Mexican-style Barbecue Ribs

Ingredients

While the original American barbecue ribs are typically seasoned with a sweet and tangy sauce, Mexican-style barbecue ribs incorporate traditional Mexican spices and flavors such as chili powder, cumin, and chipotle peppers. The marinade and sauce are also spicier, giving the ribs a fiery kick that is characteristic of Mexican cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Barbecue Ribs, so you can check it out.

• 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds / 1.8 kg) 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds / 1.8 kg)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) barbecue sauce (Mexican-style, if available) 1 cup (240ml) barbecue sauce (Mexican-style, if available)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 30g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to make the dry rub.
3. 3.
   Rub the dry rub all over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chipotle peppers, and minced garlic to make the marinade.
5. 5.
   Place the ribs in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
6. 6.
   Remove the ribs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
7. 7.
   Grill the ribs over indirect heat for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. Baste the ribs with the barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of grilling.
8. 8.
   Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. 9.
   Serve the Mexican-style barbecue ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce — Use gloves when handling the peppers and be cautious of the heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
• Barbecue sauce — Look for a Mexican-style barbecue sauce with smoky and spicy flavors to enhance the Mexican twist in the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to the grill while cooking the ribs.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the dry rub and adjust the chipotle peppers accordingly.
• Letting the ribs marinate overnight will result in more flavorful and tender meat.
• Basting the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of grilling will create a sticky and caramelized glaze.
• Serve the ribs with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Mexican-style barbecue ribs as the main course, accompanied by traditional Mexican sides such as Mexican street corn, black beans, and Mexican rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the ribs on a platter, drizzle with extra barbecue sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for an appetizing presentation. Serve with colorful sides to create an enticing Mexican feast.