Grilled Baby Back Pork Ribs

St. Louis-cut Spare Ribs for a Recent Gathering

Recorded July 16, 2012. Prepared this way for many years. A Family Favorite.

1 slab of pork back ribs, about 3 lbs
3 T  general purpose dry rub
heavy duty aluminum foil

Preparation. Prepare ribs by rinsing, peeling off the membrane that lines the bony side, and cutting and scraping away as much visible fat as practical. Dry with paper towels. Cut between the 6th and 7th rib to yield two half-racks, easier to handle during cooking. Season the meaty side and rub in well. Marinate in the cold for 2 to 12 hours covered with plastic.
Grilling. Start a hot fire in a large kettle grill (Weber or similar) with about 3 quarts (3 L) of briquettes. When red-hot, push the coals to one side of the grate, and preheat and clean the grill. Start with meat side down directly over coals, grill for 2 to 3 minutes until beginning to color. If it flames up, move immediately to the 'cold' side of the grill to let the flare die down. Turn and continue to grill over hot fire, turning occasionally until both sides are nicely colored. Move the meat to the cold side of the grill, and cover tightly, and close top and bottom vents half way. Roast for about 10 minutes, turn and rotate the meat, continuing to roast and turn for a total of 35 to 40 minutes. Double-wrap each piece tightly in foil and return to the grill, with the vents closed. Let the meat steam for another 20 minutes. Let each bundle rest off-heat for 10 minutes before dividing into individual ribs. Variation: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of dry rub to each aluminum foil bundle before returning to grill. 
Serves 3 to 4. Suggested sides: all-american potato salad, onion-cucumber salad, kasha, white bean salad.