To pork ribs with barbecue sauce It is one of the most popular dishes at American-style barbecues, but it has already won the hearts (and palates) of Brazilians. Prepared on the barbecue, slowly and with care, it is tender, juicy and with that unmistakable smoky touch. And when finished with a generous drizzle of barbecue sauce, it becomes a spectacle in itself.
Ingredients
For the ribs:
- 1 piece of pork ribs (1.2 to 1.5 kg)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 1 drizzle of olive oil
For the homemade barbecue sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
- Pepper to taste
Preparation:
1. Clean and season the ribs
Remove the white membrane from the inside of the ribs (this helps to make the meat more tender). Rub the lemon juice over them, then mix all the dry seasonings with the olive oil and rub all over the piece. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, or overnight, covered with plastic wrap.
2. Prepare the barbecue
Heat the barbecue with indirect fire (Place the charcoal on the sides, leaving the center bare). This will allow the ribs to cook slowly without burning on the outside. If you want a smoky flavor, add pieces of wood (such as orange wood or hickory chips) to the coals.
3. Bake slowly
Place the ribs bone-side down on a higher rack or wrapped in foil (shiny side in) for the first 60 minutes. Roast for about 1h30 to 2h, turning halfway through. The meat should be tender, starting to come away from the bone.
4. Prepare the barbecue sauce (if homemade)
While the ribs are roasting, combine all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly thickened.
5. Glaze with barbecue sauce
In the last 20 minutes of grilling, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and return to the heat. Do this 2 to 3 times to create a delicious caramelized layer.
Ideal accompaniments
- Rustic or grilled potatoes
- Grilled sweet corn with butter
- Coleslaw salad (cabbage with mayonnaise)
- Crispy farofa or garlic bread
Golden tips
- Want your ribs even more tender? Steam them or cook them in the oven wrapped in aluminum foil before placing them on the grill.
- For a spicy kick, add chipotle peppers or barbecue hot sauce.
- Use a silicone brush to apply the sauce and ensure even coverage.
