TAKEOUT-STYLE CHINESE SPARE RIBS

Takeout-Style Chinese Spare Ribs image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 6h15m

Yield 20 to 24 ribs

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey, plus a bit extra to finish
1 tablespoon five-spice powder
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon red food coloring
2 racks spare ribs (8 to 10 pounds, St. Louis-style work best), individually sliced into single ribs

Steps:

Mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger and food coloring in a metal, non-reactive bowl. Pour the marinade into a large zip-top bag, reserving 1/2 cup on the side for basting later. Add the ribs to the bag and marinate, refrigerated, for at least 3 hours, though longer is better and overnight is ideal.
Heat a charcoal or gas grill to 275 degrees F for direct and indirect grilling.
Remove the ribs from the marinade (discard the marinade) and place onto a wire rack. Place the rack directly on the cooler side of the grill. Cook until the meat is very tender, basting with the reserved marinade 3 times during the cooking process, 2 to 3 hours.
Drizzle the ribs with honey, move them to the direct heat side and quickly char each rib to caramelize.