Honey Chipotle Grilled Ribs

Serves 6 · 25 min prep · 110 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 620 cal
• 42g protein
• 28g carbs
• 38g fat
• 1g fiber

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Ingredients

• 4 lb pork baby back ribs
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 3 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce from can
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp neutral oil

Instructions

1. 1Pat the ribs dry and remove the thin membrane from the bone side by sliding a knife under one corner and pulling it off in one sheet with a paper towel for grip.
2. 2Stir together the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, then rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
3. 3Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in foil or place on a sheet pan, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight so the rub can season the meat deeply.
4. 4Preheat a gas or charcoal grill for two-zone cooking: one side medium-high direct heat around 400°F and one side cooler indirect heat around 275–300°F.
5. 5Place the ribs bone-side down on the indirect side, close the lid, and cook 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, rotating the racks once, until the meat pulls back from the bones and feels tender when pressed.
6. 6Meanwhile, mince the chipotle peppers and whisk them with the adobo sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, lime juice, and oil in a small saucepan.
7. 7Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until glossy and slightly thickened; taste and keep warm off heat.
8. 8Move the ribs over direct heat and brush generously with the honey-chipotle sauce. Grill 3–5 minutes per side, basting once more, until the glaze is sticky, caramelized, and lightly charred at the edges.
9. 9Transfer ribs to a board, tent loosely with foil, and rest 10 minutes so juices settle.
10. 10Slice between the bones into individual ribs, arrange on a large platter, and drizzle with remaining warm sauce for sharing.