Step 1

Preheat an outdoor grill (charcoal or gas) to 300°F. (If using charcoal, place the coals under one half of the grill.)

Step 2

Meanwhile, place sugar and spices in a small bowl. Stir to combine the spice rub.

Step 3

Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Using the tip of a knife, remove the membrane from the underside of the rack and discard. Turn the rack over, sprinkle with the spice rub, and massage it all over the top-side of the ribs. (Reserve bowl for later use.)

Step 4

Transfer ribs to a large baking sheet pan (with the curves of the bones facing down). Pour water around the ribs, then tightly wrap baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 5

Place baking sheet on the grill (if using charcoal, place it over the side with no coals). Cook until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 180°F, 1 1/4-1 3/4 hours. (Add more water to the baking sheet, as needed, if it starts to dry out too much.)

Step 6

Meanwhile, place ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and additional spices in a small saucepan; stir to combine and bring to a simmer over high heat. Once the sauce is simmering, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 7

Transfer half of the barbecue sauce to the reserved bowl and set aside for serving. Set saucepan with remaining sauce aside for basting the ribs.

Step 8

When the ribs are done, remove from the grill. Increase grill temperature to 375°F.

Step 9

Once the grill is heated, coat grates with oil.

Step 10

Return ribs to the grill, placing them directly on the grates with the curves of the bones facing down (if using charcoal, place the ribs over the side with the coals).

Step 11

Brush the top-side with about 1/3 of the barbecue sauce from the saucepan. Cover and grill, flipping ribs and basting with more sauce every 5 minutes, until sticky and charred in spots, 10-15 minutes. Transfer ribs to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 12

Cut between ribs to separate. Transfer to a platter and serve with reserved barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy!