Blackberry Chipotle Smoky Grilled Ribs

Experience a new level of flavor with Blackberry Chipotle Smoky Grilled Ribs. This recipe features tender ribs marinated in a vibrant blend of blackberry and chipotle flavors, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and spice.

The fresh blackberries provide a fruity depth, while chipotle peppers add a smoky kick, resulting in a sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Ideal for outdoor gatherings or special occasions, these grilled ribs are sure to become a favorite for their rich taste and unique combination of ingredients.

Ingredients For This Recipe

This is the ingredient for Blackberry Chipotle Smoky Grilled Ribs, by section:

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Blackberry Chipotle Marinade:

• 1 cup fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Grill:

• Wood chips for smoking (such as hickory or mesquite), optional

Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs:
   • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
   • Rub both sides of the ribs with olive olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Blackberry Chipotle Marinade:
   • In a blender or food processor, combine the blackberries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, chipotle peppers, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
   • Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Marinate the Ribs:
   • Reserve a portion of the marinade for basting and serving.
   • Coat the ribs thoroughly with the remaining marinade. Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or covered dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Prepare the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to medium heat. For a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire with one side for direct heat and one side for indirect heat.
   • If using wood chips, soak them in water for about 30 minutes, then drain. Place them in a smoker box or wrap them in foil with holes poked in it and place them on the grill.
5. Grill the Ribs:
   • Remove the ribs from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
   • Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade. The ribs should be tender and have a smoky flavor.
6. Finish on Direct Heat (Optional):
   • For a caramelized finish, move the ribs to the direct heat side of the grill for the last 10-15 minutes. Baste with the reserved marinade and cook until the ribs develop a sticky glaze.
7. Rest and Serve:
   • Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones.
   • Serve with extra blackberry chipotle sauce on the side if desired.

Blackberry Chipotle Grilling Tips

This Blackberry Chipotle Smoky Grilled Ribs recipe stands out as an exceptional choice for grilling due to its well-balanced blend of flavors and ease of preparation.

The combination of sweet blackberries and smoky chipotle peppers creates a rich, complex marinade that not only infuses the ribs with a unique taste but also helps to tenderize the meat. The grilling process enhances these flavors, allowing the marinade to caramelize into a glossy, sticky glaze that adds both texture and depth to each bite.

In terms of timing, the recipe is designed for flexibility. Preparing the marinade and letting the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, ensures they are deeply flavored and tender. The actual grilling time is about 2 to 2.5 hours, during which you can enjoy the process of achieving that perfect smoky finish.

For a final touch, a brief period over direct heat will help develop a caramelized exterior, adding a delightful crunch. Overall, this recipe provides a rewarding balance of preparation and cooking time, resulting in a standout dish that's both flavorful and impressive.