In Memory Of Karen Nicole Smith, 1972 - 2016

Jerk baby back ribs on the grill or oven.


My mouth is water just thinking about this wonderful, full-of-flavor recipe. This one was inspired by my daughter Tehya who’s love for spicy food is just like her dad’s. Remember if you’re pressed for time or just feeling lazy, you can always pick up a bottle of Grace Jerk BBQ sauce from your local grocer or Caribbean food supply store. “Grace” seems to be the one that really has that “punch” that jerk is all about.

You’ll need…

For 4 servings

– 1 kg (2 lb.) Pork back ribs

For the jerk seasoning

* 1 onion, finely chopped
* cup finely chopped scallion
* 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 teaspoons sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground Jamaican pimento (allspice)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 hot pepper, finely ground
* 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon cooking oil
* 1 tablespoon cider or white vinegar

Method:

Mix together all the ingredients. A food processor fitted with a steel blade is ideal for chopping and combining.

The flavor of the jerk marinade may strike you as a little harsh when you first mix it, but I assure you, the flavors will all blend and mellow as the meat cooks. To increase the heat of this rather mild marinade, add hot pepper sauce. If you want less heat, remove the seeds and membranes containing the seeds from the peppers before grinding them.
Rub the jerk sauce that you just created over the ribs and let it sit for a couple hrs if you can. It will enhance the flavors of the meat as it gets time to really penetrate the meat.

Grill ribs over indirect heat in covered grill, turning occasionally, until ribs are very tender, about 1 1/2 hours (or roast ribs on rack in shallow pan in 180°C. (350° F.) for 1 1/2 hours).

Cut into 1- or 2-rib portions to serve.

jerk-ribs-2

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82 Comments

  1. Steven Mays
    August 10, 2024 / 10:30 am

    EVERY and eye mean EVERY recipe on/in Caribbean Pot is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. So glad eye discovered this !!!!! Thanks Chris, looking forward to many more.

  2. January 29, 2020 / 6:51 pm

    I am usually to running a blog and i actually recognize your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.

  3. Meka
    March 25, 2019 / 8:35 pm

    Love to grill. Love ribs. Just waiting for the sun to come out. Will definitely be trying. Thanks Chris.

  4. FSparkylicious
    July 22, 2017 / 1:45 pm

    Hi. Can I used this on on Beef ribs?

  5. Bill Moor
    August 16, 2016 / 12:52 pm

    Just to remove some of the grease (not flavor), we drop the ribs in boiling water for five minutes or so.

    • Yetti51
      April 27, 2017 / 10:27 am

      I believe it is a cooking crime to boil the beautiful baby backs before marinating and BBQ’g. You are boing away the flavor of the ribs….

      • admin
        April 27, 2017 / 6:01 pm

        what flavor?

    • joanne morgan
      June 8, 2019 / 10:51 am

      Put the ribs on a rack on a rimmed cookie sheet and bake at 300 for two hours. The grease will drip off without removing the pork taste. I always cook ribs this way, then put them on the grill to glaze for about 30 mins.

  6. Margaret Lauterbach
    October 12, 2015 / 12:24 pm

    How about some recipes using Trinidad perfume or Sweet Datil chiles? Thanks, Margaret Lauterbach

  7. Bernadine
    March 24, 2015 / 11:56 am

    WOW ! Fantastic !

  8. Richard
    October 3, 2014 / 2:18 pm

    Spectacular! The best ribs ever!

  9. Paul
    September 30, 2014 / 5:43 pm

    Be sure to remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs to increase penetration of rub into meat. Start at the narrow end of the rack of ribs and work the bottom of a fork under the membrane. Grab the raised membrane with paper towel and slowly pull membrane off of the rack of ribs.

  10. Paul
    September 30, 2014 / 5:42 pm

    Be sure to remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs to increase penetration of rub into mean. Start at the narrow end of the rack of ribs and work the bottom of a fork under the membrane. Grab the raised membrane with paper towel and slowly pull membrane off of the rack of ribs.

  11. June 25, 2014 / 8:56 am

    I love jerk seasoning, but haven’t ever made my own (shock). Walker’s Wood has a great bottled one that has thus-far sufficed to infuse my piggy cuts with spicy carribbean flavor, but I’m willing to go it on my own. I’ll have to try your recipe!

  12. Annette
    June 21, 2014 / 8:11 pm

    Got some baby back ribs in the freezer think I’ll try this with some Fried Rice for Sunday lunch.

  13. Rudie
    April 22, 2014 / 7:15 am

    I made this over the weekend…. it was a hit with the neighbors.

  14. Steve
    April 16, 2014 / 6:01 am

    Thanks Chris, gonna try very soon

  15. celina
    April 15, 2014 / 11:18 am

    now this is not bad spelling; for those inclined to correct,a trini will understand when i say “D BESTEST TASEIN PORK EVER”.

    Thanks Chris!

  16. Eric Stump
    February 24, 2014 / 7:45 pm

    I have used the jerk seasoning on a turkey after it’s been brined overnight. Best turkey ever. Everyone asks when I’m doing another.

