These Easy Greek Ribs are a tasty treat! Rubbed with herbs and spices, they bake in the oven before hitting the grill for a smoky finish. Yum!
What I love most is that they have the perfect blend of flavors. I can’t help but eat one right off the grill—who can resist? 😋
Making these ribs is simple! I just bake them until tender and then finish on the grill for that delicious char. It’s an easy way to impress family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Baby back ribs are tender and meaty, perfect for this recipe. If you prefer, spare ribs can also work—they’re a bit meatier. You can substitute with chicken if you want a lighter option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but you can also use regular olive oil or another mild oil like avocado or canola oil if you don’t have it on hand.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick to the marinade. If you’re out, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be great substitutes.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness, but if you need a vegan option, agave syrup works well too.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that punchy flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used—1/8 teaspoon per clove needed will do.
Dried Oregano: This herb is key for a classic Greek flavor. If you’re low on oregano, dried basil or Italian seasoning can be used in a pinch.
How Do I Marinate Ribs Effectively?
Marinating your ribs is crucial for flavoring them deeply. Proper marination allows the meat to absorb all the delicious ingredients. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Make sure to evenly coat the ribs in the marinade—use your hands or a brush to get in all the nooks and crannies.
- Let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours; overnight is even better for maximum flavor infusion.
- Keep the ribs in an airtight bag or covered dish to prevent contamination and to keep them moist.
When you’re ready to bake, remember to remove any excess marinade before placing the ribs on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly!
Easy Greek Ribs Recipe (Baked Then Grilled)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Tzatziki sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 2.5 to 3 hours to bake. If you can, marinating the ribs overnight will maximize the flavor. After baking, you’ll grill them for an additional 10-20 minutes. Overall, it’s simple and definitely worth the time for great taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help make the ribs tender while they bake.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade for the ribs.
3. Marinate the Ribs:
Place the ribs into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it in the fridge. Let the ribs marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can leave them overnight, that’s even better!
4. Bake the Ribs:
Take the ribs out of the marinade and lay them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the ribs with another piece of foil, which helps keep the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
5. Grill the Ribs:
While the ribs are baking, heat your grill to medium-high. Once the ribs are done baking, remove them from the oven and take off the top foil carefully. Transfer them to the grill.
6. Finish on the Grill:
Grill the ribs for about 5-10 minutes on each side. Baste them with any reserved marinade while they’re cooking to get that lovely caramelization. You’ll want them to develop a nice char.
7. Let Them Rest:
After grilling, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with tzatziki sauce on the side for delicious dipping. Enjoy your tasty Greek-style ribs!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat to your Greek ribs, consider incorporating a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the marinade. Alternatively, you can brush the ribs with your favorite spicy BBQ sauce during the grilling stage for a flavorful kick!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Ribs?
Absolutely! While this recipe is great with baby back or spare ribs, you can also use St. Louis-style ribs or even beef ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness as you bake them.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
No worries! If you’re out of red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts. Both will add a nice tang without compromising the overall flavor of the marinade.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also grill them briefly to restore some of the charred flavor!
