Sweet-and-Sour Balsamic-Glazed Spareribs

Ingredients for Sweet-and-Sour Balsamic-Glazed Spareribs

• 2 racks spareribs

• Kosher salt

• 4 to 6 sprigs of fresh thyme

• 600ml balsamic vinegar (don't waste your best balsamic here)

• 120ml honey

• 475ml ketchup

• 1 can beer (preferably dry)

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 red onion, diced

• 100g dark brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon molasses

• 60ml grainy mustard

• 1 or 2 teaspoons Tabasco (depending on how spicy you like it)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 120ml water

Preheat the oven to 121°C and place each rack of ribs on a square of aluminum foil. Sprinkle the ribs generously with salt, add a few sprigs of thyme to each, and then wrap well. Place the rib packets on a biscuit sheet and bake for 3 to 4 hours, until the ribs are extremely tender. Allow the ribs to cool slightly in their packets before opening.

To make the glaze, combine all of the ingredients in a large pot on medium-low heat. Allow to simmer, stirring every so often, for a few hours, until the sauce is nice and thick. Set aside.

To bring the ribs and glaze together, do the following. Turn on the grill (if you don't have a grill, get the oven up to 232°C). Cut the rib racks into individual ribs, place them on a foil-lined biscuit sheet or grill tray, and brush them aggressively with the glaze. Pop them under the grill and watch them carefully: all that sugar makes them burn very easily! You want the glaze to fuse with the ribs; it takes 3 to 4 minutes. If you're cooking the ribs in the oven, do so just until the glaze begins to bubble, 4 to 5 minutes. Serve the ribs hot with lots of napkins—trust me, you'll need them.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.