Barbecued Baby-Back Ribs
You can cook the ribs a day ahead and store them, wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator; bring them to room temperature before grilling.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 12
Ingredients
Pierre’s Barbecue Sauce
Preparation
Step 1
Divide ribs between 2 large pots. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook 3 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the surface. Drain; rinse under cold water. Cover ribs with cold water again.
Step 2
Divide celery, carrots, onion, and garlic between pots; add 1 tablespoon salt to each pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until ribs are tender, about 1 hour. Drain; discard vegetables.
Step 3
Preheat a grill to medium (if you are using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above grill for just 5 to 6 seconds). Season ribs generously with salt and pepper; brush with barbecue sauce. Grill, turning frequently and brushing with sauce occasionally, until heated through and marked by grill, about 15 minutes. Cut into servings of about 3 ribs each; brush with more sauce. Serve immediately.
Pierre’s Barbecue Sauce
Step 4
Place the peppers directly over the flame of a gas-stove burner on high heat or on a grill. Roast peppers, turning with tongs, until blackened all over. (Alternatively, broil peppers on a baking sheet, turning as each side becomes charred.) Transfer to a large bowl, and cover immediately with plastic wrap. Set aside to steam 15 minutes. Peel peppers; discard skin. Remove stems, seeds, and ribs; cut each pepper into pieces. Set aside.
Step 5
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and roasted peppers; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are dark golden brown on the edges, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in coriander, chili powder, and cayenne pepper; cook 30 seconds. Add sugar; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have broken down and are very soft, about 20 minutes.
Step 6
Stir in the vinegar, mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour through a coarse sieve into a medium bowl, pressing out liquid with a spoon; discard solids. Return to stove, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a vigorous simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced slightly and thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Taste, and adjust for seasoning. The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days.
