Sassafras-Glazed Pork Ribs

Serves 2-4

Ingredients

For Ribs

  • 1 rack pork ribs
  • salt for seasoning

For Rub

  • 1 tsp licorice root powder
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 3 tsp whole cloves
  • 1½ tsp whole allspice
  • 1½ tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tsp chili flakes

For Glaze

  • 1 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
  • 2” piece ginger, peeled & sliced thin
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ½ piece star anise
  • ½ cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • pinch of chili flakes
  • 1¼ tsp ground sassafras root
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 2 drops root beer extract

Equipment

  • large roasting or baking pan
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • basting brush

How-to

Add Rub & Cook Ribs

  1. Preheat oven to 275º
  2. Grind rub ingredients in a coffee grinder or spice grinder until fine. Rub the meaty side of the rack of ribs liberally with the mixture
  3. Place the rack in a roasting pan filled with 1" of water at the bottom, rubbed-side-up
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 3 - 3½ hours, until falling off the bone

Prepare & Apply Glaze

  1. Add glaze ingredients to a pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook 10 minutes
  2. Preheat oven to broil
  3. Remove glaze from heat and pass through a fine-mesh strainer. Add 2 drops root beer extract
  4. Season the meat with salt, then spoon the glaze over the meat (or use a pastry brush). Place roasting pan back in the oven to broil, uncovered until slightly crispy and caramelized. Watch the meat closely -- it can turn black very quickly
  5. Allow the ribs to rest until cool-to-the-touch, about 10 minutes
  6. Slice into individual ribs and serve immediately