Ginger-Rubbed Country Spareribs with Apricot Glaze
Rub
3 tablespoons packed golden brown sugar
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon Chinese five spice
Kosher salt
2 racks St. Louis–style spareribs, each 3–3½ pounds, membrane removed
Glaze
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon peeled, grated fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced or pushed through a press
½ cup apricot preserves
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Prepare the grill for indirect and direct cooking over low heat (250 degrees to 300 degrees).
For the rub: In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, pepper, ginger, mustard powder, Chinese five-spice blend and ¾ teaspoon salt. Season the racks all over with the rub, putting more of the rub on the meaty side. Allow the racks to stand at room temperature for 45 minutes before grilling.
Grill the racks, bone side down, over indirect low heat, with the lid closed, for 2 hours.
For the glaze: Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the ginger and the garlic and cook until fragrant and just starting to brown, about 1 minute, stirring often. Stir in ¾ teaspoon salt, the preserves, and the soy sauce. Bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat.
Remove the racks from the grill and brush both sides with three-fourths of the apricot-soy glaze. Wrap each rack in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Return the foil-wrapped racks to the grill and continue cooking over indirect low heat, with the lid closed, until the meat has shrunk back from the ends of most of the bones at least ¼ inch or more in several places and the meat tears easily when you lift each rack, about 1½ hours more. Remove from the grill and let rest until cool enough to handle.
Carefully remove the racks from the foil and discard the rendered fat and foil. Brush the racks with the remaining glaze, return to the grill over direct low heat, close the lid, and cook until they are lightly charred, about 5 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove from the grill and let rest 5-10 minutes. Serve warm.
Serves four.
“Weber’s New Real Grilling” by Jamie Purviance (2013 Weber-Stephen Products LLC)