10 August 2009

baby back ribs

ribs:
3 slabs baby back pork ribs (about 6 lbs)
1/4 c lemon juice
1/4 c olive oil

rib rub:
1 c Greek seasoning (sometimes we use rib rub or make our own)
1/4 c garlic powder
1/4 c paprika
1/4 c firmly packed brown sugar

sauce:
1 T butter
1 T olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1 c firmly packed brown sugar
1 c cider vinegar
1 c chili sauce
1 c bottled barbecue sauce
1 T mustard powder
1 T paprika
3 T fresh lemon juice
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 T hot sauce
2 T molasses
salt
pepper

Make rub by mixing together the Greek seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and brown sugar.

To make the sauce, melt butter with olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion and next 3 ingredients, and saute 5-6 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in brown sugar and remaining ingredients, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a wire-mesh strainer to bowl, discarding solids. Rub and sauce can be made days ahead of time.

Rinse and pat ribs dry. Remove the thin membrane from back of ribs by slicing into it with a knife and then pulling. Place lemon juice in small bowl and add oil in slow stream, whisking. Coat ribs evenly with lemon juice mix. Sprinkle evenly with rub and rub it into the meat. Wrap ribs in plastic, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, then put in fridge to chill overnight.

The next day remove the plastic, wrap in heavy foil, and put then on baking sheets, and put the ribs in a 200-degree oven. Cook for at least six hours. You can unwrap the foil at the top but make sure the ribs do not dry out by basting with the juices in the foil packets.

We like to finish these up on the grill right before serving, basting with some of the sauce until heated completely through.

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