Baby Back Ribs with Spiced Apple Cider Vinegar Glaze

Baby back ribs are a popular fun finger food often served at summer backyard parties and in sports bars. The tender cut of meat, marinated in apple cider vinegar, is cooked until the meat is almost falling off the bone. This finger-lickin’ delicacy is typically served with fries or onion rings, and coleslaw as a side dish.

To retain the meat’s juiciness and avoid drying out the ribs during grilling, apple cider vinegar is used in addition to the spice rub because its acidic nature acts as a tenderizer. Moreover, its natural saltiness reduces the significant amount of salt usually found in most recipes.

Recipes for baby back ribs vary in taste, from sweet to spicy. This particular one involves a dry spice rub and a sweet glaze that is used to generously coat the ribs before and during grilling. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Ingredients for the glaze:
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons allspice, whole
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon dry mustard
6 cardamom pods
1 stick cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the rub:
3 to 4 pounds baby back ribs (slabs are cut in half)
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ cup apple cider
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1) Begin by preparing the glaze. Put all the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed stock pot and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring continuously to dissolve the brown sugar. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer gently for about 30 to 40 minutes, until it thickens to a sticky consistency. Remove from the stove and strain. Keep aside.

2) Place the ribs in a baking pan lined with aluminum foil for easy cleaning. In a bowl add the spices for the rub and mix well. Rub the mixture into the meat with your fingers and set aside to marinate for one hour.

3) Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.

4) Now pour 2 cups of apple cider into the baking pan and cover the ribs with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly. Place in the oven to bake for at least two hours, until the meat is well-cooked.

5) Remove the ribs from the pan and let cool.

6) Preheat a grill. Brush the baby back ribs with a liberal coating of the glaze and place directly on the grill. You can re-glaze the ribs often during cooking if you enjoy an extra-thick spicy crust. Cook until browned and slightly caramelized. Remove from the heat and cut the ribs apart with a sharp knife. Extra glaze can be served on the side.