Apricot-glazed pork ribs are a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky, savory flavor of tender ribs with a sweet and tangy apricot glaze. These ribs are first seasoned with a blend of spices, slow-cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, and then finished with a sticky apricot glaze that caramelizes beautifully under high heat. The combination of apricot preserves, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic creates a rich, luscious coating that perfectly complements the succulent pork. Perfect for barbecues, family gatherings, or a casual dinner, these apricot-glazed pork ribs are sure to be a hit with their irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back pork ribs (about 4-5 lbs total)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness and seasoning penetration.
- Season the Ribs:
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Bake the Ribs:
- Place the seasoned ribs on the prepared baking sheet, meat side up. Cover the ribs with another layer of aluminum foil to seal in the moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones.
- Make the Apricot Glaze:
- While the ribs are baking, prepare the apricot glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and olive oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the preserves are melted and the glaze is well combined. Set aside.
- Glaze and Finish the Ribs:
- Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Remove the top layer of foil from the ribs.
- Brush a generous amount of the apricot glaze over the top of each rack of ribs. Return the ribs to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. For an extra caramelized finish, you can broil the ribs for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve the apricot-glazed pork ribs with your favorite sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
These apricot-glazed pork ribs are a delicious combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that make them a standout dish for any meal. Perfectly tender with a sticky, caramelized glaze, these ribs are sure to impress family and friends.
