Orange BBQ Ribs

Luckily here in Southern Utah we get to enjoy summer a little longer than everyone else. That means more time to fit summer recipes and BBQs. I personally feel that ribs are a quintessential part of summer and should definitely make an appearance at your next party. No need to find your inner pitmaster or fill your backyard up with smoke. This recipe is simple enough for the at-home rib maker yet full of delicious “BBQ joint” flavor. The ribs are seasoned, slow cooked, and then finished on a hot grill lacquered in an orange BBQ glaze for the perfect sweet and tangy fall off the bone bite. Tuck your napkin in your shirt, pop open a nice cold coke, and dig in!

Orange BBQ Ribs

Ingredients: Serves 8

Ribs

• 2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon dry mustard

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 8 pounds baby back pork ribs (8 racks)

Glaze

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup orange Juice

• 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce, (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s Original)

• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1/4 teaspoon allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

• Garnish with cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a small bowl combine salt, dry mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Place each rack of ribs on double-layered tin foil and sprinkle evenly over each rack. Wrap racks individually and divide between 2 baking sheets.

2. Place racks in the oven and bake for 3 hours. Ribs should be tender, but not falling of the bone. When finished, carefully unwrap ribs. (This step can be done 2-3 days in advanced. Just let cool and place in the fridge letting the flavors marinade.)

3. Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium high heat. In a small saucepan, combine butter, honey, orange juice, orange zest, BBQ sauce, mustard, and allspice. On medium heat, whisk mixture until thoroughly mixed and the glaze is heated through. Don’t let boil.

4. Grill ribs basting with BBQ glaze and turning frequently. Continue to grill and baste until ribs are lacquered with sauce and heated completely through, 7-8 minutes. Don’t worry if ribs are falling apart. Placing in the fridge before grilling can help.

5. Transfer to cutting board, separate bones and meat with a knife, top with cilantro or parsley, and then serve with additional BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

Post Written by Kayla V.