AS SEEN ON GLOBAL NEWS – The addition of maple syrup to barbecue is to Canadians what adding tropical fruits to barbecue is to Caribbean people. Guavas, mangoes, and tamarinds are the fruits of choice used to enhance the flavour of smoky grilled meats by home cooks and chefs alike. Guavas have a creamy-mealy texture, reminiscent of strawberries infused with bananas and pears. It’s readily available in mainstream supermarkets in the form of a paste. The pleasant sweet and musky aroma of the paste simmering in barbecue sauce always brings back those nostalgic memories of family reunions, beach picnics and birthday parties. From my family to yours, make new memories with these next level barbecue ribs.
Yield 7 Servings
Cooking time: 2 hr 30 min
1 rack Beef Grilling Back Ribs (about 7 ribs long), 3 lb. (1.5 kg)
¼ cup (60 mL) brown sugar
2 Tbsp (30 mL) smoked paprika
2 Tbsp (30 mL) ancho chili powder
1 Tbsp (15 mL) garlic powder
1 Tbsp (15 mL) onion powder
2 tsp (10 mL) ground cumin
½ tsp (2 mL) cayenne pepper
1 tsp (5 mL) mustard powder
1 tsp (5 mL) mace
1 Tbsp (15 mL) fine sea salt
1 tsp pepper to taste
2 cups (500 mL) guava paste, cubed
½ cup water
1 cup (250 mL) bourbon or hickory smoke barbecue sauce
1 Tbsp (15 mL) sambal oelek
½ tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (2 mL) freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the grill to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, add the ribs, set aside. In a small container fitted with an airtight lid, remove lid, add sugar and all remaining spices, cover with lid and shake well to mix the rub. Season ribs generously on both sides with the spice rub.
Add guava cubes and water to a medium saucepan, place over medium heat to melt the paste while stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes. Add more water if needed to make a smooth paste without lumps to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, add remaining ingredients, mix, and set aside. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Transfer ribs to the grill grate and grill over direct heat for 5 minutes per side. Transfer ribs to baking sheet, add the guava-barbecue generously over the ribs, cover with aluminum foil, transfer to oven and bake for 2 hours or until meat is fork tender.
Transfer meat to a platter and serve with mac n cheese or your favourite barbecue side dishes.
