An Arctic cold snap certainly inspires one to rethink the traditional all-day hickory-smoked approach to barbecued ribs, especially with a 10°F wind chill outside and football and a roaring fire inside. Saucy Asian-style Rooster Riblets were named when we first made them for Chinese New Year, then the Year of the Rooster. Rename them annually, throw them in the oven, set the timer, and relocate your cooking post to the recliner. Even better, cook them a couple days in advance. Before serving, reheat the ribs with their sauce for a few minutes in the oven, on a grill, or under the broiler to add a little crust. Chinese ribs aren’t a good match for the usual baked beans, potato salad, and creamy slaw. If you’re up for it, serve pan-fried dumplings (find them in the grocery freezer section) or rice and an icy rice vinegar–cucumber salad (page 153).
Recipe information
Yield
makes 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Sauce
Preparation
Step 1
HEAT the oven to 300°F.
Step 2
COMBINE the dry rub and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Step 3
PLACE the ribs on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil set on a large baking sheet. Coat both sides of the racks generously with the dry rub mixture. Seal the foil over the ribs.
Step 4
ROAST the ribs for 1 1/2 hours. Open the foil and check for doneness. If you prefer more fall-off-the-bone tenderness, rewrap and roast for another 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 5
While the ribs roast, Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer for a few minutes. Warm the sauce before using.
Step 6
REMOVE the ribs from the oven and cut into individual riblets. Heat the broiler. Brush the ribs with the sauce.
Step 7
BROIL the ribs about 4 inches from the heat source until the sauce caramelizes, about 5 minutes. Watch carefully, because the sauce will begin to char. Or, finish them on a medium hot grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning the ribs often with tongs. Brush the ribs with more warm sauce and continue to grill until the sauce caramelizes, about 5 minutes. (The ribs may be made ahead up to this point.)
Step 8
If rewarming the ribs, Wrap them in foil and place in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.
