Late summer is still grilling season with all kinds of bbq options available.  We see both beef and pork ribs on sale for bargain prices quite regularly making this favorite easy on the budget. 

Pork ribs come a few different ways.  One being spareribs and another being baby back ribs.  Spareribs are flatter in shape and have a higher fat to meat ratio.  Baby back ribs are curved and are meatier and leaner.  When baby backs are on sale, it is great to stock up and freeze them. They come in racks that are about 12-14 inches long averaging about 2 – 2 1/2 pounds in weight.

The thing to know about cooking ribs is that they require at least a few hours on a medium grill in order to be tender enough to eat.  I have also found that cooking them on low for 5-6 hours in the crock pot gets them nice and tender and doesn’t require a lot of attention.  At this point, you can finish them on your grill or you can freeze them for another occasion and finish them just before serving.  If you do not have access to a grill for finishing, then place them in a 450 F. oven on a rimmed baking tray for about 15 minutes, adding the sauce the last 5 minutes.  The sauce burns easily so adding it just long enough to heat and slightly brown is the best option. 

This recipe doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.  If this Asian variation of bbq sauce doesn’t appeal to you, feel free to use your favorite bbq sauce only with this simple cooking method.     

2  racks of baby back pork ribs, thawed
Salt and pepper
2/3  cup Asian salad dressing
1/3  cup of your favorite bbq sauce
1  teaspoon ground ginger

Cut racks of ribs in half.  Season both sides with salt and pepper.  Place in a 6 quart crock pot.  Add 1 cup water and set on low.  Cook for 5-6 hours or until ribs are fork tender. At this point, you may wish to refrigerate or freeze to serve at a later time.  To serve, preheat grill to medium high.  Combine Asian salad dressing, bbq sauce and ground ginger.  Remove ribs from the crock pot.  Place on the grill allowing them to get slightly crispy.  About 4-5 minutes per side.  (If ribs are cold, cook approx. 8-10 minutes per side.)  Brush with bbq sauce and heat through additional 1-2 minutes as sauce will burn easily.  Cut into individual ribs if you choose.  Makes 4-6 Servings. Enjoy!