Entree: United States Minor Outlying Islands – Island BBQ Ribs (Pork ribs glazed and grilled with a sweet-spicy tropical barbecue sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 2 hrs 45 min

Total 3 hrs

Ingredients

- 2 racks pork spare ribs, approx. 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) each
- 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5 g) smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) crushed pineapple (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water (to thin glaze if needed)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat ribs dry.
2. In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, lime juice, ginger, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, apple cider vinegar, and vegetable oil; whisk until smooth. If using crushed pineapple, stir it in. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the sauce for basting during the final finish.
3. Season ribs evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Place ribs bone-side down in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or in a large roasting pan. Brush ribs generously with half of the remaining sauce.
4. Cover tightly with foil and bake on the middle rack for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulling back from the bones.
5. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or preheat gas/charcoal grill to medium-high. Remove ribs from oven, discard foil, and brush both sides with reserved sauce.
6. Finish ribs on a hot grill or under the broiler for 5–8 minutes per side, basting once more halfway through, until edges are caramelized and sticky. Watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Let ribs rest 5 minutes, then cut between bones, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with extra glaze on the side.