Best BBQ Glaze for Ribs: Grilled Lamb Riblets

Lamb riblets don't get nearly enough love on the grill, and finding the best BBQ glaze for ribs is what turns them from an afterthought into the star of the cookout. Lamb has a bolder, richer flavor than pork or beef, which means it can stand up to a glaze with real punch. That's exactly why a garlic-forward pepper jelly glaze is the best BBQ glaze for ribs like these — it brings sweetness, heat, and savory depth all at once.

Why Lamb Riblets Need the Best BBQ Glaze for Ribs, Not Just Any Sauce

Riblets are small, fatty, and cook fast, so a heavy tomato-based sauce can overwhelm them or burn before the meat is done. The best BBQ glaze for ribs on lamb is thinner, glossier, and built to caramelize quickly. Our Garlic Pepper Spread hits that mark — it's got enough garlic depth to complement lamb's natural richness, plus the sweet-heat balance that makes any pepper jelly glaze work so well on the grill.

What You'll Need

Grab about two pounds of lamb riblets, cut into individual bones or short racks. Season with kosher salt, cracked pepper, rosemary, and a touch of cumin — flavors that play beautifully with lamb. For the glaze itself, you'll want a jar of Garlic Pepper Spread and, if you like extra heat, a spoonful of Red Hot Spread stirred in.

How to Grill Lamb Riblets with the Best BBQ Glaze for Ribs

1. Season ahead of time. Rub the riblets with salt, pepper, rosemary, and cumin, then let them sit refrigerated for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Set up indirect heat. Light your grill for two-zone cooking, keeping one side hotter for the finishing glaze and one side cooler for the initial cook.
3. Cook low and slow first. Place the riblets over indirect heat and cook for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the fat starts to render and the meat is nearly tender.
4. Warm the glaze. While the riblets cook, warm the Garlic Pepper Spread in a small pot with a splash of water or vinegar until it's loose enough to brush easily — this is the best BBQ glaze for ribs consistency you're after.
5. Move to direct heat and glaze. Slide the riblets over the hot side and brush generously with the warmed glaze, turning every 60–90 seconds.
6. Build layers of glaze. Apply two to three light coats rather than one thick one — this builds a deeper, glossier caramelized crust without risking a burn.
7. Rest before serving. Pull the riblets once the glaze is dark and sticky, then let them rest for five minutes so the juices redistribute.

Tips for Nailing the Best BBQ Glaze for Ribs Every Time

Timing is everything with a pepper jelly glaze. Because it's sugar-based, it needs high, direct heat for a short burst rather than a long, slow simmer over the coals. If you're cooking a large batch of riblets, keep the glaze warm on the side burner and re-dip a brush frequently rather than pouring it all on at once. Lamb riblets are naturally fatty, so a little char from the glaze caramelizing is a good thing — just watch closely so caramelized doesn't tip into burnt.

If lamb isn't your usual pick, this same technique and the same jar of glaze work just as well on pork spare ribs or beef short ribs, so it's worth keeping a jar of Garlic Pepper Spread stocked in the fridge year-round.

Try the Best BBQ Glaze for Ribs This Weekend

Lamb riblets are a great way to switch up your usual rib night, and the right glaze makes all the difference. Order a jar of Garlic Pepper Spread or Red Hot Spread and see for yourself why so many backyard grillers call it the best BBQ glaze for ribs. Shop the whole collection at smokymountainspread.com and get ready for your next cookout.