These Easy Greek Ribs are a tasty treat you’ll love! With a mix of herbs and spices, they bring a burst of flavor that makes your mouth water. Plus, baking them first keeps them super tender.
Grilling adds a nice char, making them look as good as they taste! I like to serve them with a side of fresh salad, and trust me, they’ll be gone in no time. Who doesn’t love finger-licking good ribs? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are tender and flavorful, perfect for this recipe. If baby back isn’t available, you can use spare ribs, but they may take longer to cook due to their size.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil can also work well.
Dried Herbs: Oregano and thyme are classic for a Greek flavor. If you don’t have dried herbs, fresh ones will work too—just use about three times the amount. Basil can be a tasty substitute as well.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you prefer a lower sugar option, agave syrup can be a great alternative.
Tzatziki Sauce: It pairs perfectly with the ribs for dipping! You can make it from scratch or buy it pre-made. If you want it dairy-free, try a plant-based yogurt.
How Do I Remove the Silver Skin from Ribs?
The silver skin is the thin membrane on the back of the ribs that can make them tough. To remove it:
- Use a sharp knife to get under the corner of the membrane at one end of the ribs.
- Once you have a good grip, pull it off gently; if it tears, use the knife to loosen it further.
- Try to remove it in one piece for easier handling.
Taking this step may seem small, but it significantly improves tenderness and allows the flavors to penetrate better. Happy cooking!
Easy Greek Ribs Recipe (Baked Then Grilled)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup honey
For Serving:
- Tzatziki sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 2.5 to 3 hours to bake. After that, you’ll grill the ribs for about 10-20 minutes. In total, plan for about 3 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish, including time for baking and grilling. The result will be mouthwatering ribs full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ribs:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While that heats up, take a look at your ribs. If you see a thin silver skin on the back, gently pull it off using a paper towel to grip it better. This will help make your ribs nice and tender.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and honey. Mix it all together until it’s nicely combined—this will be the flavor boost for your ribs!
3. Coat the Ribs:
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup easier! Place the ribs on the sheet and brush the marinade all over both sides, making sure they’re really well coated.
4. Bake the Ribs:
Cover the ribs with another piece of aluminum foil, sealing it tightly. Pop them into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and the meat starts pulling away from the bones.
5. Grill the Ribs:
Once the ribs are ready, fire up your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Carefully take the ribs out of the oven and remove the top layer of foil. Now, place the ribs on the grill.
6. Baste and Caramelize:
Grill the ribs for about 5-10 minutes on each side. While grilling, baste with any leftover marinade to add even more flavor. You want them to get nice grill marks and a little bit caramelized!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, slice them up and serve with tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Greek ribs with friends and family!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Ribs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute baby back ribs with spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, with spare ribs generally needing a bit longer in the oven due to their thickness.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through or grill them for a few minutes to get the grill marks back.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the marinade up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This can save you time on the day you’re cooking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
What Can I Serve with Greek Ribs Besides Tzatziki?
While tzatziki is a fantastic dip, you could also serve these ribs with a refreshing Greek salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Pita bread also makes a great side for soaking up any excess sauce!
