Asian Dry Rub Food

ASIAN-SPICED BABY BACK RIBS

Steps:

• Make the brine: Remove 3 wide strips zest from the orange with a vegetable peeler. Squeeze 3 tablespoons orange juice and set aside. Combine 2 strips of the zest, 4 cups water, 1/3 cup salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, the star anise, pickling spice and ginger slices in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from the heat and add 4 cups cold water; let cool to room temperature.
• Put the ribs meat-side down on a cutting board. Insert a paring knife between the membrane and the bones on one end, then loosen the membrane with your fingers and gently pull it off. Put the ribs in a roasting pan and pour the brine on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and grated ginger; cook 1 minute. Add the sherry, bring to a boil and cook until slightly reduced, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, the 3 tablespoons orange juice, the remaining 1 strip orange zest, the chicken broth, vinegar and soy sauce and simmer until reduced to about 1 cup, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Set aside 1/4 cup sauce for serving; use the rest for brushing. (The sauce can be made up to 1 day in advance.)
• Prepare a grill for indirect heat: For gas, preheat to medium high, then turn off half of the burners and turn the other burners to medium low. For charcoal, once the coals ash over, push them to one side.
• Remove the ribs from the brine and pat dry. Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper and the cayenne in a bowl and rub on the ribs. Put bone-side down on the cooler part of the grill; cover and cook 1 hour. Brush with 1/2 cup of the sauce; cover and cook 1 more hour, brushing with more sauce during the last 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into ribs. Serve with the reserved sauce.

ASIAN SPICE RUBBED RIBS WITH PINEAPPLE-GINGER BBQ SAUCE AND BLACK AND WHITE SESAME SEEDS

Steps:

• For the sauce: Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan. Add the garlic, ginger and onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the pineapple chunks and habanero and cook for 1 minute. Add the pineapple juice and cook until it caramelizes slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the hoisin, ketchup, brown sugar, ancho powder, mustard, honey, soy sauce, star anise and cinnamon and cook until thickened, about 30 minutes.
• Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper . Pour into a bowl and allow to cool to room temperature.
• For the ribs: Stir together the paprika, dry mustard, ground ginger, star anise, allspice, salt, pepper and Thai chile flakes in a bowl. Rub the ribs on the top side, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
• Preheat a charcoal grill with about 80 briquettes off to 1 side, or in a kamado-style ceramic charcoal cooker with the ceramic plate removed. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator 1 hour before grilling.
• Combine 4 cups water, the soy sauce, ginger and garlic and divide between two heavy disposable pans.
• If using a charcoal grill: Put one disposable pan of steaming liquid on the bottom grate of the grill on the opposite side of the coals. Put the top grate on and heat well. Put the ribs on the grill, top-side down, directly over the hot coals and cook until golden brown and a crust has formed, about 10 minutes. Move the ribs to the other side of the grill, over the liquid, and place the other disposable pan with steaming liquid next to them over the coals. Put the lid of the grill on and open the vents on top halfway. Cook until the ribs are tender and juicy, about 2 hours. Add water as necessary to prevent scorching, and coals to keep the internal temperature between 225 and 250 degrees F.
• If using the kamado-style ceramic charcoal cooker: Remove the ceramic plate and heat the grill rack. Put the ribs on the grill, top-side down, directly over the hot coals and cook until golden brown and a crust has formed, about 10 minutes. Remove the ribs and rack and put in the ceramic plate. Put one disposable pan of steaming liquid on the plate, then return the rack and the ribs to the grill. Cover and cook until ribs are tender and juicy, about 2 hours. Add water as necessary to prevent scorching, and coals to keep the internal temperature between 225 and 250 degrees F.
• If using charcoal, finish the ribs by moving them back over the hot coals and turning and basting with sauce for 15 to 20 minutes. If using the ceramic charcoal cooker, leave the plate in and brush liberally with sauce for 15 to 20 minutes before removing from the grill.
• Combine the sesame seeds and sprinkle the tops of the ribs. Cut the ribs apart and put on a platter. Scatter the green onions over the top and serve.

ASIAN STEAK RUB

Steps:

• In a cup, stir all ingredients together.
• Rub full amount all over steaks before grilling.
• Makes 3 tablespoons.

ASIAN DRY RUB

Steps:

• Stir together the spices.
• Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.
• Rub spice mixture evenly over meat, coating the entire surface.
• Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
• Fry, roast, grill or cook in whatever manner you prefer.

HOMEMADE THAI SEASONING

Steps:

• Combine well and store in an airtight container. Note: I use 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne because I have small children who freak out over spicy food. Use more if you'd like it spicier!