Here’s a flavorful, spicy spare ribs recipe that’s sure to impress! The combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors makes for a deliciously memorable dish.
Ingredients:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of spare ribs (about 2.5-3 lbs total)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
For the Marinade/Spicy Rub:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 3 tbsp chili paste (or chili garlic sauce)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice level)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (for freshness)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (adjust to spice tolerance)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (if it’s not already done).
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then rub them with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Make the Marinade/Rub:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), chili paste, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ground ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, lime juice, and hot sauce.
- Taste the marinade and adjust for heat or sweetness as needed.
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Marinate the Ribs:
- Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is ideal).
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Cook the Ribs:
- Remove the ribs from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later).
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. You can wrap the ribs in foil to create a steam effect (for extra tender ribs).
- Roast the ribs in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone.
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Grill or Broil for Caramelization:
- Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
- If grilling, transfer the ribs to the grill and cook for another 10-15 minutes, basting with the leftover marinade every few minutes, until they get a nice char.
- If broiling, place the ribs under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
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Serve:
- Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or cornbread. Enjoy!
Pro Tip:
You can also serve these ribs with a spicy dipping sauce, like Sriracha mixed with a little honey or a creamy ranch to cool things down!
Enjoy your spicy spare ribs!