Michael Chiarello's Babyback Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce

Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello

Show: Easy Entertaining with Michael ChiarelloEpisode: BBQ Cook-off

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (59)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(59)

Cook Time:
2 hr 30 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 2 hr 30 min
Total:: 2 hr 50 min

Recipe Tools:

Select a Card Size

Add To My Recipe Box

Success

This recipe was added to your Folder_Name folder.

Do not show this message again

Add To My Recipe Box

Please sign in to add this recipe to your Recipe Box.

Ingredients

2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 to 6 ribs per person)
Grey salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Espresso Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Cut each rack of ribs in half along the bone so they can be easily stacked. Lay them out on the parchment paper in which they were wrapped for easy cleanup.

Salt and pepper liberally on both sides and pat spices into the meat. Make sure to over season the ribs, because part of the rub will inevitably come off in the pan. On a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil, stack the ribs close together, about 3 layers high. Place in the oven for 2 hours, shifting the bottom layer of ribs to the top every 30 minutes until they are tender and almost falling off the bone.

One half hour before serving, transfer ribs to a preheated grill (if using coals, make sure they have burnt down to an ember). Brush ribs with Espresso Sauce and close grill. Continue to turn and brush the ribs with sauce every 10 minutes, about 3 more times.

Espresso Barbecue Sauce:

4 tablespoons mashed and minced garlic
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 cups ketchup
2 cups honey
Grey salt
2 demitasse cups espresso (or about 1/2 cup of strong coffee or instant espresso)

Fresh ground black pepper

Mash garlic with the side of a knife and then mince finely to release oils.

Add olive oil to a preheated saute pan. Add the garlic and saute until it gets light brown, about 1 minute. Add cider vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, and honey and stir well. Add a pinch of grey salt, then whisk in the coffee. Add freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes.

Let cool and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Yield: about 5 to 6 cups

Next Recipe

More recipes? Try these recommendations:

Similar Recipe

Emeril's Baby Back Ribs with Homemade Barbecue Sauce and Smashed Potato Salad

Picture of Michael Chiarello's Babyback Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Photo: Michael Chiarello's Babyback Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce

Similar Recipes

Recipes Like This

All About…

Recipe Collections

Showing 1-9 of 9

View all 9 Grilling Collections

Comments & Reviews

recipe Michael Chiarello's Babyback Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce
Tammy johnstown, PA 10-01-2009
Flag

Yummy
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I was making sloppy joes and needed a 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce and none was in the pantry. So, I made Micheal's sauce and hoped... for the best.My husband was helping me and saw the recipe called for strong coffee or espresso and got worried. Well, he ate 4 sandwiches at dinner and the kids devoured the rest. I saved the leftover sauce and will make the ribs this weekend. Next time I make this sauce, I will only put 1 cup of honey. The family said it was a little to sweet, but still good. Read more
recipe Michael Chiarello's Babyback Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce
Jennifer Mount Holly, NC 09-17-2009
Flag

Just made this today
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Pleasantly surprised about the flavor. My husband is VERY picky and this made the "To make again" list :) Thanks... Michael!!! Read more
recipe Michael Chiarello's Babyback Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce
Stephanie Newport News, VA 06-14-2009
Flag

So easy for such great flavor
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Just made this receipe yesterday and I was so surprised how much flavor the sauce has. We cooked the sauce longer to thicken... it. Also, had to cook the ribs for about three and half hours. But it was all said and done it was fabulous. My guests just couldn't stop talking about how good the ribs were. Read more
recipe Michael Chiarello's Babyback Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce
vj duluth, GA 05-16-2009
Flag

bone sucking ribs!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Made these for company the other day and just hoped for the best....my guests were just blown away about how delicious these... were and I was blown away about how easy they were. Pre cooking them allowed me to make them the day before and grill off just before dinner.Everyone of my guest loved the sauce but I just hated it, all I could taste was coffee, not what I want on my ribs. Maybe that's just me tho' All in all you're going to love these!Read more
recipe Michael Chiarello's Babyback Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce
null null, null 10-14-2008
Flag

Easy to do, perfectly cooked and flavourful ribs
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Hi all. I actually adapted the recipe to make sixty (60) servings (about 20 racks) for a school fund-raiser. The recipe... worked out great and the patrons loved it! I couldn't help but add a few twists to the recipe though: 1. I didn't bother to cut the racks until after grilling. I was using a regular oven (actually two!) and it just made it easier for the rotation (moving bottom rack to top every 1/2 hour). 2. I cooked the ribs in the oven for 2 1/2 hours, instead of 2. The ribs spent less time on the grill (gas). With the setting on "low" the ribs were grilled and done within 20 mins, turning and basting every 5 mins. 3. On the seasoning side, in total I used just 2 1/2 tbsps. salt for all 20 racks. I made a rub with garlic powder and black pepper making up the bulk of it, and supported it with paprika, cinammon, geera (cumin) and the salt. I made three batches of the sauce, and tweaked it as follows: 1. Instead of 2 cups of honey, I used 1 1/2 cups plus 1/4 cup dark molasses 2. Instead of 1/2 cup strong coffee, I used 2/3 cup 3. I added 1/3 cup of unsweetened chocolate chips Thanks foodnetwork...and thank you Michael !!! Mark CockburnRead more
recipe Michael Chiarello's Babyback Ribs with Espresso Barbecue Sauce
Anonymous 08-17-2008
Flag

Wonderful!!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

These ribs were the most tender ribs I've ever had. I had company for the 4th and they absolutely loved them and asked for... the recipe. The sauce makes quite a lot so I would half it next time. I'm thinking of having a neighborhood rib contest and I know mine would win!Read more