Smoky Habanero Glazed Beef Ribs with Spicy Pickled Onions

Author: Scott Stokes

Prep Time: Estimated 20 minutes
Cook Time: Estimated 3 hours
Total Time: Estimated 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Cuisine: Barbecue

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Ingredients:

• 3 racks of beef ribs
• For the rub:
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• For the glaze:
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons smoky habanero hot sauce
• For the spicy pickled onions:
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients.
3. Rub the mixture all over the beef ribs, covering them thoroughly.
4. Place the ribs in the smoker and cook for 2 hours, maintaining a steady temperature.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining all the glaze ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
6. After 2 hours, brush the ribs generously with the glaze. Continue cooking for another hour, basting with the glaze every 20 minutes.
7. While the ribs are smoking, prepare the spicy pickled onions. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Place the sliced onions in a jar or container and pour the pickling liquid over them. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour before using.
8. Once the ribs are tender and nicely glazed, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve the Smoky Habanero Glazed Beef Ribs with a side of spicy pickled onions.

Note: These beef ribs pair well with coleslaw and cornbread for a complete barbecue feast.

Marinades

Marinades are a fantastic way to infuse your meats with flavor and tenderize them at the same time. By combining ingredients like citrus juices, vinegar, herbs, and spices, you can create a delicious marinade that will enhance the taste and texture of your meats. If you're looking for high-quality marinade injectors to ensure even distribution of flavor, check out these Home and Gift Ideas.

For a bold and spicy kick, try a chili lime marinade. Combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Marinate your choice of protein for at least 30 minutes before grilling or roasting. The result is a tangy and zesty flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp.

If you prefer a sweet and savory marinade, consider a teriyaki marinade. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of pineapple juice. Marinate your meats for a few hours to overnight, and then cook them to perfection. The teriyaki marinade adds a delicious umami flavor to chicken, beef, or salmon.

For a Mediterranean-inspired marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a touch of honey. Marinate your choice of protein for a few hours, and then grill or sauté it. The Mediterranean marinade infuses the meat with a fresh and herbaceous flavor that pairs well with lamb, pork, or vegetables.

Dry Mixes

Dry mixes are convenient and versatile flavor enhancers that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are typically made by combining dried herbs, spices, and other seasonings. Dry mixes are a great way to add quick and easy flavor to meats, vegetables, dips, and more. If you're in need of high-quality spice grinders to freshly grind your spices for dry mixes, take a look at these Home and Gift Ideas.

One popular dry mix is taco seasoning. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use this mix to season ground beef or chicken for flavorful tacos, nachos, or quesadillas.

Another versatile dry mix is Italian seasoning. Mix dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, and garlic powder. This blend is perfect for seasoning pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or homemade pizzas.

For a spicy kick, try a Cajun seasoning mix. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Use this mix to add flavor to shrimp, chicken, or roasted potatoes. It's also great for making Cajun-inspired dishes like jambalaya or gumbo.

Sauces

Sauces are the perfect accompaniment to many dishes, adding richness and flavor. From tangy barbecue sauce to creamy aioli, there's a sauce to suit every taste. Making your own sauces at home allows you to customize the flavors and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you're in need of high-quality saucepans for making delicious homemade sauces, check out these Home and Gift Ideas.

One classic sauce is hollandaise sauce. This rich and creamy sauce is made with egg yolks, melted butter, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It's traditionally served with eggs Benedict or as a topping for steamed asparagus.

If you're a fan of spicy flavors, try making a homemade sriracha sauce. Blend together red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. This fiery sauce adds a kick to dishes like stir-fries, tacos, or roasted vegetables.

For a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce, combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, and then use it to glaze grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for chicken wings.

Dressings

Dressings are a great way to enhance the flavors of salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Making your own dressings allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. From creamy ranch to tangy vinaigrettes, there's a dressing for every salad. If you're looking for high-quality salad dressing shakers for easy mixing and serving, check out these Home and Gift Ideas.

One popular dressing is balsamic vinaigrette. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this tangy and slightly sweet dressing over mixed greens or use it as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

For a creamy option, make your own Caesar dressing. Blend together mayonnaise, anchovy fillets, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Toss this rich and garlicky dressing with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.

If you're a fan of Asian flavors, try a sesame ginger dressing. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, honey, and minced garlic. This dressing pairs well with mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, or as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.

Condiments

Condiments are the finishing touch that can take a dish from good to great. From tangy mustard to spicy hot sauce, condiments add flavor and depth to a variety of foods. Making your own condiments allows you to experiment with different flavors and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. If you're in need of high-quality condiment squeeze bottles for easy dispensing, take a look at these Home and Gift Ideas.

One classic condiment is homemade ketchup. Simmer together tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This tangy and slightly sweet ketchup is perfect for dipping fries, burgers, or hot dogs.

If you're a fan of spicy condiments, try making your own hot sauce. Blend together chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, salt, and a touch of sugar. Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili peppers. Drizzle this fiery sauce over tacos, eggs, or grilled meats.

For a tangy and refreshing condiment, make your own tzatziki sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. This creamy and herby sauce is great for dipping pita bread, spreading on sandwiches, or as a topping for grilled meats.

Ingredient Pairings

Butter is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its rich and creamy flavor enhances the taste of bread, garlic, and herbs, making it a fantastic addition to many dishes.

Food Facts

Mushrooms are not plants; they are fungi. They lack roots, leaves, and chlorophyll and rely on other organic matter for nutrition.

Cooking Tips

To prevent garlic from burning and becoming bitter, add it to the pan towards the end of the sautéing process or cook it on low heat.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pumpkin is a fall favorite known for its sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant orange color. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as pies, soups, roasted vegetables, and desserts.

Foraging Facts

When foraging for edible plants, avoid areas that might have been exposed to pesticides or pollutants, such as roadsides or areas near industrial sites. Opt for clean, pristine environments for your foraging adventures.

Baking Hacks

When making a pie crust, freeze the butter and grate it into the flour mixture using a box grater. This helps distribute the butter evenly and results in a flakier crust.

Culinary Terms

Searing is the process of quickly browning the surface of food in a hot pan or oven. It helps develop a rich flavor and attractive color crust on meats and other ingredients.

Dry Rubs

To create an earthy and aromatic dry rub, try using a combination of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage. These herbs pair well with roasted meats and infuse them with a savory, fragrant essence. You can also experiment with adding ground coffee or cocoa powder for a rich and complex flavor profile.

Wet Rubs

For a taste of the Mediterranean, create a wet rub with ingredients like Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This creamy and flavorful wet rub pairs beautifully with chicken, lamb, or even vegetables, giving them a Mediterranean twist.

Spice Blends

Herb de Provence is a delightful blend of dried herbs that originated in the Provence region of France. It typically includes herbs like thyme, rosemary, marjoram, savory, and lavender. Herb de Provence adds a fragrant and herbaceous flavor to roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even potato dishes.

Infused Oils

Remember to strain the infused oils thoroughly before using or storing them. This ensures a smooth texture and prevents any solid particles or contaminants from affecting the oil's quality or taste. A fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth can be used for this purpose.

Edible Flowers

One example of using edible flowers is to make a floral-infused syrup. Combine sugar, water, and edible flowers like lavender or rose petals in a saucepan, heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool and strain out the flowers. The resulting syrup can be used to flavor beverages, desserts, or even drizzled over pancakes or waffles for a touch of floral sweetness.