Grilled Baby Back Ribs With Spicy Peanut Shake

Grilled Baby Back Ribs With Spicy Peanut Shake
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
About 50 minutes
Rating
4(213)
Comments
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Marinating, it’s said, not only adds flavor and moisture that will stay with the food through the rigors of the grilling process, but also tenderizes whatever you’re about to put over the coals. There’s only one problem with this comforting culinary scenario: It’s mostly not true. These ribs are grilled naked, save for some salt and pepper. Afterward, they are cut into individual ribs and tossed with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, orange juice and ginger and sprinkled with a spicy peanut shake. You get the ease of last-minute preparation and brighter, clearer, more direct flavors and you can show off a bit for your guest as you mix and toss at the last minute.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 appetizer servings, 3 to 4 entree servings
  • cup dry-roasted peanuts, finely chopped
  • 1tablespoon roasted sesame oil
  • teaspoons chile powder
  • ¼cup thinly sliced scallions
  • 2racks of baby back ribs, about 2¼ pounds each
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • cup hoisin sauce
  • ¼cup soy sauce
  • ¼cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 2tablespoons minced ginger
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

926 calories; 67 grams fat; 21 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 28 grams monounsaturated fat; 13 grams polyunsaturated fat; 13 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 71 grams protein; 1133 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the shake: Combine the peanuts, sesame oil and chile powder in a small bowl and mix well, then put in a sauté pan over medium-low heat and toast, tossing occasionally, until light brown and very fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat. When the mixture has cooled to room temperature, stir in the scallions and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, build a fire in your grill; when the coals are all covered with gray ash and the temperature is medium low (you can hold your hand 5 inches above the coals for about 7 seconds), you’re ready to cook. (For a gas grill, turn all burners to high, lower cover and heat for 15 minutes, then turn burners to medium low.)

  3. Step 3

    Sprinkle the ribs generously with salt and pepper, put them on the grill directly over the coals, and cook until a peek inside shows that the meat no longer has any pink at the center, about 10 to 12 minutes per side.

  4. Step 4

    While the ribs are grilling, prepare all the remaining ingredients but keep in separate containers.

  5. Step 5

    Take the racks of ribs off the grill, cut them into individual ribs, and put them in a large bowl. Add the hoisin, soy, orange juice and ginger one after another and toss with spirit. Lay the ribs out on a platter, sprinkle with the spicy peanut shake and serve.

Ratings

4 out of 5
213 user ratings
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Comments

I had doubts about the ribs cooking method and they were justified after I followed it. The sauce was very tasty, but if you cook the ribs per the recipe you will end up with tough meat that is stuck to the bone.

The next time I make this I will use my regular rib method where I boil or slowly bake the ribs first, then finish on the BBQ and toss with the sauce.

Boil!!!??? Heathen!

Oh my gosh. Did ribs in oven, covered, 2 1/2 hours at 250, removed from oven, drained juices, then tossed with all those marinade ingredients. Roasted uncovered at 425 and kept turning them. When finally dark and glossy, tossed the finished ribs in the peanut shake. Really outstanding

My guests and I were dubious of the quick timing, but it worked great just as stated in the recipe! My ribs were extra meaty so it took a bit longer on the grill, but they came out fantastic. Before grilling the ribs I grilled a pineapple which paired with the ribs perfectly. Also: never boil ribs…..

The grilling time here just doesn’t work, it’s too short., cooking at a lower temperature, for about an hour, at 300 (we have a grill smoker), then increasing to 450 to finish created the right balance between tender and sear. Also, we employed the Japanese method of basting with half the marinade during the first part of the cook to imbue more flavor (and tenderize) and improved the flavor profile. Reduce the other half and the sauce is stickier allowing peanuts to adhere to the ribs.

Has anyone seared the ribs first and then roasted them at a low temperature for several hours?

Probably not for this recipe as it wasn't required.

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