Simple Portuguese Churrasco Baby Back Ribs Recipe

These baby back ribs are simple to make, using just five staple ingredients. These are flavors that most of us already have in our kitchens, making this recipe easy and approachable for any home cook. Growing up in a Portuguese household, ribs were always a must-have at every BBQ get-together and summer cookout. Some of my favorite memories are of watching my parents season and grill the ribs, filling the air with smoky, savory goodness while family and friends gathered around. Come along with me as I show you step by step how to bring these juicy ribs to life right in your own backyard.

These ribs are prepared churrasco style—a traditional Portuguese and Brazilian grilling method where meats are slowly cooked over an open flame or rotisserie. Churrasco enhances the flavor of any cut of meat by letting the natural juices and smoky char build layer upon layer of taste. When made this way, ribs take on an irresistible depth of flavor: tender on the inside, smoky on the outside, and bursting with that unmistakable fire-kissed goodness. It’s a style of cooking that turns a simple meal into a true celebration.

---

Equipment Needed

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools:

• Open Fire
• Rotisserie skewers
• Sharp knife
• Meat thermometer

---

Ingredients

For approximately 6.5 lbs of baby back ribs, you’ll need:

• 6.5 lbs baby back ribs
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

---

Instructions

1. Prep the ribs
   • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness.
   • Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
2. Season the ribs
   • Sprinkle the ribs with the following: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
   • Rub the seasoning into the ribs, lt sit for a few minutes or season the night before for more flavor.
3. Set up your rotisserie
   • Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 300°F–325°F).
   • Attach the ribs to the rotisserie spit, securing them tightly so they don’t shift.
4. Cook the ribs
   • Place the rotisserie spit onto the grill. Let cook for 25 minutes
   • Check periodically, and baste with olive oil if the ribs start to dry out.
5. Check for doneness
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches about 190°F for fall-off-the-bone ribs.
6. Rest and serve
   • Remove from the grill, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

---

Serving Options

• Portuguese twist – Add a side of fire roasted potatoes and a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
• Classic BBQ style – Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans.
• Game-day platter – Pair with potato skins, wings, or nachos.
• Light & fresh – Serve alongside grilled vegetables and a crisp garden salad.

You can also pair these Portuguese Churrasco Style Baby Back Ribs with some of my other recipes already on the blog:

• Simple homemade bread https://keepingitlucy.com/rise-and-shine-how-to-make-homemade-bread/
• Peixinhos da Horta https://keepingitlucy.com/crispy-and-delicious-how-to-make-peixinhos-da-horta-portuguese-green-bean-fritters/
• White Rice https://keepingitlucy.com/how-to-make-perfect-white-rice-every-time/
• Zucchini Fritters https://keepingitlucy.com/savory-delight-how-to-make-zucchini-fritters-for-all-occasions/

---

Fire-Roasted Potatoes

One of my favorite sides to pair with these ribs is fire-roasted potatoes. Simply wrap each potato in foil, place them directly in the hot embers of the grill, and let them cook until the skins are charred and the insides are soft and fluffy. For a churrasco-style twist, you can also skewer the potatoes and cook them on the rotisserie alongside your ribs. The smoky flavor and golden crust make these potatoes a rustic, hearty side dish that perfectly complements juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra smoky flavor, cook ribs on an open-fire BBQ, add wood chips (hickory or applewood) for more enhanced flavor.
• Don’t rush – low and slow is the secret to tender, flavorful ribs.
• Always let the ribs rest before slicing to lock in the juices.

What is Open-Fire BBQ?

Open-fire BBQ is one of the oldest and most flavorful ways to cook. Instead of using gas or charcoal briquettes, the food is cooked directly over wood fire and glowing embers. Once the flames die down to a steady bed of coals, the heat gently cooks the meat while the natural wood smoke infuses every bite with rich, rustic flavor. It’s simple, primal, and transforms even basic ingredients into something unforgettable.

---

Substitutes & Alternatives

• Spices: Swap paprika for smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne if you like extra heat.
• Oil: Use avocado oil instead of olive oil.
• Ribs: Try spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs if baby backs aren’t available.
• Cooking method: No rotisserie? You can slow-roast in the oven at 300°F for 2.5–3 hours, then finish on the grill for char.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Portuguese Churrasco Style Baby Back Ribs in the oven?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill or rotisserie, wrap the ribs in foil and bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5–3 hours until tender. For that smoky, charred finish, broil them for 3–5 minutes at the end.

What’s the difference between baby back ribs and spare ribs?
Baby back ribs are smaller, leaner, and more tender, making them perfect for quick grilling or rotisserie. Spare ribs are larger, meatier, and take longer to cook, but they’re packed with flavor.

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Absolutely! Beef ribs are thicker and take longer to cook (closer to 4–5 hours over low heat), but they work wonderfully churrasco style. Just be sure to adjust seasoning amounts for the larger cut.

How do I know when my ribs are done?
The best way is to check the internal temperature—it should be between 190–203°F (88–95°C) for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. You’ll also know they’re ready when the meat pulls back from the bones.

---

Final Thoughts

These Portuguese style baby back ribs are the perfect combination of smoky, juicy, and tender. With just a handful of ingredients and the right setup, you can create a show-stopping meal that rivals any BBQ joint.

Fire up the grill, grab your rotisserie, and get ready to enjoy ribs that will wow your family and friends!

Have fun with this recipe. Feel free to share what you have done in the comments below or share a picture of you enjoying this delicious meal!

Bom apetite! Enjoy your meal!

To stay connected with my weekly content, subscribe to my Newsletter down below!