Rib Tips

Rib Tips are a juicy, mouthwatering, finger-licking delicacy that every barbecue lover needs to try at least once! If youโ€™re a cookout fan, serve these tender, flavorful bites smothered in BBQ sauce for the ultimate crowd-pleasing recipe.
Jump to Recipe

If you ain’t never had Rib Tips, you are in for a serious treat boos! These meaty bites are marinated in a savory dry rub then slow grilled to get that smoky, tender, juicy, and finger-licking flavor before being tossed in an addictive bbq sauce. And let me tell you, they are the truth! Real BBQ fans know that rib tips are a whole mood.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

A fork in a rib tip with several pork rib tips in the background ready to enjoy

Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?

I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!

Listen boos, I’ve had my fill of rib tips. Living on the Southside of Chicago meant ample access to the good stuff. From Lem’s Bar-B-Q to Honey 1’s, I’ve ordered a bucket of Southside rib tips just to enjoy while watching Hulu. I guess you could say I’m an expert. And trust me, I won’t steer you wrong with this rib tip recipe.

What are Rib Tips?

Rib tips are the super meaty and succulent ends of pork spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Because they are super cartilage rich, they are also more chewy. Folks love them because they are pretty affordable, and they have such a tender texture and great flavor once cooked. These delicious morsels of meat are considered a delicacy when it comes to Southern and Chicago barbecue culture. They are usually smoked, grilled or baked up.

The Lowdown on the Best BBQ Rib Tip Recipe Online!

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern and Chicago Style BBQ
Primary Cooking Method: Grilling or Baking
Dietary Info: Meat lovers, this goes out to you! Can be Gluten Free based on the ingredients you use.
Key Flavor: Savory, Sweet, Smoky, Tender, Juicy
Skill Level: Intermediate

  • Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender: Low and slow cooking creates melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness y’all.
  • Intense Flavors: The dry rub gives those rib tips all the sweet, savory and smoky notes we like in bbq.
  • Versatile: You can cook these up on the grill or in the oven based on your mood. Do you boos!
  • Budget-Friendly: Rib tips are an affordable way to enjoy BBQ.
  • Endless Customization: Get creative with your favorite BBQ sauce or homemade rubs! It’s your world!

Ingredients Needed to Make This Pork Rib Tips Recipe

Ingredients to make rib tips in clear bowls on a gray surface area
  • Rib tips: Pork rib tips are straight-up known for their richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can find these bad boys at any local grocery store or butcher shop. You can also grab beef rib tips for this as well.
  • Brown sugar: This is a key ingredient in our rub. It adds sweetness and complexity that balances the heat and savory vibes from all the spices.
  • Dry rub seasonings: Listen, I like my big, bold, smoky flavors so I grabbed my onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, salt, cumin, chili powder and mustard powder. That’s gonna infuse those ribs with so much goodness, you won’t even need a sauce unless you want it.
  • Cooking spray: We are gonna use this to prevent the ribs from sticking when we grill. The foil wrap helps with this too! I also spray the rib tips with this to make sure our dry rub really sticks.
  • BBQ sauce: And for that final basting, use your fave store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. It’s gonna give that final sticky, tangy and sweet goodness we all crave boos.

How to Make Rib Tips

Step 1: Prep the Pork Rib Tips

  1. Make sure you remove the membrane, extra fat and skin on the tips with a sharp knife so they can cook evenly. We want to leave mostly just the meaty part. Start by rinsing and drying the rib tips. Grab some paper towels and get out as much moisture as you can.
  2. Add all the dry rub sugar and spices to a plastic bag and shake it up good so they all blend super well.
A collage of paper towels drying rib tips on parchment and a rib dry rub being mixed in a plastic bag

Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub

  1. Next lay the rib tips on a foil lined baking sheet. Make sure the sheet of foil is much longer than the tips. We are going to use it to wrap them up later on.
  2. Spray the ribs with the oil spray then massage that delish dry rub into each and all sides of the Southside rib tips. Get em good.
  3. Cover em up with the foil super well then add them to the fridge and let those babies marinate for at least 6-8 hours. Let them go overnight if you can.
A collage of Pork rib tips being seasoned with dry rub then being covered in foil on a baking sheet

Step 3: Cook Up the BBQ Rib Tips

  1. To grill the BBQ rib tips, lightly oil the grates then cook them over indirect heat for about 3 to 4 hours, turning and basting with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes. For the most tender result, aim for an internal temperature of 190-220F.
  2. To bake the BBQ rib tips, bake them low and slow at 300F for at least 2 ยฝ hours. Toward the end, broil them with BBQ sauce to achieve a sticky glaze. For the most tender result, aim for an internal temperature of 190-220F.

