Grilled Rib Shack BBQ Ribs with Spiced Apple Slaw

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

Tender pork ribs coated in smoky barbecue sauce grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing apple and cabbage slaw with warm spices. This american-inspired pork ready in about 80 minutes pairs racks (about 3 lbs total) pork ribs, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Rub 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly over 2 racks (3 lbs) pork ribs.
  2. Step 2: Place ribs bone side down on grill, cook covered for 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes and basting with 1 cup barbecue sauce during last 15 minutes until ribs are tender and glaze is sticky.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 julienned red apple, and 1 grated large carrot.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Pour dressing over slaw and toss until well coated.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve ribs hot alongside the spiced apple slaw for a perfect balance of smoky and fresh flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Rib Shack BBQ Ribs with Spiced Apple Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Rib Shack BBQ Ribs with Spiced Apple Slaw?

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 barbecue sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Rib Shack BBQ Ribs with Spiced Apple Slaw?

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 Rib Shack BBQ Ribs with Spiced Apple Slaw 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 Rib Shack BBQ Ribs with Spiced Apple Slaw?

American 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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