  17. Beverley
    January 2, 2014 / 2:11 pm

    Thank’s Chris, you were not joking about the punch in the Grace Jerk Seasoning, and you are right again, it is one of the better Jerk Seasoning. Gonna try it on the ribs tomorrow and feed it to my friends who think they can handle it.

  18. Myra
    December 19, 2013 / 4:57 pm

    My folks love anything jerked, so will definitely have to give this one a try.
    Thanks, Chris

  19. Heather
    December 10, 2013 / 2:25 pm

    Thanks Chris, Will give it a try. I love ribs.

  20. November 26, 2013 / 6:50 am

    Thanks Chris although I am not into ribs in a big way, Thanks anyway.

  21. Donna Taylor
    November 25, 2013 / 11:27 am

    Thanks you Chris.

  22. Gail
    November 12, 2013 / 9:03 am

    Dear Chris,

    The holidays are upon us and I was wondering
    do you have a recipe for trinidad black cake.

    Thanks a lot
    Gail

  23. yolande quimpert
    October 24, 2013 / 9:49 pm

    it is independent time in dominica, am gonna try

  24. October 15, 2013 / 2:26 pm

    Chris, do you have a recipe for Jamaican Beef Patties>

  25. Sue
    September 26, 2013 / 8:15 am

    My lot love ribs and this looks just gorgeous, will try it out and let you know, but it is sure to be good as it is from you Chris

  26. gata
    September 20, 2013 / 3:07 pm

    I am from Brazil and I live in Canada where the food flavors are very blend and I love cooking, most of all your web site is just wonderful. As I read your recipes, I say to myself, how come you are so generous with your cooking know how? Anyways, thank you so so much!

  27. Missgoldie
    September 18, 2013 / 9:15 pm

    Looks delicious! Some of the measurements are missing, help!

  28. Sharon-Ann Othterson
    August 16, 2013 / 9:34 am

    Going to try this today. You’re making me hungry and I’ve just had breakfast. Your recipes are always delicious, thank you for sharing them. Please could you do a recipe for Ochro and Rice? Thanks again.

  29. Chevorne
    May 24, 2013 / 2:10 pm

    Hey chris, can you send me the Aloo pie recipe. I certainly going to try this one it make my mouth water.

  30. camillenoel
    April 14, 2013 / 11:43 am

    you are the best

  31. DAWN FIELDS
    March 13, 2013 / 11:55 am

    I am going to try this, mouth is watery…

  32. Solange Robert
    February 20, 2013 / 11:00 am

    Looks good. I will try this weekend.

  33. January 7, 2013 / 6:52 am

    I simply love feeling right at home in T&T, from NJ. Thank you for taking me there. My family and friends are having a BLAST.Mmmmmmm.

  34. Linda Dascent
    November 23, 2012 / 9:20 am

    Tried the fish balls for Thanksgiving, everyone wanted the recipe because they were finger licking good.
    THANKS! I will try the ribs this weekend and let u the outcome Season greetings from St. Croix Virgin Islands from my family to urs.

  35. stacy
    November 13, 2012 / 7:41 am

    Looks good, i must try this Chris!

  36. Sherry Smith
    August 23, 2012 / 2:35 pm

    Tried the receipe chris it was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we had mashed potatoes and grilled veges with it ummm

  37. william
    May 25, 2012 / 5:48 pm

    Catch a fire jerk sauce da best.

  38. dayle
    May 11, 2012 / 9:17 am

    Ive also used Walkerswood jerk seasononing and found that to be excellent too

  39. Glenno
    April 23, 2012 / 7:33 am

    to ensure not drying out the meat, tent it with aluminum foil for the first hour. keeps them much jucier

  40. Derek CF
    March 30, 2012 / 7:46 am

    Hi Chris, the recipe is spot on. as all caribbean cooks, there is always a variation that can infuse different flavours, without changing the end result….a great dish. My suggestion to give a twist to this tasty dish, is to use oyster sauce OR soy sauce. since soy is heavy on the salty flavour, the oyster sauce will infuse a different flavour but with less salt and msg.

  41. Kami
    March 9, 2012 / 8:57 pm

    Great job Chris. I have been trying to add some variety to my cooking. Think I will try the BBQ Jerk Ribs for my Sunday lunch. Thanks so much.

  42. laura
    March 9, 2012 / 8:07 pm

    I love pork

  43. Barney Noel
    January 17, 2012 / 7:13 am

    mmmm Jerk back ribs, I made this for dinner Saturday night

  44. Joy
    December 13, 2011 / 6:43 pm

    Yes, Grace jerk seasoning is de best!!!!

  45. Candice
    September 3, 2011 / 6:49 pm

    Omg!! you have meh mouth watering right now, I have to try this recipe.

  46. Chris Ramirez
    June 1, 2011 / 10:19 am

    What a bout a garlic pork dish

  47. May 2, 2011 / 9:24 am

    Good day Chris, I will try this recipe also perhaps with lamb, thank you.

