- 5 August 2023
It's barbecue season, and what better way to celebrate than with succulent American-style pork ribs? These ribs feature a mouthwatering sweet and spicy glaze that pairs perfectly with a refreshing mango salsa, taking them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The unique smoky flavours and caramelised crust achieved by cooking these ribs on a BBQ make them an irresistible treat for any home cook or grill enthusiast.
Ingredients list
- 2 racks American-style pork ribs
Spice rub
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper
Sauce
- 50g butter, melted
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ⅓ cup whiskey
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Small handful of fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preparing the BBQ


- Soak your Weber Hickory Chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the barbecue to 120°C, setting it up for indirect cooking over very low heat using the Weber Trivet.
- Place the Weber Smoker Boxes with the soaked hickory chips inside on either side of the grill. This will infuse the ribs with a delightful smoky flavour.
Step 2: Preparing the Ribs


- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the spice rub. Mix well.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the racks of American-style pork ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Cooking the Ribs


- Lay the racks bone side down on the trivet in the preheated BBQ.
- Close the lid and cook for approximately 2½ hours, or until the meat is tender and has slightly shrunk back from the bone. It's important to maintain a low and consistent heat during this process to prevent overcooking.


While the ribs are cooking, you can prepare the sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and stirring until well combined.
Step 4: Adding the Glaze


- After the ribs have become tender, remove the trivet for indirect cooking.
- Brush the racks generously with the prepared sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Return the ribs to the BBQ and continue cooking on the grill for 10–15 minutes, basting the ribs with sauce frequently. This will help create a sticky and slightly charred exterior.
Step 5: Prepare Mango Salsa


- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mangoes, chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped jalapeño pepper.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Add the freshly chopped cilantro (coriander) to the bowl and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Allow the flavours to meld together by refrigerating the mango salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serving the Ribs


- Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat.
- Serve the ribs with extra sauce, a refreshing mango salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander (cilantro) for added brightness and flavour.
- Enjoy the delectable combination of tender pork ribs, sweet and spicy glaze, and the vibrant flavours of the mango salsa.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can achieve mouthwatering sweet and spicy barbecue pork ribs right on your BBQ. The unique flavours and textures imparted by grilling them on a BBQ, along with the delightful mango salsa, will elevate your barbecue experience to new heights.
Get ready to impress your guests and enjoy a memorable barbecue feast. Happy grilling!
Discover a variety of delicious recipes, including mouthwatering barbecue creations, refreshing sides, and delectable desserts, by exploring our extensive collection of recipe articles.
Recipe adapted from original on Weber.com with permission.