Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Cola Barbecue Sauce from Jamie Purviance

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As a judge of national and international barbecue competitions, I've seen a lot of prize-winning teams wrap their fully cooked ribs in foil and let them 'rest' for about thirty minutes. This technique not only keeps the ribs warm; the moist heat trapped inside makes them unbelievably tender.   - Jamie Purviance

Cooking Method:
Smoking Smoking
Prep Time :
1 hr 50 min - 2 hr 20 min
Servings :
4
  • Ingredients
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    Rub

    2 tsp. kosher salt
    1 tsp. granulated garlic
    1 tsp. pure chile powder
    1 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

    Sauce

    1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
    1/2 tsp. pure chile powder
    1/2 tsp. ground cumin
    1/6 cup ketchup
    1/3 cup cola
    2 tbsp. soy sauce
    2 tbsp. cider vinegar
    1/4 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
    1/8 tsp. mesquite liquid smoke

Directions

    To make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the garlic, chile powder, and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining sauce ingredients, whisk them together, and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes.
    Remove the thin membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. Allow the ribs to stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling.
    To make the rub: In a small bowl, mix the rub ingredients. Season the ribs all over with the rub, pressing the spices into the meat.
    Drain the mesquite chips and toss them onto the burning coals or into the smoking box of a gas grill. Grill the ribs over Indirect Low heat (grill temperature should be about 300°F) until the meat is very tender and has shrunk back from the ends of the bones, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. About 15 minutes before the ribs are done, start brushing occasionally with the sauce on both sides.
    Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and tightly cover with aluminum foil. Let rest for 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Tips:

About 2 cups mesquite chips, soaked in water for at least 1 hour