  48. Joyce Johnson
    March 29, 2011 / 10:05 am

    As a newcomer to the Caribbean Pot, I look forward to your recipe postings. Thank you so much for keeping the Caribbean spirit alive through your recipes. I have tried the stew chicken and will definitely try the ribs this weekend. Dp you have another book beside the Vegan cook book?

    Joyce Johnson
    Baltimore, Maryland

  49. rhaegee tamana
    March 7, 2011 / 9:30 am

    thanks for the recipe, yummy

  50. Lynda
    November 30, 2010 / 11:10 am

    Hey Chris,
    Love your website, I get hungry even though i have just eaten reading your recipes..thanks for keeping me from getting homesick.I am looking for a quick Christmas "black cake" recipe, did not soak any fruits yet..do you have a quick fix available???
    Much appreciated.
    Lynda

  51. ldias
    October 1, 2010 / 10:04 am

    Okay Chris, now I gotta have some jerk ribs for dinner, just had breakfast and am hungry already..will go nice with the pineapple dessert to beat the heat, which I love….
    Lynda

    • Erma
      October 18, 2010 / 9:27 pm

      Finding your site was taking me back to Trinidad all over again and reminiscing of good old times. Your recipes are great . Looking for a good pastelle recipe. Got any?

      Keep it up

      Erma

  52. Antonette Simpson
    June 29, 2010 / 1:56 pm

    I have tried the breadfruit and pork with coconut milk, tastes great.

  53. Antonette
    June 29, 2010 / 1:54 pm

    You boil the pig tails before bbqing.. Actually soaking them in sugar remove the excess salt.

  54. Sophia
    June 7, 2010 / 4:02 pm

    Hi Chris,
    Have you ever tried bar b que pig tails

    • June 17, 2010 / 2:20 am

      No, sorry. but I heard from a friend in NY who makes it as well as a friend who purchased some while in Barbados recently. Do you boil it before BBQing?

  55. Mary
    June 2, 2010 / 10:31 pm

    mmmmmmmmmmmmm……mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm~~
    I had to modify a tad with what I have. I have the scallion and onion, but substituded 3 gloves of garlic instead of the onion. I cut the sugar in half and used light brown sugar instead. A squeeze of lemon juice instead of the thyme. I didn't have a fresh hot pepper <which is unusual, but substituded 2 tsp. of crushed red pepper flakes. The rest is as according to the recipe.
    Thank you!
    ~Mary

    • June 17, 2010 / 2:19 am

      thanks for sharing what you did. happy cooking

  56. sally
    May 5, 2010 / 1:02 am

    yummy looking, definitely will try this recipe on the weekend!!!

  57. Cheryl
    April 22, 2010 / 1:54 pm

    Cheryl

    The recipe sounds great can wait to try it, would this be the same for jerk chicken and if not can I have a recipe for jerk chicken

    • June 17, 2010 / 2:18 am

      will be posting an excellent jerk chicken 9from scratch) soon. stay tuned.

  58. Debbi
    April 1, 2010 / 5:37 pm

    You're amazing Chris. I love you.

    Debbi from Pickering

  59. March 19, 2010 / 2:23 pm

    hey chris its like you’re reall carribean, how about a touch of angostura bitters in that sauce

    • admin
      March 26, 2010 / 10:41 am

      Sophia.. rumor is there’s a shortage of bitter, so I’m saving mine 🙂 Good tip though

      happy cooking

      chris…

  60. Sandra
    March 4, 2010 / 4:23 pm

    Your website is fantastic! love the way you give step by step instructions. I am from Guyana and love the spices 🙂

    • admin
      March 4, 2010 / 4:47 pm

      Sandra, I’m happy you find it useful and thanks for stopping by and commenting. Maybe we can get you to share one of your famous Guyanese recipes with us soon.

      happy cooking

      chris…

  61. Paula
    November 2, 2009 / 5:18 am

    Hi chris,
    I haven’t tried them yet, but am planning on having ribs tonight. Your recipe sounds scrumptious, so have instructed my daughter to make up the sauce and base the ribs in preparation for tonight. I can’t wait to taste it…

  62. October 24, 2009 / 8:41 am

    Thanks for taking the time to leave me your wonderful comments. Liza, yes they’re amazing, but you can also try using beef ribs if you don’t mess with the swine 🙂

    happy cooking

    chris
    .-= Chris De La Rosa´s last blog ..The 2009 Ancaster Home Show. =-.

  63. liza beckles
    October 22, 2009 / 3:33 pm

    Looks scrumptious but I dont eat pork. I feel like I missing out.

    • kay
      July 19, 2011 / 3:12 pm

      use chicken or turkey instead of the pork.

    • Cindy
      September 30, 2012 / 9:06 pm

      There are beef ribs too.

    • Robert
      March 11, 2013 / 1:09 pm

      Try the marinara on chicken or fish ,shrimp if you like you can even try tofu .All Good

  64. janice
    July 5, 2009 / 10:10 am

    wow extraodinary perfect job darling

  65. May 10, 2009 / 6:49 pm

    You make me want to go to Jamaica and make a stop at The Jerk Pit.

    Cynthia’s last blog post..I’m Not Hungry

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