Beer Brined Baby Back Ribs with Honey BBQ Sauce

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with this tantalizing recipe for Beer Brined Baby Back Ribs with Honey BBQ Sauce, which promises to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends alike. The secret to these delectable ribs lies in the simple yet effective brining process that not only keeps the meat moist and juicy but also enhances the flavor profile, making each bite a mouthwatering experience.

Recipe Overview

• Total Time: 8 hours
• Prep Time: 6 hours
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Pork
• Servings: Varies

Description

Great ribs recipe. The brine keeps the meat moist and juicy. The sauce is quite tasty as well! Recipe adapted from “Simply Perfect Grilling.” Make the sauce ahead of time to save time and effort before cooking!

Nutritional Information

Before diving into the cooking process, here is the nutritional breakdown to keep you informed about the delightful indulgence you’re about to enjoy.

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience. The following table lists each ingredient along with its corresponding quantity.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your succulent Beer Brined Baby Back Ribs with Honey BBQ Sauce. Each step is designed to guide you through the process seamlessly, ensuring that you achieve the best results possible.

1. Prepare the Ribs: Begin by rinsing the baby back ribs under cold water to clean them thoroughly. Next, you will want to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs; this can be achieved by sliding a sharp knife under the membrane to loosen it. Once loosened, grab the membrane with a dry paper towel for a better grip and pull it off completely, which will help the flavors penetrate the meat more effectively.

2. Cutting the Ribs (Optional): If you prefer, you may cut the ribs into sections before brining. This can make them easier to handle and can help with the brining process.

3. Mix the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the beer, kosher salt, brown sugar, celery seed, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and liquid smoke. Place the saucepan over low heat and gently stir the mixture until all the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the brine to cool to room temperature.

4. Brining the Ribs: Place the rib sections into a large ziplock bag or a resealable container. Pour the cooled brine over the ribs, ensuring that they are fully submerged. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly. Allow the ribs to brine in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight for optimal flavor infusion. Don’t forget to rotate the bag occasionally to ensure that all parts of the ribs are evenly brined.

5. Preparing for Cooking: Before cooking, remove the ribs from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the used brine as it has served its purpose.

6. Setting Up the Grill: Prepare your grill for indirect cooking by placing a drip pan in the center of the grill. For optimal results, preheat your grill to medium heat. You can test this by holding your hand above the grates; if you can hold it there for about 3 seconds before it becomes too hot, the temperature is just right.

7. Cooking the Ribs: Once the grill is ready, place the ribs over the drip pan. Close the lid of the grill and cook the ribs using indirect medium heat for approximately 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. You are looking for the ribs to become tender, with the meat slightly pulling away from the edges of the bones, which indicates that they are perfectly cooked. If needed, add additional coals during cooking to maintain the heat.

8. Basting the Ribs: During the last few minutes of cooking, generously baste the ribs with the prepared honey BBQ sauce, allowing the sauce to caramelize and set into the ribs, which will add an extra layer of flavor.

9. Making the Honey BBQ Sauce: To prepare the sauce, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in the hot oil until the onions become tender and translucent.

10. Combining Ingredients for Sauce: Once the onions and garlic are ready, stir in the Heinz chili sauce, beer, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared yellow mustard. Mix everything thoroughly and bring the sauce to a boil. After reaching a boil, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

11. Serving the Ribs: Once the ribs are done cooking and have reached the perfect tenderness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice between the bones to serve individual portions and drizzle with any remaining honey BBQ sauce for that extra touch of flavor.

12. Enjoy: Your Beer Brined Baby Back Ribs with Honey BBQ Sauce are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them alongside your favorite summer sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob, and prepare for an unforgettable feast that is sure to please any crowd.

Tips for Success

• For an added flavor twist, experiment with different types of beer in the brine to find your favorite profile.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of honey in the recipe, or for a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
• Remember, patience is key; allowing the ribs to brine for an extended time enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.

Conclusion

This recipe for Beer Brined Baby Back Ribs with Honey BBQ Sauce embodies the essence of summertime grilling, offering a delightful combination of flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds. With its juicy, tender meat and a rich, sweet sauce, this dish is bound to become a staple at your summer cookouts and family gatherings. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and indulge in the succulent delight that these ribs offer!

Feel free to share your thoughts on this recipe or how it turned out for you! Your feedback is invaluable, and I hope you create memorable meals with it.