Grilled Back Rib Rack with Smoky Paprika Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork back ribs marinated in a smoky paprika and garlic glaze, grilled to perfection with caramelized edges. This pork recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs pork back ribs, smoked paprika, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade evenly over 2 pounds of pork back ribs, covering all surfaces. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F. Remove ribs from marinade and place on the grill bone side down. Grill for 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes and basting with leftover marinade until the ribs are caramelized and tender with slightly charred edges.
  4. Step 4: Remove ribs from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Back Rib Rack with Smoky Paprika Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Back Rib Rack with Smoky Paprika Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork back ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Back Rib Rack with Smoky Paprika Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Back Rib Rack with Smoky Paprika Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Back Rib Rack with Smoky Paprika Glaze?

BBQ & Smoked pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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