BBQ grilled pork rib tips are so juicy and flavorful that they're going to go straight on your list of summer grilling favorites! They are loaded with flavor from my homemade pork seasoning and a generous coating of BBQ sauce and liquid smoke. You won't be able to stop popping these tasty meaty morsels into your mouth!
BBQ Pork Rib Tips On The Grill
I've been grilling up a storm now that summertime is finally here, and I was super excited to share these easy grilled pork rib tips! They're cooked low and slow for a couple of hours, then all you have to do is flip them and baste them with BBQ sauce.
Once they are cooked to tender, juicy perfection, you can leave your rib tips whole or slice them up into bite-sized pieces. The latter is my favorite because they are so incredibly snack-able!
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If you don't have a grill, you can try my oven-baked BBQ pork rib tips! They are just as tasty and equally easy to prepare!
🤔 What Are Pork Rib Tips
Pork rib tips are the meaty and flavorful bits of meat found at the lower end of pork spare ribs. The rib tips are removed in order to create St. Louis-style ribs.
Unlike traditional ribs, rib tips do not contain bones. However, there is a thick cartilage piece that requires some maneuvering when enjoying these delectable cuts.
If you're unsure of the difference between pork rib tips and riblets, I have a whole page dedicated to the topic!
🥘 Grilled Rib Tips Ingredients
I'm a huge fan of any recipe that tastes this good with such a short list of ingredients! If you don't have liquid smoke, don't worry. It's still delicious still with just BBQ sauce. I just enjoy the extra smokey flavor!
- Pork Rib Tips - 3 pounds of pork rib tips.
- Pork Seasoning - 2 tablespoons of pork seasoning (see my recipe or use your preferred brand).
- BBQ Sauce - 1 cup of BBQ sauce. My honey BBQ sauce would be delicious!
- Liquid Smoke - 1-2 teaspoons of liquid smoke to mix with the BBQ sauce.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🔪 How To Make Grilled Rib Tips
Once you've got your rib tips on the grill, all you have to do is check them periodically and give them a flip until it's time to add the sauce! You'll need your grill, grilling utensils, measuring spoons, a small bowl, and a basting brush to get started.
3 pounds of pork rib tips make about 6 servings, depending on how hungry you are!
- Prep the grill. Clean and oil your grill, then set up a 2-zone grilling station with the hot coals offset to one side. Preheat your grill to low heat, about 275°F (135°C).
- Season. Once your grill is hot, season 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) of pork rib tips generously with 2 tablespoons (29.57 grams) of pork seasoning.
- Grill over low heat. Put your pork rib tips on the side of the grill that does not have the hot coals. Close the lid and let them cook for 20 minutes.
- Flip. After 20 minutes, flip the ribs over and close the lid. Let them cook for another 25-30 minutes before flipping again. Continue flipping every 25 minutes or so until they are finished (this takes about 2 - 2 ½ hours total).
- Brush with sauce. Combine 1 cup (286 grams) of BBQ sauce and 1-2 teaspoons (4.93 milliliters) of liquid smoke in a small bowl. Once your rib tips have an internal temperature of 175-190°F (80-88°C), brush them with the BBQ sauce mixture and transfer them to the hot side of the grill to sear for 5-10 minutes until caramelized.
- Rest and serve. Transfer the rib tips to a plate or tray and tent a piece of foil loosely over the top. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into individual rib tip pieces and serve.
🥗 What To Serve With Grilled Rib Tips
These juicy pork rib tips will taste wonderful with any of your favorite BBQ side dishes! Some cool and crispy Southern coleslaw and smoked baked potatoes are my personal favorites. Enjoy!
See my page on what to serve with pork ribs for more great side dish suggestions!
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- For the most tender pork rib tips, use a butter knife to remove the membrane, or silverskin, on the bone side of the pork. Slide the knife under the membrane and gently lift it upwards until you can get a grip on it. Pull the silverskin off the layer of fat on the underside of the ribs.
- The CDC states that pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C), but the meat won't be very tender at this temperature. You want your rib tips to be around 175-190°F (80-88°C) for the most tender and juicy meat!
