Barbecue Ribs with Spiced Rum Pineapple Sauce

Get ready to experience the juiciest, most tender barbecue ribs you’ve ever tasted, glazed with a homemade spiced rum pineapple sauce that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The secret to tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs lies in a steaming method before grilling, which locks in flavor and moisture. This homemade barbecue sauce combines the rich depth of molasses, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the tropical zing of pineapple, all rounded out with a touch of spiced rum. Once you try this, you’ll never reach for store-bought again!

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

• 1 rack of baby back pork ribs

For the Barbecue Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
• 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
• 2 tbsp spiced rum
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s gluten-free)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Barbecue Sauce

• In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, stir together the ketchup, maple syrup, and molasses. Let it simmer on low for 2–3 minutes.
• While simmering, add the remaining ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Once blended, add the mixture to the pot and stir for an additional 3–4 minutes. Turn off the heat once it’s well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large baking sheet with enough aluminum foil to fully wrap the ribs.
• Take 3/4 cup of the sauce and mix it with an equal amount of water. Pour this mixture evenly over the ribs, then wrap them tightly with the foil.

Step 3: Steam the Ribs

• Place the wrapped ribs in the oven and bake for 3 hours. The slow steaming process ensures the ribs are tender and full of flavor.

Step 4: Grill the Ribs

• After the ribs have finished in the oven, remove them carefully and place them on a large platter.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the ribs generously with the remaining sauce.
• Grill the ribs for 3–4 minutes on each side, just enough to caramelize the sauce and create a beautiful, crispy exterior.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once grilled, remove the ribs from the grill and serve immediately. Enjoy the smoky, sweet, and spicy ribs with your favorite sides!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of ribs?
   Yes, you can use spare ribs, but baby back ribs are preferred for their tenderness. Cooking time may vary slightly.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead. Just refrigerate it and reheat before using.
3. How do I know when the ribs are done?
   The ribs should be tender when pierced with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 190°F for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
4. Can I make this recipe on the grill only?
   While steaming in the oven makes the ribs tender, you can cook the ribs entirely on the grill by adjusting the heat and cooking time. Just ensure they are well-covered during the indirect heat phase.