Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic BBQ Sauce

Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic BBQ Sauce

Pork RibsWhile I have my go-to ribs recipe, I’m always looking for new ideas and variations from the old standard. This recipe, provided by Executive Chef Josh Bernstein of Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, puts a bit of an Italian spin on the backyard BBQ favorite.

Ingredients:

Rib Spice Rub:

  • 1/4 cup dried basil
  • 1/4 cup dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup paprika
  • 1/2 cup garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup onion powder
  • 1/2 cup ground fennel seed
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar           
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 2 Tbsp. red pepper flakes
  • 2 Tbsp. ground black pepper

Balsamic BBQ Sauce:

  • 2 cups balsamic vinegar
  • 1-1/2 cups ketchup
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped garlic
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. Kosher salt             
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Ribs:

  • 4 racks of baby back ribs
  • 1 cup rib spice rub
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped Italian parsley
  • 1 cup balsamic BBQ sauce

Method:

For the Rib Spice Rub:
Place all of the ingredients into a bowl.  Mix well.  Keep in an air tight container for up to 3 weeks.  This recipe will make more than needed for the ribs.  It is a good marinade for other meats as well.

For the Balsamic BBQ Sauce:
Combine all of the ingredients in a sauce pot.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce the flame and simmer for 45 minutes.  Stir every 10 minutes.  Strain and cool.

For the Ribs:
Spread the spice rub evenly over the ribs.  Wrap each in aluminum foil.  Allow to marinate overnight in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.  Place the ribs, still wrapped in aluminum foil, into a 350 degree oven for 2 hours.  At this point you can cool them down and refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.  If not, brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce and place onto a hot grill.  Cook until the sauce is hot on the ribs.  Cut into 1-2 rib portions and garnish with parsley.

Serves 4.

World’s Easiest Baby Back Ribs

World’s Easiest Baby Back Ribs

I really enjoy barbequed ribs but until a few years ago, I was frankly intimidated by them.  This recipe is so simple and delicious that I now prepare ribs about once a month.

The BBQ sauce recipe I include below is absolutely fantastic, but do not let it prevent you from making these ribs, simply use store-bought sauce for a still-delicious alternative.

Ingredients:

Dry Rub on Ribs

Directions:

  1. Place charcoal on one side of the grill and light up. If using a gas grill, ensure one area is on medium-high and another on low. Temperature should be around 400 degrees.
  2. Cut each rack in two, down the middle. Sprinkle the rub generously over the pork and massage it in.
  3. Place a 24” long double layer of aluminum foil on a work surface and put a half rack on it.  Wrap the rack well with the foil. Repeat with three remaining racks.
  4. Put the wrapped ribs on the grill over the area with no coals or over the low heat on a gas grill. Cook for an hour with the closed lid, turning twice. Ensure not to pierce the foil.
  5. Remove the ribs from the grill and set aside. Drain the wood chips and place directly on the coals, or in the gas grill basket. Close the lid to build smoke for 5 minutes.
  6. Take the ribs out of the foil packets and place on a platter.  Using a brush, slather the ribs liberally with BBQ sauce.
  7. Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down, and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning once and basting the second side. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes then cut into individual ribs. Serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.

Makes 4 appetizer servings or 2 entrée servings.