Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 3 shallots, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 Thai chiles, seeded and finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons good quality curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 star anise
  • 8 ripe purple plums, pitted and coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup plum juice
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons powdered ginger
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon whole black mustard seeds
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil, for rubbing
  • 2 racks St. Louis-style country ribs
  • Asian Rub, recipe follows
  • Green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Spanish paprika
  • 2 tablespoons dry mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ground star anise
  • 2 tablespoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground red pepper flakes

Method

  • Preheat grill or side burner.
  • Heat the oil in a large non-reactive saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the shallots and garlic and cook until soft.
  • Add the Thai chiles, ginger, curry powder and cinnamon and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and 1 cup of water.
  • Cook until the sauce is reduced and thickened about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Place plum mixture, in 2 to 3 batches, in a food processor and process until smooth, strain into a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
  • For the ribs:
  • Bring water, soy, ginger, peppercorns, coriander, mustard seeds and salt and pepper, to taste, in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat and preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Rub oil on both sides of the ribs.
  • Then rub each rack with the Asian Rub.
  • Place racks onto preheated grill and allow to cook only until grill marks have been made.
  • Divide the water and soy sauce mixture between 2 roasting pans, place the ribs on a baking rack and set over the liquid in the pan.
  • Roast the ribs in the preheated oven until about 3/4 of the way cooked, about 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
  • Heat the grill to high.
  • Transfer the ribs to the grill and grill until the ribs are tender, about 45 minutes longer, brushing with the glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  • Remove from the grill and brush with more of the glaze.
  • Slice into ribs and garnish with green onions.
  • Whisk all ingredients together.