Grilled Pork Back Ribs with Smoky Paprika Glaze
Tender pork back ribs slow-grilled and brushed with a smoky paprika and honey glaze for a flavorful finish. This pork recipe, ready in about 170 minutes, pairs pork back ribs, smoked paprika, honey 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork back ribs
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-low heat (around 275°F). In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Rub the 2 pounds pork back ribs evenly with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then coat with the paprika spice mix. Let the ribs rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Place ribs on the grill bone side down and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, maintaining a steady 275°F, turning every 30 minutes and basting with a glaze made from 3 tablespoons honey mixed with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar starting after the first hour.
- Step 4: Grill until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily, about 2.5 hours total. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones to serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pork Back Ribs with Smoky Paprika Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Pork Back Ribs 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 Pork Back Ribs 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 Pork Back Ribs 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 Pork Back Ribs 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.
