Portuguese Grilled Pork Ribs with Sticky Honey Glaze

Introduction

There is something truly magical about the combination of savory pork and sweet honey, but when you add the rustic, bold flavors of Portugal, you get a dish that stands head and shoulders above standard BBQ fare. These Portuguese Grilled Pork Ribs are marinated in a vibrant mix of white wine, garlic, and earthy spices before being finished with a sticky honey glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the high heat of the Arteflame. Unlike traditional American ribs that often rely on heavy smoke and tomato-based sauces, this recipe highlights the meat's natural richness, brightened by acidity and aromatics.

Cooking these ribs on the Arteflame grill allows for a unique culinary experience. You utilize the center grill grate to get that initial, mouth-watering sear, sealing in the juices, while the flat cooktop provides the perfect surface to finish cooking the meat gently without drying it out. The result is a tender rib with a crispy, caramelized exterior that captures the essence of Portuguese alfresco dining. Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or looking for a comforting meal, these ribs deliver a flavor profile that is both exotic and familiar.

Ingredients

The Ribs and Marinade

• 2 racks of pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style), cut into individual ribs or small sections
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika (or massa de pimentão if available)
• 2 bay leaves, crushed
• 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

The Sticky Honey Glaze

• 1/2 cup organic honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Ribs

1. Place the ribs in a large glass bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the white wine, minced garlic, paprika, crushed bay leaves, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 2: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill about 20 minutes before you are ready to cook. You want a mature fire with a bed of hot coals.
2. Lightly oil the flat steel cooktop to prepare it for grilling. The center grate should be very hot for searing.

Step 3: Grill the Ribs

1. Remove the ribs from the marinade and let the excess liquid drip off. Discard the marinade.
2. Place the ribs directly on the hot center grill grate to sear. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until you achieve a nice char and grill marks.
3. Move the ribs to the flat steel cooktop (the griddle section). Arrange them closer to the center for higher heat or further out for lower heat, depending on how thick the ribs are. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

1. While the ribs are finishing on the flat top, mix the honey, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and butter in a small saucepot (you can place this pot directly on the flat top to melt and warm up).
2. Using a basting brush, liberally coat the ribs with the warm honey glaze during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
3. Allow the glaze to bubble and caramelize slightly on the steel surface, turning the ribs to coat them in the sticky sauce. Remove from heat immediately once the glaze is sticky and golden to prevent burning.

Tips

Mastering these Portuguese ribs on the Arteflame comes down to heat management. Because honey has a high sugar content, it can burn quickly if exposed to direct flames for too long. That is why the dual-zone cooking of the Arteflame is your best friend here. Do the heavy lifting of cooking the meat on the flat top first, and only apply the glaze at the very end. The residual heat of the steel is enough to thicken the glaze into a perfect sticky coating without turning it bitter.

Additionally, do not skip the marinating time. Portuguese cuisine relies heavily on the interaction between wine, garlic, and meat. If you rush this step, the flavors will just sit on the surface rather than penetrating the pork. For an extra authentic touch, let the ribs come to room temperature before throwing them on the grill; this ensures they cook evenly and keeps the meat incredibly tender.

Variations

While the classic honey and garlic combination is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your palate or experiment with different regional Portuguese flavors. The Arteflame handles these variations beautifully, allowing you to sauté add-ins right next to the ribs. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Piri-Piri Heat: Add 1 tablespoon of piri-piri sauce or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a fiery kick that balances the sweet honey.
• Citrus Burst: Swap the white wine for a mix of orange juice and lemon juice in the marinade for a brighter, zestier flavor profile.
• Herb Garden: Add fresh rosemary and thyme to the flat top while the ribs are finishing to infuse the meat with aromatic herbal smoke.
• Madeira Style: Use Madeira wine instead of white wine for a deeper, sweeter, and more complex savory flavor.
• Mustard Glaze: Whisk a tablespoon of yellow mustard into the honey glaze for a tangy, sharp contrast to the rich pork.

Best pairings

To truly round out this meal, you need sides that can stand up to the bold flavors of the ribs without overpowering them. Since you already have the Arteflame hot, it makes sense to cook your sides right alongside the main course. The communal nature of the round cooktop means you can grill vegetables while the ribs finish roasting.

• Grilled Lemon Potatoes: Slice potatoes thinly, toss them in olive oil and rosemary, and fry them on the flat top until crispy. Squeeze fresh lemon over them before serving.
• Charred Green Beans: Toss fresh green beans with garlic and oil and blister them on the high-heat section of the cooktop.
• Portuguese Salad: A simple salad of roasted peppers, onions, and tomatoes with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pork.
• Vinho Verde: Pair this dish with a chilled bottle of Portuguese Vinho Verde; its slight effervescence and acidity are the perfect palate cleanser for sticky ribs.

Conclusion

These Portuguese Grilled Pork Ribs with Honey Glaze are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to slow down and enjoy the art of outdoor cooking. The blend of garlicky wine marinade and the sweet, caramelized finish creates a flavor profile that is distinct, memorable, and incredibly satisfying. Using the Arteflame grill elevates the dish, providing that professional-grade sear and the ability to control the caramelization of the honey perfectly.

Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or new to the world of flat-top grilling, this recipe is forgiving yet impressive. It captures the soul of Portuguese comfort food while leveraging modern grilling techniques. So, pour a glass of wine, fire up the grill, and get ready to serve a meal that your friends and family will be talking about long after the embers have faded.