Smoked Lamb Ribs on the Grill with Lemon, Oregano and Honey

If you don’t own a smoker, this is a great way to do ribs on the grill. I first saw this technique used by Adam Perry Lang, who is not only a great barbecue chef but also a great all-around chef. In fact, he knows more about meat than practically anybody I’ve met. For this recipe, I use lamb spareribs, but the technique works just as well with pork ribs too, though cook times will vary. Feel free to substitute your favorite barbecue sauce for the glaze.

Ribs

3 tablespoons dried oregano

3 tablespoons garlic salt

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

2 tablespoons coriander seeds, toasted and ground

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt

6 racks lamb spareribs

Juice of 2 lemons

Glaze

3 tablespoons honey

1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup minced red onion

3 lemons

Flaky sea salt, such as Cyprus

Flake or Maldon, for serving

3 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

To prepare the ribs: Mix together the dried oregano, garlic salt, paprika, coriander, pepper, and kosher salt. Moisten the ribs with the lemon juice and then coat all sides with the rub, making sure to distribute it evenly. 

Set up your grill or smoker for indirect heat, meaning the ribs will not be directly over the heat source. Using low heat and apple-wood chips, put the ribs on the cool part of the grill, cover, and smoke for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, whisk together the glaze ingredients.

Arrange 2 of the lamb racks on a large piece of foil, overlapping them like roof shingles. Pour one-third of the glaze on top of the ribs and seal tightly in the foil, being careful not to tear it. Wrap in a second sheet of foil. Repeat twice, using the remaining racks and glaze.

Return the ribs to the grill and cook meat-side-down for 30 minutes over low heat. Flip the foil bundles and continue cooking for 30 minutes. Remove the ribs from the grill and let rest in the foil for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, increase the grill heat to medium-high. Cut the lemons in half and grill flesh-side-down until nicely marked and slightly soft, 3 to 5 minutes.

Remove the ribs from the foil, put on the hot grill meat-side-down, and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the ribs from the grill and garnish with the grilled lemons, sea salt, fresh oregano, and extra-virgin olive oil.

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