Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Spareribs

Grilled Lemongrass Spareribs is a mouthwatering dish from Vietnam that combines tender pork ribs with the fragrant and aromatic flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and spices. This recipe serves two people and is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a romantic meal for two. With its juicy and flavorful ribs, this dish will surely delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Let’s get started with the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of pork spareribs (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Spareribs:

• Start by preparing the pork spareribs. If not already done, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor penetration during grilling.
• Using a sharp knife, score the meaty side of the ribs with shallow cuts to help the marinade penetrate.

2. Make the Marinade:

• In a bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, ground black pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
• Mix well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth marinade.

3. Marinate the Spareribs:

• Place the spareribs in a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag.
• Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are evenly coated on both sides.
• Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate and let the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.

4. Grill the Spareribs:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C).
• Remove the marinated spareribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature while the grill is preheating.
• Once the grill is hot, remove the spareribs from the marinade and shake off any excess.
• Place the ribs on the grill, meaty side down, and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have developed a nice char.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
• During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the ribs with any remaining marinade to enhance the flavor and create a caramelized glaze.

5. Serve:

• Once the spareribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a cutting board.
• Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before slicing them into individual portions.
• Garnish the grilled lemongrass spareribs with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.