- You can use an 'apple juice mop' for extra juicy ribs if desired. To do this, have about 2 cups of apple juice nearby and a basting brush. Generously brush the ribs with apple juice each time you flip them until adding the BBQ sauce.
🥡 Storing & Reheating
Let the rib tips cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Freezing Grilled Pork Rib Tips
Add leftover rib tips to a heavy-duty freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Freeze the rib tips for up to 4 months, and be sure to transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating Grilled Pork Rib Tips
Place the rib tips in a baking dish and cover them with aluminum foil. Reheat them in the oven at 250˚F (175˚C) until warmed through.
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
❓ Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! If you prefer a dry rub, your pork rib tips will still turn out super tasty! You won't need to caramelize the BBQ sauce, so you can take the rib tips off the hot side of the grill as soon as they have a good sear.
While the recommended safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C), you want to aim higher (approximately 175-190°F/80-88°C) when cooking rib tips. This elevated temperature helps to effectively break down the cartilage and connective tissue, resulting in more tender and succulent meat!
You can marinate your pork rib tips for 2-24 hours before grilling, though it certainly isn't necessary. They will be flavorful and tender without marinating them. If you'd like to give them a little extra 'oomph,' then, by all means, go ahead!
🔥 😋 🥩 More Delicious Grill Recipes
- Grilled Porterhouse Steak - Steak lovers rejoice because this grilled porterhouse steak is what dreams are made of!
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts - Succulent chicken breasts with a smokey flavor and a thick layer of sticky BBQ sauce!
- Grilled Filet Mignon - The most tender and juicy of steaks tastes even better cooked on the grill!
- Grilled Branzino - This delicious grilled European bass can be on your table in just 15 minutes!
- Grilled Lamb Steaks - If you've never tried lamb hot off the grill, you're missing out!
- Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites - These grilled Cajun alligator bites are perfect for dunking in your favorite dipping sauces!
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📖 Recipe Card
Grilled Pork Rib Tips
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork rib tips
- 2 Tbsp pork seasoning
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1-2 teaspoon liquid smoke
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Clean and oil your grill, then set up a 2-zone grilling station with the hot coals offset to one side. Preheat your grill to low heat, about 275°F (135°C).
- Once your grill is hot, season 3 lbs pork rib tips generously with 2 tablespoon pork seasoning.
- Put your pork rib tips on the side of the grill that does not have the hot coals. Close the lid and let them cook for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, flip the ribs over and close the lid. Let them cook for another 25-30 minutes before flipping again. Continue flipping every 25 minutes or so until they are finished (this takes about 2 - 2 ½ hours total).
- Combine 1 cup BBQ sauce and 1-2 teaspoon liquid smoke in a small bowl. Once your rib tips have an internal temperature of 175-190°F (80-88°C), brush them with the BBQ sauce mixture and transfer them to the hot side of the grill to sear for 5-10 minutes until caramelized.
- Transfer the rib tips to a plate or tray and tent a piece of foil loosely over the top. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into individual rib tip pieces and serve.
Notes
- For the most tender pork rib tips, use a butter knife to remove the membrane, or silverskin, on the bone side of the pork. Slide the knife under the membrane and gently lift it upwards until you can get a grip on it. Pull the silverskin off the layer of fat on the underside of the ribs.
- The CDC states that pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C), but the meat won't be very tender at this temperature. You want your rib tips to be around 175-190°F (80-88°C) for the most tender and juicy meat!
- You can use an 'apple juice mop' for extra juicy ribs if desired. To do this, have about 2 cups of apple juice nearby and a basting brush. Generously brush the ribs with apple juice each time you flip them until adding the BBQ sauce.
- To store: Let the rib tips cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- To freeze: Add leftover rib tips to a heavy-duty freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Freeze the rib tips for up to 4 months, and be sure to transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight before reheating.
- To reheat: Place the rib tips in a baking dish and cover them with aluminum foil. Reheat them in the oven at 250˚F (175˚C) until warmed through.
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