Spicy Ribs with Citrus Glaze
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork ribs | 2 racks |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Lemons | 1 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tbsp |
| New potatoes | 4 |
| Red Tropea onions | 1 |
| Ripe tomatoes | 2 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the citrus glaze. Begin by squeezing the juice from the lemon into a bowl. Add the olive oil, honey, the grated zest of the lemon, Dijon mustard, and the lemon juice. Mix everything together until well combined. Transfer this glaze into a squeeze bottle for easy application.
Step 2: For the roasted potatoes, preheat your oven to 200ยฐC (400ยฐF). Place the new potatoes in a disposable aluminum tray. Peel and finely chop the rosemary, and add it to the tray. Peel the tomatoes, remove their seeds, and chop them into chunks, adding them to the potatoes along with the rosemary. Pour the lemon juice over the potatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together and roast in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 3: For the ribs, season them generously with salt and black pepper. Brush a light layer of the citrus glaze over the ribs. Place them directly on the grill, cooking for about 5 minutes per side over high heat to get a nice char.
Step 4: Once seared, move the ribs to the cooler side of the grill. Add pre-soaked hickory wood chips to the coals to infuse the ribs with a smoky flavor. Cover the grill and let the ribs smoke for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: After 30 minutes, pour a couple of tablespoons of water into a disposable aluminum tray and place the ribs in it. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and cook the ribs over indirect heat for another 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and lock in moisture.
Step 6: After the cooking time has passed, return the ribs to the direct heat for another 2 minutes per side to crisp up the exterior. During this time, brush them with more of the citrus glaze for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
Step 7: Serve the ribs hot, alongside the roasted potatoes, which should have a crispy, golden texture. Enjoy these juicy, smoky, and tangy ribs with the zesty and tender potatoes for a perfect meal.
Cooking Tips
- Wood Chips: For extra flavor, try experimenting with different types of wood chips like apple or cherry wood for smoking the ribs.
- Glaze Variations: You can adjust the glaze to your taste by adding more honey for sweetness or more mustard for a tangy kick.
- Resting Time: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a tender bite every time.
This flavorful dish combines the boldness of spicy ribs with the bright and tangy citrus glaze, paired with perfectly roasted potatoes, making it a fantastic choice for a special dinner or a summer barbecue.
