Hunan Smoked Beef Ribs

Chef mariajane's Note:

This has to be the most fantastic recipe for smoked ribs that I have ever grilled!! The flavor is simply delicious - I got the recipe from "Road Grill, Beach Party" episode. I hope that you enjoy it as much as we did -

• Total Time: 3 hrs
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 beef rib racks , 8 bones each racks
• 9 cups apple wood chips (6 cups soaked in cool water for 1 hour and drained)

FOR THE RUB

• 4 teaspoons Chinese five spice powder
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon lightly packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes

FOR THE SAUCE

• 2 cups hoisin sauce
• 3 oranges , juice of
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 1 ½ tablespoons garlic , chopped
• ¼ cup dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Directions:

1. To make the rub, combine all rub ingredients in a small bowl, and stir to combine evenly. Rub this mixture evenly all over the ribs using slight pressure of the hand to tear the micro fibers of the meat. Place the rubbed ribs in a large re-sealable bag and place in the refrigerator to marinate overnight.
2. The next day prepare the sauce by combining the Hoisin sauce in a medium bowl; add the grated ginger, garlic, orange juice, sherry and sesame seeds.
3. Strain the wood chips. Place 1 cup of dry wood chips on a large sheet of aluminum foil; mix in 2 cups of the wet until evenly distributed. Close the foil up loosely and make a sealed pouch. Pierce the pouch in several spots top and bottom. Repeat to make 3 pouches in total.
4. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature. Prepare barbecue by removing grates, placing a drip pan on one side of grill and place a smoke pouch on the other side. Replace the grates over the drip pan only.
5. Preheat the grill for indirect cooling by leaving the 2 burners off under the drip pan and putting the heat on under the smoke pouch. Allow to heat to a temperature of 220F heat. Once smoke begins to form, lift the lid and place the ribs on the grill over the drip pan where there is no heat. Close lid and smoke for 2 1/2 hours, changing the smoke pouch when the smoke dissipates.
6. After 2 1/2 hours, baste the ribs with the sauce. Close lid and continue to cook for 1 hour basting every 30 minutes. Ribs will be done when you can pull them from the bone with ease.
7. Remove ribs from grill; loosely tent with foil and let rest for 20 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with leftover Hunan sauce.