Michigan Traverse City Cherry BBQ Ribs

Introduction

Savor the rich, smoky flavors of Michigan with these Traverse City Cherry BBQ Ribs. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, these ribs are seared at 1,000°F to lock in the juices before being slowly cooked to tender perfection. A cherry-infused BBQ sauce adds a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making this a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast.

Ingredients

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup cherry BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over top of the napkins.
4. Light the paper and allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

1. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.
2. Mix the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
3. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both racks of ribs.

Step 3: Sear the Ribs

1. Place the ribs on the center grill grate and sear for 2-3 minutes per side at 1,000°F.
2. Once seared, move the ribs to the flat cooktop griddle.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Ribs

1. Position the ribs towards the outer edge of the cooktop for gentle heat.
2. Cook the ribs for about 2 hours, flipping occasionally.

Step 5: Prepare the Cherry BBQ Sauce

1. On the Arteflame flat cooktop, mix the cherry BBQ sauce, cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Simmer the sauce until thickened, about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Glaze the Ribs

1. Brush the cherry BBQ sauce over the ribs during the last 30 minutes of grilling.
2. Continue flipping and basting for even coating.

Step 7: Rest the Ribs

1. Remove the ribs from the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 195°F.
2. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Always remove the ribs at 15°F below your desired temperature since they continue cooking off the grill.
• Use butter instead of oil for better flavor.
• Cook ribs on the outer edge of the cooktop for slow and even heat.

Variations

• Spicy Cherry Ribs: Add 1 tbsp cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix and a dash of hot sauce to the cherry BBQ sauce.
• Honey Bourbon Ribs: Replace brown sugar with honey and add a splash of bourbon to the BBQ sauce.
• Maple Mustard Ribs: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add extra Dijon mustard.
• Smoky Chipotle Ribs: Add 2 tsp chipotle powder to the rub and a smoky mesquite wood to the grill.
• Asian Cherry Ribs: Mix in soy sauce, ginger, and hoisin sauce to the BBQ glaze for an Asian twist.

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet corn with butter
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• A fresh coleslaw salad
• Warm buttered rolls
• A glass of Michigan cherry wine

Conclusion

These Michigan Traverse City Cherry BBQ Ribs are packed with sweet and smoky goodness, perfectly grilled on the Arteflame. Enjoy the rich flavors and the satisfaction of cooking everything on the grill for an effortless and delicious meal.