Step 4: Rest then let those rib tips up!

  1. Allow the rib tips to rest for at least 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute resulting in a juicier texture.
  2. Chop them into small pieces (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches is good!) and serve them with extra BBQ sauce and your fave sides.
A collage of a bbq rib tip recipe being cooked then basted with bbq sauce then cut into smaller pieces to serve

How to Serve BBQ Rib Tips

Recipe Substitutions

  • Rib Tips: If you can’t find pork rib tips or beef rib tips, you can easily sub in baby back ribs, country-style ribs, pork shoulder or brisket. Just cut it all up in the end.
  • Spice Ingredients: You can definitely have a little fun with the ratios of this dry rub along with the components boos. Sub in chili flakes for cayenne or try an already made steak or rib seasoning at the store to save time and get with the fun.
  • Brown Sugar: You can sub in another sweetener like maple syrup or honey but it will now be a wet rub. To keep it dry, use granulated sugar. It just won’t get as caramelized in the end.
  • Oil Spray: While oil spray keeps the process a little cleaner, you can just use some olive oil or melted butter instead. Just spread on the tips and keep it moving.
Baked pork rib tips in foil

Recipe Additions and Variations

  • Jerk it Up: Switch out the dry rub for some jerk seasoning flavor. Then pair them with fried plantains and rice and peas.
  • Change the Sauce: Instead of barbecue sauce, try a honey mustard or teriyaki sauce.
  • Spice it up: Y’all can turn up the heat by adding cayenne, chipotles in adobo, or Sriracha hot sauce. You can even add in chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes to the dry rub. Remember to taste as you go along so you don’t turn the heat up too dang on high.
  • Asian-inspired: Add rich, savory flavors with a hoisin or soy sauce-based glaze.
  • Smoke it up: This pork rib tips recipe tastes so bomb when you smoke them too! Use applewood, mesquite or hickory wood chips to really get that bomb smokiness in there.
A close up of a bbq pork rib tip recipe on a white platter ready to serve

Expert Tips and Tricks for this Perfect Rib Tip Recipe

  • Get Quality Meat: If you have an amazing butcher, try going there first. You want a nice amount of marbling in the meat with good fat too. That’s gonna give that juicy flavor y’all.
  • Remove the membrane boos: Remove that silvery membrane before starting this rib tip recipe y’all. And get all that extra fat. This is gonna make for better flavor absorption and a more tender result.
  • Let the ribs marinate: For maximum flavor absorption and the juiciest textures, allow the rib tips to marinate for at least 6 hours, but I recommend leaving them overnight.
  • Cook low and slow: Whether youโ€™re using a grill or the oven, keep the ribs over low heat to get that tender, juicy meat. Not rushing is the name of the game.
  • Test them out: If you wanna make sure they are super tender, grab two forks and try to pull the meat apart after its been cooking a while. If it shreds super easily, it’s good to go boos.
  • Let the ribs chill out: Resting cooked rib tips gives the juices time to redistribute so they get all juicy y’all. Don’t nobody want any tough dry meat.

How to Store Leftover Southside Rib Tips

  • Fridge: Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
  • Freezer: You can wrap the rib tips tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat this rib tips recipe in the oven or on the grill over low heat for the best texture and flavor. You can even add them to an air fryer for a quick and convenient option.
  • Prep ahead: Marinate rib tips ahead of time and freeze them until you are ready to fire up the grill!
BBQ Rib tips on a white platter ready to enjoy

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need to wrap my rib tips in foil?

This method is going to help with tenderizing and locking in flavor and moisture. It can also shorten up the cooking time too! Win win boos!

Should I cook my rib tips recipe on direct or indirect heat?

Indirect is the move boos. We don’t want to scorch or burn our ribs cooking the outside but leaving the inside raw. By having those ribs on indirect heat, we are slowing down the cooking process making sure they all cook evenly.

How do I know when my rib tips are done cooking?

Rib tips are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145F, according to the USDA. For the most tender result, aim for an internal temperature of 190-220F. The fork test is a great way to check as well. If they easily pull apart and shred with two forks, those babies are nice and tender.

What’s the difference between ribs and rib tips?

Can I use pork spare ribs instead of rib tips for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pork spare ribs instead of rib tips. Youโ€™ll just need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the spare ribs.

Can I Make Beef Rib Tips?

For sure boos! Make sure you grab beef or navel ends from the butcher. They will be the trimmings from brisket or beef ribs. They will be a bit more rich and intense in meaty flavor than pork rib tips are too! Use the same recipe and get your whole life.

