If you're a fan of barbecue, you've probably heard of the 3-2-1 ribs method. This technique is a popular way to cook pork ribs that yields tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with a delicious smoky flavor. This cooking technique may sound complicated but fear not: in just a few simple steps, you can achieve perfect ribs that'll have everyone begging for seconds.
Ingredients:
Pork ribs
BBQ sauce
Honey
Brown sugar
Apple juice
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Preparation
Start by cleaning the pork ribs by removing any excess fat and the membrane on the bones to allow the seasoning to penetrate. The membrane is a thin, tough layer of connective tissue that covers the bony side of the ribs. It is usually found on the underside of the rack of ribs and can be removed by using a sharp knife or a butter knife to loosen a corner of the membrane and then pulling it off with a paper towel.
After removing the membrane, lightly coat the surface of the ribs with a small amount of olive oil to help the seasonings stick. Then, apply your preferred rub evenly over the ribs. A popular rub for 3-2-1 ribs includes a mixture of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and other spices. Make sure to generously coat the ribs on all sides to enhance the flavor. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to allow the seasonings to soak in.
Step 1: 3 Hours
Place the ribs in a preheated grill at about 250°F.
It is important to keep the ribs moist and prevent them from becoming too dry, so make sure to spray them with juice (or even apple cider or apple cider vinegar) every 30 minutes or so to help keep the meat moist.
We're not necessarily looking for the meat to fall off the bone, I actually recommend that the top of the sugar-coated ribs have a beautiful caramelized crust, so when you bite into them, there's a slight chew, but they're still tender. This means there's not a strict time requirement for the first step of 3 hours, we should be monitoring the internal temperature of the meat closely.
You can use a smart wireless BBQ thermometer (ARMEATOR ONE), inserting it into the ribs before putting it in the grill, and setting the corresponding temperature in the ARMEATOR App. My recommendation is 160℉.
Step 2: 2 Hours
After the first 3 hours, remove the ribs from the oven and place them on a double layer of aluminum foil. Pour in some apple juice, brown sugar, and butter, and wrap the ribs gently so that they are in close contact with the liquid. Then put the foil-wrapped ribs back in the oven and bake for another 2 hours. Your goal is to reach an internal temperature of 205°F.
Step 3: 1 Hours
Take the ribs out of the aluminum foil, brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce, and continue to grill for an additional hour to let the sauce meld with the meat and form a nice crust on the outside.
All right, the delicious 3-2-1 ribs are now ready to be enjoyed. Gather your friends and family, pair them with your favorite drinks, and savor a mouthwatering dinner. You deserve it after all the effort you put into this recipe! Happy cooking!
