I like recipes with an Asian twist and kids like root beer so that's how this recipe for Sweet Chili Root Beer Ribs came to be. With only four ingredients it's an easy recipe yet to make it gluten free, I had to make the sweet Indonesian soy sauce called kecap manis. It only takes ten minutes to make and will last for months but it's a step. When you taste these ribs I think you'll agree, it was worth the effort.
Prep ahead by baking these ribs in the oven the day before. Then your dinner comes together easily with corn, on or off the cob and homemade potato salad. Finish this summer menu with a Brownie Ice Cream Cake made in advance. If there's no time for that simply grill fresh peaches and serve with store bought ice cream. A summer specialty.
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Ingredients for Asian Pork Ribs
These four ingredients deliver the perfect balance of sweet, heat and smoke for a complex flavour that might make you want to lick your plate.
- Baby back ribs - These pork ribs that are smaller and more tender than spare ribs so look for them.
- Homemade kecap manis - I'm sure you can buy this sweet Indonesian soy sauce somewhere in the world. I can make from scratch in 10 minutes and O'd rather do that than go shopping. This sweet soy sauce will last for months but I've got more ways for you to use it.
- Root beer - The secret ingredient that will make your kids love this recipe.
- Sweet chili sauce - Also called Thai chili sauce.
- Sriracha chili sauce - The one that is likely in your fridge already.
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Instructions for Grilling Baby Back Ribs
- This make-ahead method is perfect for any rib recipe with a sticky glaze that will burn if left on the grill too long.
- Keep the meat moist by grilling the racks whole, then cut and serve.
- Oven baking them the day before decreases the pressure of getting everything on the table at the same time.
Kecap Manis Substitute
Substitute kecap manis with 4 parts gluten free soy sauce and 1 part brown sugar. For this recipe use 1 cup gluten free soy sauce and add ¼ cup brown sugar. In other recipes substitute the full amount of kecap manis called for with gluten free soy sauce. Then add one quarter that amount of brown sugar to it.
My recipe for a more authentic version of homemade gluten free kecap manis includes palm sugar, star anise, garlic and lemon. This substitute won’t have the subtle hints of licorice and lemon but you’ll have some delicious ribs that might just inspire you to go buy star anise for the complex flavours in this simple recipe.
Tools to Avoid Cross Contact on the Grill
Gluten free cooks have a few tricks and these are some of them for barbecue cooking.
- Reusable grilling sheets and grilling bags, both perfect for dealing with cross contamination.
- Any set of barbecue tools that you like.
- A barbecue, start modest and move up to suit your budget and interest.
Top Tip
Be adventurous! There will be many recipes you think you can't have because they're not gluten free. Before these foods were manufactured someone was making them from scratch so we can make them gluten free. Many culinary adventures await you as long as you have an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Sweet Chili Root Beer Ribs (gluten free)
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 2 teaspoon salt
Sweet Chili Root Beer Sauce
- 6 tablespoon kecap manis*
- ¼ cup root beer
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (also called Thai chili sauce)
- 2 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce
Instructions
Sweet Chili Root Beer Sauce
- In a large glass measuring cup combine kecap manis, root beer and both chili sauces. Set aside ½ cup of sauce for serving. Use the remaining sauce to brush the ribs when on the grill.
Cook Baby Back Ribs
- Let ribs sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Sprinkle the meat side of the ribs with salt. Place on a lightly oiled baking pan and cover with foil. Bake in oven for 2 hours. The meat should be tender but not falling off the bone. Ribs can be prepared to this point a day in advance. Return to room temperature before finishing on the grill.
- Brush ribs on both sides with sauce. Grill, turning once, until nicely lacquered, about 15 minutes total.
- Cut each rack into two or three pieces and transfer to a platter. Serve reserved sauce on the side or drizzle some over the ribs.
Notes
Nutrition
What to make with Indonesian kecap manis
Many Indonesian recipes use this sweet soy sauce. These are two of mine that you don't want to miss.
- Gado Gado, the premiere Indonesian salad, is another culinary adventure. It is a beautiful array of cooked and raw vegetables than can be garnished with shrimp chips. Best of all is the peanut dressing made with coconut milk and kecap manis. If I was you I'd add this one to my list and plan to make it soon.
- The most authentic peanut sauce recipe that brings me back to the first chicken satay I have in Bali, I can still see the street vendor folding the paper and handing me the most delicious satay skewers I have even had.
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