My husband makes these sensational ribs each summer! The barbecue sauce can be made up to a week ahead; the addition of coffee lends a rich level of flavor. I usually make the rub ahead and store in a jar with a tight lid. It makes a great Christmas stocking stuffer too! As they say, finger licking good! You can easily make half the amount of ribs and freeze the leftover barbecue sauce for another rib fest! Corn on the cob anyone? Get out extra napkins!
Makes 8 Servings
Ribs
6 lbs. spareribs or baby back ribs
½ cup cider vinegar
2 – 4 tsp. liquid smoke flavoring (the brand I use is Colgin,
it has all natural ingredients)
Rub
6 Tbsp. chili powder, (regular chili powder)
3 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. golden brown sugar
1 ½ tsp. onion powder
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
Barbecue Sauce
4 tsp. EVO
1 cup minced onion
1 ½ cups water
1 cup ketchup
2/3 cup packed golden brown sugar
2/3 cup cider vinegar
¼ cup molasses, unsulfured
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. instant coffee powder
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. chili powder (regular chili powder)
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
Helpful tip: A rib rack is a very handy piece of equipment for the barbecue.
Two hours ahead, cut each rib section into 2 or 3 pieces. Place in a large pan. Combine vinegar and liquid smoke in a small bowl; brush over both sides of ribs. Place in fridge for 2 hours.
Prepare the charcoal in the barbecue to a medium heat (325-350 F). You may want to use a thermometer for this or just guess! Place a drip pan containing water under where the ribs will cook. Combine rub ingredients rubbing both sides of ribs; season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place ribs on barbecue; close lid and cook for 70 minutes, turning once. Brush ribs with barbecue sauce; close lid; cook 15 minutes. Brush ribs with remaining barbecue sauce; cover and cook for 10 minutes longer until ribs are looking very tender. Remove to a large cutting board; divide into sections and serve on a warm platter. Enjoy!
