Sticky Molasses Spareribs
TOTAL TIME5 hrs 0 mins
SKILL LEVELBeginner
SERVINGS3
About this RecipeSmithfield spareribs, slow-cooked and glazed with a bold molasses sauce, deliver rich, smoky flavor in every bite.
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Ingredients
Gather Ingredients from the list below 3/4 cup Apple juice, in spray bottle 1 handful Hickory or apple wood chips, soaked and drained 1/4 cup Light brown sugar, packed 4 tsps. Granulated garlic 1 tbsp. Chili powder 2 tsps. Kosher salt 2 tsps. Pepper 1/2 cup Honey 1/2 cup Light molasses 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar 2 tbsps. Canola oil 2 tbsps. Whole grain dijon mustard 2 tsps. Pepper 2 tsps. Orange zest
Gather Ingredients from the list below
Ribs
2 racks, remove membrane Fresh Pork Spareribs
Dry Rub
Sauce
Directions
1.
About one hour before you plan to start grilling, make the rub by combining the sugar, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2.
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then sprinkle both sides of each rack evenly with the rub.
3.
Set the ribs aside at room temperature for one hour to allow the flavors to absorb.
4.
Preheat the grill for indirect cooking at a temperature of 250 to 300ºF.
5.
If using wood chips, drain them and add them to the grill at this time.
6.
Place the ribs, meaty side up, over a drip pan on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 2 hours, adding about 12 coals to a charcoal grill every 45 minutes to maintain the heat.
7.
While the ribs are cooking, make the sauce by combining the honey, molasses, vinegar, oil, mustard, pepper, and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
8.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is lightly thickened.
9.
Set the sauce aside to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until ready to use.
10.
Continue cooking the ribs for an additional 1 to 2 hours, or until they are so tender that the rack easily bends and breaks when lifted with tongs.
11.
During this time, spray the ribs on both sides with apple juice every 20 to 30 minutes to keep them moist.
12.
Brush the ribs on both sides with the prepared sauce and cook for about 5 more minutes, just until the sauce is set.
13.
Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
14.
Cut the racks into 3- or 4-rib sections and serve.
15.
Pass any remaining sauce at the table for extra flavor.
