Thai Style Sweet Chili Ribs

Welcome to a tantalizing exploration of flavors with our Thai Style Sweet Chili Ribs recipe. This dish blends the unique tastes of Thailand with the beloved tradition of barbecue, creating a fusion that promises to excite your palate and impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious cook, this recipe will guide you through crafting a mouth-watering meal that combines succulent pork ribs with a spicy, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce. Let’s dive into the details.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a non-fish alternative)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (or rice vinegar as a substitute)

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (or rice vinegar)

For the Ribs:

• 5-6 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs), silver skin removed and fat trimmed
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

Directions

Marinating the Ribs:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients thoroughly.
2. Brush the mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Place the ribs in a sealed container and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Preparing the BBQ Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, mix all BBQ sauce ingredients.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the peanut butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth and cohesive. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Cooking the Ribs:

1. Arrange the ribs in a slow cooker with the bones facing vertically, wrapping around the interior.
2. Set the slow cooker on low and cook until the ribs are tender enough to fall off the bone, approximately 6-8 hours.
3. Once cooked, transfer the ribs carefully to a baking sheet.
4. Generously apply half of the BBQ sauce on the ribs and broil in the oven until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize. This step should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Garnish the ribs with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Serving: Serve the ribs hot and accompanied by the remaining BBQ sauce for an extra flavor kick.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 12 hours (includes marinating)
• Cooking Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 1008 per serving

This recipe not only provides a delicious way to enjoy ribs but also introduces you to the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, making it perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion. The combination of sweet chili sauce, peanut butter, and spices offers a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and heat, which complements the rich, tender ribs. Enjoy your culinary journey through Thailand with every bite!