a general guideline, you can expect it to take approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours to cook ribs on a small charcoal grill.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the cooking process:
Preparing the grill: Start by lighting your charcoal and letting it burn until it reaches a medium heat. You can arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill to create a two-zone fire, with direct heat on one side and an indirect heat zone on the other.
Preparing the ribs: While the grill is heating up, you can prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back of the rack if desired and applying your preferred seasoning or barbecue rub.
Searing the ribs: Place the ribs directly over the hot coals to sear them quickly on both sides. This step helps to develop a flavorful crust. Sear the ribs for about 3-5 minutes per side.
Indirect cooking: Once the ribs are seared, move them to the cooler, indirect heat zone of the grill. Close the lid and let them cook slowly with the lid on. Maintain a steady temperature around 225-250°F (107-121°C) by adjusting the airflow on your grill.
Cooking time: Cook the ribs for approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on their thickness and the tenderness you desire. It's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of properly cooked ribs should reach around 190-203°F (88-95°C).
Basting and saucing (optional): If you prefer saucy ribs, you can baste them with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Apply the sauce in layers, allowing each layer to caramelize before adding the next.
Resting and serving: Once the ribs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes for more tender and flavorful ribs. Slice the ribs between the bones and serve them with additional sauce, if desired.
Remember that these cooking times are approximate, and it's important to monitor the temperature of the ribs to ensure they reach the desired level of doneness. Cooking times can vary, so it's always a good idea to rely on temperature as the most reliable indicator of when the ribs are fully cooked.