These Easy Greek Ribs are a must-try for any rib lover! With a tasty blend of Greek spices, you’ll get juicy, tender meat that’s bursting with flavor. Baking them first makes them super easy!
I love how these ribs can be thrown in the oven and then finished on the grill for that perfect char. Plus, the aroma will have everyone asking when dinner is served! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are tender and flavorful, making them perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs can work too, but they may require a bit more cooking time to become tender.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and flavor to the rub. If you prefer, you can substitute it with avocado oil or even melted butter for a richer taste.
Spices: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes gives a fantastic flavor. You can adjust the spices to your liking, or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if someone prefers less smokiness.
Greek Yogurt: A key component in the sauce, it’s creamy and tangy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use plain yogurt or even sour cream. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut yogurt.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh is always best for flavor!
How Do I Make Sure the Ribs Are Super Tender?
To achieve perfectly tender ribs, slow and low is the way to go. Baking at 300°F for 2.5 to 3 hours allows the meat to break down, resulting in falls-off-the-bone goodness. Be sure to cover the ribs with foil while baking, keeping moisture in to help with tenderness.
- Preheat the oven and prepare your baking setup with a foil-lined sheet and a wire rack.
- Apply the spice rub generously and evenly to ensure every part of the ribs is flavored.
- Check for tenderness by gently poking the ribs after baking; they should feel soft.
Once baked, quick grilling adds that nice caramelized crust, so don’t skip that step!
How to Make Easy Greek Ribs (Baked Then Grilled)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 2 pounds baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For The Greek Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 3 to 3.5 hours total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the ribs and the sauce, and then bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours followed by grilling them for about 5-10 minutes. A bit of patience for a whole lot of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Then, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top of it. This setup helps the heat circulate around the ribs while they bake, keeping them tender and juicy.
2. Make The Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mixture will be your flavor-packed rub!
3. Season The Ribs:
Next, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to help the rub stick. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing gently to make sure it adheres well.
4. Bake The Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs on the wire rack and cover them with aluminum foil. Now, bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are nice and tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Prepare The Greek Yogurt Sauce:
While the ribs are baking, it’s time to whip up the sauce! In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and dill. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set it aside in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
6. Grill The Ribs:
Once the ribs are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and take off the foil. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Then, transfer the ribs to the grill and cook for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them to get a nice char and those beautiful grill marks!
7. Slice and Serve:
Finally, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice between the ribs to serve them up. Enjoy your juicy, Greek-style ribs with the refreshing yogurt sauce on the side. Yum!
Enjoy your delicious Greek-style ribs!
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are suggested for their tenderness, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Just note that they may require a longer cooking time in the oven, about 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on their thickness.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Rub?
If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also marinate the ribs in hot sauce for a few hours before applying the rub for extra heat!
What if I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No worries! You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular plain yogurt or sour cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still complement the ribs nicely. If using regular yogurt, you might want to strain it to remove excess liquid for a thicker sauce.
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or grill briefly to bring back that smoky flavor. The Greek yogurt sauce can also be kept in the fridge for a similar time!
