Amazing BBQ baby back ribs

There’s something about ribs that brings out the Neanderthal in me. In fact, when I think about it all meat on the bone that you are required to eat using hands and ripping brings out the Neanderthal in me. I stop using my words and communicate in a series of grunts and whistles punctuated with eyebrow speak…ie up for good, down for gooder. And there’s something weirdly satisfying looking at plate full of stripped bones with a face covered in sauce.

This recipe is a bit of a faff. But, it’s well worth it – the ribs are essentially seasoned and cooked twice so if you feeling this then set aside 2.5 hours from start to finish. Here’s a tip  – go to the pub during the first cooking stage…..and this is real beer food.

Sorts out two ‘just back from the pub’ louts

2 sides of pork ribs – fresh and unsalted

The Dry Rub
1 tbs smoked paprika
1 tbs garlic salt
1 tbs dried coriander leaf
1 tbs dried oregano
1 tbs crushed black pepper
1 tps cumin power
1 tps sugar
1 tps cayenne pepper

Mix all of the above well and liberally cover the pork ribs, pat it into the meat then cling and sling in the fridge. The cling will make the meat sweat allowing the dry rub to get well into it. Leave for as long as you want but at least 1 hour.

The Bar B Q sauce
2 tbs ketchup
1 tbs brown sauce
1 tbs tomato puree
1 tbs mustard powder
3-4 cloves garlic crushed
1 tbs dark soy sauce
1 big squirt honey

Combine all of the above into a sticky goo – this is going to be painted onto the ribs and used as a dip.

When you ready to roll, stick the oven on half tilt. Sling the ribs into a lightly oiled roaster and cover with tin foil – make a really tight seal. Whack in the oven, hit the pub – 2 hours.

When you get back, remove the ribs and let cool on a toasting rack – save the fat that remains for wedges etc, etc.

At this stage you can serve the ribs – no worries – but this next bit is where they take on a real Bar B Q sting. Paint the ribs with the Bar B Q sauce then sling on a Bar B or under the grill.

Serve with potato wedges or salad – the meat will be fall apart !!