Barbecued Baby Back Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce

The secret's in the sauce! Baste the usual ribs with this coffee spiked barbecue sauce for a lip smackin' good meal.  

Serves 4  
Prep Time 15 minutes  
Cooking Time 2 to 2 1/2 hours

Ingredients:


For the barbecue sauce

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup strong coffee

salt and pepper, to taste

2 (500- to 700-gram) slabs baby back ribs

2 teaspoons salt, divided 

1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided

2 tablespoons ground espresso, divided

Procedure:


1  Make the barbecue sauce: Place ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

2  Lay 1 slab on a sheet of foil. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Dust with 1 tablespoon ground espresso. Repeat with remaining slab.

3  Brush front and back of each slab with the barbecue sauce. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup to make the ribs "swim" a little in the sauce. Enclose slab by twisting both ends of the foil. Repeat with the other slab. Allow to marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

4  Preheat oven to 325ºF. Place slabs on a baking sheet and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until fork tender.

5  Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 15 minutes.  

6  Preheat the griller. Place slabs on the grill, basting occasionally with the barbecue sauce. Grill for about 5 to 7 minutes per side.

7  Serve with the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.