Grilled Spare Ribs With Barbecue Sauce

scarley's Note:

marthastewart.com

• Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 pork spare rib racks (2 1/2 pounds each)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• coarse salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ small onion , grated
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 ½ cups ketchup
• 1⁄3; cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• chopped chipotle chile in adobo , and
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• oil , for grates

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season ribs with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stack slabs on a double layer of aluminum foil; wrap tightly. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Cook until meat is fork-tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
2. Meanwhile, make barbecue sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, cayenne, and desired variation (see ingredients above). Bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thick, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
3. Heat grill to medium-high; lightly oil grates. Carefully remove ribs from foil, pouring off any accumulated liquid. Brush ribs generously with sauce; grill until charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve with extra sauce, if desired.
4. Helpful Hint.
5. The base of our three sauces is made with ketchup, vinegar, onion, garlic, and cayenne. Add one of the variations for a sweet, spicy, or smoky sauce.