We took a trip to Ireland last year, but it was just us. We knew immediately the kids would love it, so this time we brought the kids to Ireland! Day 1 We left the house Monday, August 14th about noon and arrived at Newark International Airport at about 2:30, breezed through security, and sat […]
East Coast Seasoned Charcoal Ribs
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I am so glad the weather is finally breaking! After a week away in Kentucky, I came home to what should be a warm week. Actually, right now I’m writing this up while sitting at our kitchen table with all the doors and windows open.
I don’t know about you, but when the weather breaks, I want to be outside. And for us, that means grilling, eating outside, and letting the kids run around like crazy (thank God for the big yard at our new house).
As for that grilling… I’m a huge fan of ribs! Have you cooked your ribs on a charcoal grill? I know the thought intimidates a lot of people, but it’s easy!
The first thing you need to do is run to Walmart and grab some Smithfield Fresh Pork! Yes, you can get great, high-quality meat right in your local Walmart meat case.
My secret weapon for these East Coast Seasoned Charcoal Ribs is Smithfield Extra Tender Back Ribs. Smithfield Ribs are hand-trimmed, extra-tender and juicy. No matter your level of experience in the kitchen or on the grill, this pork is sure to impress! And our method is so easy, any one can grill great ribs!
I make our East Coast Seasoning the day before and let the ribs marinate overnight. It really lets the flavors soak in and stick to the ribs.
To get started, you need to turn your charcoal grill into something a little more like a smoker.
Now that your charcoal grill is all set up, it’s time for those ribs! You want to put them over the drip pan and not over the fire. You’re going to cook them with the indirect heat.
- ¼ cup paprika
- 2 Tbsp crab seasoning
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp pepper
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 lbs pork back ribs
- Prepare ribs the night before.
- Combine dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and mix to create a paste.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the ribs. (The ribs will decide how much seasoning they need, so just go ahead and slather it on there.)
- Cover ribs tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours.
- Prepare charcoal grill to use as a smoker by placing charcoal on one side and a drip pan on the other. Cover with grill grate. Place an aluminum pan filled with water over charcoal side.
- Place ribs on the grill grates over the drip pan, making sure they are not over the charcoal. We want to cook with the indirect heat.
- Cook for 1 hour.
- Check that there is still plenty of water in the pan and turn ribs.
- Cook for 1 hour.
- Wrap ribs in a double layer of aluminum foil and return to grill.
- Cook for 1 hour.
- Remove foil from ribs and return to grill.
- Cook for about another 45 min to give them the perfect grilled texture.
- Check with meat thermometer (looking for 180) and serve them up!

As you can see, they do take a little time, but there’s absolutely nothing difficult about cooking delicious ribs on your charcoal grill!
Do you have a favorite way to serve pork ribs? I’d love to hear your ideas! Don’t forget to check out Get Grilling America and enter to win some amazing prizes this summer!
David @ Spiced says
The weather is finally turning nicer up here in the northeast, too, and I can’t wait to get some ribs on the grill! This sounds like an excellent recipe, and it’s definitely going on the top of the list. Thanks so much for sharing! #client
Emily says
Amazing way of cooking. Love it.
Abby says
Yum… shut up! Time to fire up the grill. Blessings, Shari