Chinese-Style Ribs

4 from 1 ratings

These Chinese-style ribs are served with a sweet, guava barbecue sauce that balances their spicy flavor with a sweet and tart finish. Recipe contributed by Steven Raichlen for Food & Wine magazine.

Servings

servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon chinese five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
5 pound baby back ribs
1/2 cup medium-dry sherry
barbecue sauce, for serving and glazing

Directions

Light a charcoal grill. When the coals are covered with a light gray ash, push them to opposite sides of the grill and set a disposable drip pan in the center. Alternatively, if you’re using a gas grill, turn off the center burners.
In a bowl, combine the sugar, salt, dry mustard, Chinese five-spice powder, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Sprinkle the mixture over the ribs. Pour the sherry into a spray bottle.
Place the ribs on the hot grate above the drip pan and away from the coals, bony side down. Cover and grill for 30 minutes. Spray the ribs with sherry. Cover and grill for another 30 minutes. Shift the ribs around (but keep them bony side down) and spray once more with sherry. Cover and grill for 30 minutes longer, until the meat is tender. Replenish the coals as necessary.
Take the ribs off the grill and spread the coals out evenly. Brush the barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs and grill directly over the fire (high heat on a gas grill) for about 1 minute per side, until glazed. Transfer the ribs to a work surface and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut down between the bones and arrange the ribs on a platter. Pass the remaining sauce at the table.