Spiced Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Ribs

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

Tender pork ribs coated in a fragrant coffee and spice rub, grilled low and slow for a deep, smoky crust and juicy interior. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 300 minutes pairs pork baby back ribs, ground coffee, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 150 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground coffee, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder to create the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Remove the membrane from the back of 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 3 lbs each). Rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over both sides of each rack.
  3. Step 3: Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the coffee spice rub, pressing it into the meat. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  4. Step 4: Preheat the grill for indirect cooking at 275°F by banking charcoal on one side or setting gas grill to low on one side.
  5. Step 5: Place the ribs bone side down on the cooler side of the grill, away from direct heat. Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle.
  6. Step 6: Close the lid and cook for 2-2.5 hours, spraying the ribs lightly with the vinegar-water mixture every 30 minutes to keep moist.
  7. Step 7: After the ribs are tender and reach an internal temperature of 195°F, move them over direct heat for 3-5 minutes per side to develop a smoky crust.
  8. Step 8: Remove the ribs, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice between the bones and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 300 minutes (150 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 Spiced Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Ribs?

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 baby back ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Ribs?

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 Spiced Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Ribs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Ribs?

American bbq & smoked 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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