Big BBQ Flavor Without a Smoker
You don’t need a dedicated smoker to make bold, tender, smoky ribs. With the right setup, a gas grill can produce outstanding results. These Mesquite Smoked Baby Back Ribs Over Beer use indirect heat, mesquite wood, and a beer-steaming technique to create ribs that are deeply smoky, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone tender.
This method is perfect for backyard cooks who want true barbecue flavor using everyday equipment.
Why This Gas Grill Rib Method Works
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Mesquite wood delivers strong, authentic smoke flavor
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Beer steaming locks in moisture and tenderizes the ribs
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Indirect heat mimics a low-and-slow smoker environment
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No special smoker required
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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2 racks baby back ribs
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2 tbsp yellow mustard (binder)
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1/4 cup BBQ dry rub (sweet-smoky works best)
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2 cups beer (lager or amber preferred)
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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Mesquite wood chips or chunks (soaked if using chips)
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Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Optional Glaze
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce
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2 tbsp beer
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1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
Step-by-Step Gas Grill Rib Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs. Coat lightly with mustard and apply BBQ rub generously. Rest 30–60 minutes (or overnight refrigerated).
Step 2: Set Up the Gas Grill for Smoking
Preheat grill to 225–250°F (107–120°C) using indirect heat (one burner on low, one off).
Place mesquite wood in a smoker box or foil pouch with holes. Set over the lit burner.
Step 3: Smoke the Ribs
Place ribs bone-side down over the unlit burner. Close lid and smoke for 2 hours, maintaining steady mesquite smoke.
Step 4: Beer Steam (Tenderizing Phase)
Remove ribs and wrap tightly in foil with beer and apple cider vinegar.
Return to grill over indirect heat. Cook for 1.5–2 hours.
Step 5: Unwrap, Glaze & Finish
Unwrap ribs carefully and place back on the grill. Brush with glaze if desired.
Cook uncovered for 30–45 minutes until sauce sets and bark forms.
How to Tell When Ribs Are Done
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Internal temp: 195–203°F (90–95°C)
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Meat pulls back from bones
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Rack bends easily when lifted
Pro Tips for Gas Grill Mesquite Ribs
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Mesquite is strong—use moderate smoke
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Avoid high heat—ribs dry quickly
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Seal foil tightly during beer steaming
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Rest ribs 10–15 minutes before slicing
Best Side Dishes
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Smoked baked beans
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Creamy coleslaw
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Cornbread
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Grilled corn on the cob
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Potato salad
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Final Thoughts
These Gas Grill Mesquite Smoked Baby Back Ribs Over Beer prove you don’t need a smoker to make competition-worthy ribs. The mesquite provides bold smoke, while the beer-steaming step guarantees juicy, tender meat every time.
Fire up your gas grill, crack open a beer, and enjoy ribs done the BBQ purist’s way
- 3 slabs baby back ribs
- rib rub (your preference)
- 6 or 12 pack beer
- mesquite chips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 1/3 cups cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cans (about 16 oz) tomato sauce
- hot sauce
- salt
- fresh pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- yellow mustard
- dash cayenne pepper
- 2 sweet onions
- 2 green peppers




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