Italian-style Barbecue Ribs

Ingredients

While the original American barbecue ribs are typically seasoned with a dry rub and smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce, this Italian adaptation adds a Mediterranean twist. The ribs are marinated in a flavorful blend of Italian herbs, garlic, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. The result is a harmonious fusion of smoky, savory, and herbaceous flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Barbecue Ribs, so you can check it out.

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 2 kg / 4.4 lbs) 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 2 kg / 4.4 lbs)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) Italian-style barbecue sauce 1 cup (240ml) Italian-style barbecue sauce

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 30g (Saturated Fat: 9g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Place the racks of ribs on a large baking sheet and generously rub the herb mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. 5.
   Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
6. 6.
   Grill the ribs over indirect heat for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bones.
7. 7.
   During the last 15 minutes of grilling, brush the ribs with the Italian-style barbecue sauce, turning them occasionally to create a sticky glaze.
8. 8.
   Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Garlic — Make sure to mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the marinade.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If you can't find fresh, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantities by half.
• Italian-style barbecue sauce — Look for a high-quality Italian-style barbecue sauce or make your own by combining tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Italian herbs.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra tenderness, wrap the marinated ribs in foil and bake them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 2 hours before grilling.
• Baste the ribs with the barbecue sauce during the last 15 minutes of grilling to prevent the sauce from burning.
• Serve the ribs with a side of grilled vegetables and a fresh green salad to complete the Italian experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian-style Barbecue Ribs hot, straight off the grill. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for an extra touch of freshness. Accompany the ribs with a squeeze of lemon juice to add a zesty kick.

Presentation advice

Arrange the ribs on a large platter, stacked on top of each other for an impressive presentation. Drizzle any remaining barbecue sauce over the ribs and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.