Best Rib Recipes

A fork in a rib tip ready to enjoy

Rib Tips

Rib Tips are a juicy, mouthwatering, finger-licking delicacy that every barbecue lover needs to try at least once! If youโ€™re a cookout fan, serve these tender, flavorful bites smothered in BBQ sauce for the ultimate crowd-pleasing recipe.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 4-5 lbs rib tips

For the Dry Rub

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp mustard powder
  • Oil cooking spray

For Final Basting

  • BBQ sauce use your fave or homemade

Instructions

  • Remove the membrane or extra skin or fat if there is any on the tips. Properly rinse rib tips and pat dry with paper towels.ย  Dry super well.
  • In a plastic bag, shake together brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cumin, chili powder, and mustard powder until combined.
  • Line a large baking sheet with non-stick foil and lay the rib tips on top. Make sure the foil is longer than the rib tips.
  • Spray the outside of the rib tips with oil spray then massage dry rub into each side of the ribs.
  • Cover the rib tips with the foil and wrap tightly then store in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.

To Grill Ribs

  • Make sure to properly oil the grates of the grill so the meat wonโ€™t stick.
  • Once the grill is ready and hot, place the ribs bone side down on the grill over indirect heat. Grill covered for an 1 ยฝ hours then turn them over and grill for an additional 1 ยฝ hours still over indirect heat.
  • Make sure you are checking every now and again on the ribs to make sure they donโ€™t stick or burn if they get close to direct heat. After 3 hours or so, the ribs should be super tender. If not, continue for an additional 30 minutes. The ribs should have an internal temperature of 145ยฐF.
  • Transfer the rib tips to direct heat and brush with bbq sauce on both sides. Grill uncovered for 5-10 minutes then remove. For the most tender result, aim for an internal temperature of 190-220F.

To Bake Ribs

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Bake rib tips for 2 ยฝ hours. Check to see if they are incredibly tender. If not, leave covered and allow to bake an additional 30-45 minutes. For the most tender result, aim for an internal temperature of 190-220F.
  • Drain the excess fat from the ribs then apply bbq sauce to both sides.
  • Turn your oven on to broil and allow the sauce to stick to the ribs then remove.

When Ready to Serve

  • Once rib tips are cooled for about 10-15 minutes letting the juices reabsorb, chop into smaller pieces (about 1 1/2- 2 inch length) and serve them up.

Notes

  • Fridge: Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
  • Freezer: You can wrap the rib tips tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat this rib tips recipe in the oven or on the grill over low heat for the best texture and flavor. You can even add them to an air fryer for a quick and convenient option.
  • Prep ahead: Marinate rib tips ahead of time and freeze them until you are ready to fire up the grill!

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 528mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 541IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @GrandbabyCakes or tag #grandbabycakes!
Filed Under:  Dinner, Father's Day, Fourth of July, Grilling, Main Dishes, Pork

Comments

  1. YOUR RIB TIPS R MUCH WIDER THAN THE ONES IN THE GROCERY STORE. THE TIB TIPS IN JAX, FL R JUST A STIP * MUCH SMALLER YHAN YOUR RIB TIPS U HAVE. I WAS THINKING TO BUY SPARE RIBS & CUT THEM UP FOR THE RIB TIPS. I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A HATCHET TO CUT THEM INTO BITE SIZE PIECES. WHAT DO U THIMK?

  2. Don’t understand when the foil comes off. When basting or before? Are ribs laid directly on oiled grill or still wrapped?

    1. Hi Cindy! The foil is just to keep it covered while in the fridge. You want to place the ribs bone side down on the grill over indirect heat.

  3. I must not understand, the rib tips we have in our stores are only 1-2 inches long. We cook these all
    The time on grill but they certainly donโ€™t take 3 hrs. To cook.. your recipe sounds more like baby back ribs.. Did I read the recipe wrong? I absolutely love all your recipes and canโ€™t wait to read new emails.

    1. Hi Sharon, no you did not read it wrong. I use pork rib tips for this recipe. Cooking them low and slow on the grill creates a tender, fall of the bone rib. You can currently cook them faster if you prefer.

  4. I’m never quite sure how to get ribs right but I followed all of your tips and they come out beutifully tender and so tasty too.

  5. This was THE dish at our friends and family gathering the other day! Everyone loved it, and I was handing out your recipe left right and centre.

  6. Enjoyed this for dinner tonight and it did not disappoint! Turned out juicy, tender and delicious! Easily, a new favorite recipe!

  7. Thank you for the step by step photos. This really made it easy to follow. Grabbing ribs for the holiday weekend!!!

  8. mouth-watering, now I know what I need to make for dinner, than you for this wonderful inspiration!

5 from 5 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating