I’ve been making ribs the exact same way for many years, but when I read this recipe, I predicted they would be spectacular. Indeed, my expectations were spot on. If you are also very partial to a particular tried-and-true recipe for barbecued ribs, please try this version: they are sticky, sweet, spicy, juicy, tender, you and your guests will leave only a pile of very clean rib bones on the plate!
STICKY BALSAMIC RIBS
(adapted from The Parsley Thief, original recipe from Gourmet, 2009)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons + 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 Tablespoon salt (divided)
4 racks baby back pork ribs
1 + 1/2 cups water (divided)
1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Mix the rosemary, 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar plus the cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mince the garlic, add 1 teaspoon of salt to it and mash with the side of a large knife to form a paste. Add it to the marinade with 1/2 tablespoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper & mix all the ingredients together. Rub evenly over the ribs and place in a baking dish. Marinate, chilled, for 8-24 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Arrange the ribs in a large roasting pan and pour 1/2 cup water inside, under the ribs. Cover tightly with foil, and bake the ribs until the meat is very tender, about 2 and a half hours. Remove from the oven and transfer the ribs to a platter.
Add 1 cup of water to the pan, and using a wooden spoon, scrape up all the browned bits. Strain the liquid into a measuring cup, or gravy separator to remove the excess fat. Transfer to a skillet and add 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer gently until reduced to about 1 cup, 15 to 20 minutes.
Heat the grill. Brush some glaze over both sides of the ribs and grill, turning occasionally, until the ribs are hot and with nice grill marks all over, 6 to 8 minutes. Brush the ribs with some more glaze and serve.
ENJOY!
to print the recipe, click here
Comments: This is a perfect recipe for the heat wave we’re going through (111 F last week in Manhattan, 106 F this week in Norman), because the initial baking happens at a reasonably low temperature. Plus, you can do that step very early in the morning, even a couple of days ahead of your party. Remove the ribs from the fridge an hour or so before dinner, turn the grill on, and assemble a few side dishes. In less than 10 minutes you will be ready to enjoy THE most amazing ribs ever! The balsamic glaze is a nice change from the usual barbecue sauce. I can see it complementing a thick piece of grilled salmon quite well.
Need the perfect dessert for the 4th? Try my beloved’s husband patriotic pie!
ONE YEAR AGO: Baby Back Ribs on the 4th of July
TWO YEARS AGO: Blueberry Muffins
THREE YEARS AGO: A Pie for your 4th of July
