Lunch / Dinner
Mezcal Ribs with Margarita Glaze
Take baby back ribs, tequila's smokier, cooler cousin mezcal and your smoker and make magic happen with these Mezcal Ribs with Margarita Glaze. The ribs are marinated in citrus, aromatics, jalapeños and hickory-smoked salt (for extra smoky flavor), then brushed with a citrusy mezcal glaze reminscient of margaritas for a spicy, saucy finish. If you're a newbie with the smoker or just need a refresher, here's a helpful article on how to prepare and smoke ribs.
Ingredients
FOR THE PASTE, COARSELY MINCE:
RUB:
FOR THE GLAZE, BOIL:
Test Kitchen Tip
Artisanal mezcal is very trendy, despite having been around for over 200 years. If you can’t find mezcal, substitute with silver (aka white or blanco) tequila.
Instructions
Prepare smoker and wood chunks according to manufacturer’s directions to maintain a temperature of 225–275°.
For the paste, coarsely mince cilantro, onions, jalapeño, garlic, lime and orange juices, mezcal, agave, salt, cumin, and pepper in a food processor.
Rub ribs with paste, covering all surfaces; refrigerate, 2 hours, turning occasionally. Shake loose paste off ribs.
For the glaze, boil orange juice, mezcal, agave, lime juice, chipotle, and salt in a saucepan over high heat until syrupy and reduced to 1 cup, 10 minutes.
Arrange ribs on rib rack, then place on smoker rack.
Smoke ribs, covered, 2 hours, then transfer to grill grate; baste ribs with glaze. Smoke ribs, covered, 30–60 minutes more, glazing once more. Ribs are done when they droop, and crack, when held up with a pair of tongs.
Transfer ribs to a platter, let stand 10 minutes, then slice into individual ribs; serve with any remaining glaze.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 904
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 66g 101%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Cholesterol 227mg 75%
Sodium 760mg 31%
Carbs 20g 6%
Protein 44g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.