Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or smoker
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the grill or smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides.
4. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on the grill or smoker.
5. Cook the ribs for 4-5 hours, or until they are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bone.
6. While the ribs are cooking, make the sweet and spicy sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
8. When the ribs are done cooking, remove them from the grill or smoker and unwrap them from the foil.
9. Brush the sweet and spicy sauce all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides.
10. Return the ribs to the grill or smoker and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
11. Remove the ribs from the grill or smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 4-5 hours
Temperature:
Grill or smoker temperature: 225°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 600
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 160mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork ribs can be substituted with beef ribs or chicken thighs.
- Smoked paprika can be substituted with regular paprika.
- Hot sauce can be substituted with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the sweet and spicy sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Use a different type of barbecue sauce, such as a mustard-based sauce or a vinegar-based sauce.
- Add chopped onions or garlic to the sweet and spicy sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil to keep them moist and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. They should reach 190°F for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage instructions:
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the ribs, wrap them in foil and place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the ribs on a platter with the sweet and spicy sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or green onions.
Pairings:
- Corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the ribs are tough, they may need to cook for a longer period of time.
- If the sweet and spicy sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ribs to an internal temperature of 190°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Store leftover ribs in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Barbecue ribs have been a staple of Southern cuisine for centuries. The technique of slow-cooking meat over low heat originated with Native American tribes and was later adopted by African slaves in the South. Today, barbecue ribs are enjoyed all over the world and are often served with a variety of sauces and sides.
Flavor profiles:
The sweet and spicy sauce adds a tangy, smoky flavor to the tender, juicy ribs. The combination of honey, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the barbecue ribs with a cold beer or a glass of sweet tea for the ultimate Southern meal.
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