Brazilian Lamb Ribs with Barbecue Sauce
Get your BBQ going and get inspired by the flavours of Brazil this summer with these tasty lamb ribs. Typically the recipe includes cumin, hot pepper, dried oregano and turmeric, but every household has their own variation. Can you handle the spice?

For the Spice Rub
- 4 Rounded Tbsp Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Dark Soft Brown Sugar 4 Rounded Tbsp Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Dark Soft Brown Sugar
- 2 Rounded Tbsp Sweet Smoked Paprika 2 Rounded Tbsp Sweet Smoked Paprika
- 2 Rounded Tbsp Ground Cumin 2 Rounded Tbsp Ground Cumin
- 1 Level Tbsp Ground Turmeric 1 Level Tbsp Ground Turmeric
- ½ Level Tsp Cayenne Pepper ½ Level Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Rounded Tsp Ground Black Pepper 1 Rounded Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 4 Rounded Tsp Dried Oregano 4 Rounded Tsp Dried Oregano
- 2 Level Tbsp Salt 2 Level Tbsp Salt
- 2kg Lamb Ribs (cut into single ribs) 2kg Lamb Ribs (cut into single ribs)
For the Barbecue Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Medium Onion (peeled & finely chopped) 1 Medium Onion (peeled & finely chopped)
- 6 Garlic Cloves (peeled & crushed) 6 Garlic Cloves (peeled & crushed)
- 75ml Cider Vinegar 75ml Cider Vinegar
- 75g Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Dark Soft Brown Sugar 75g Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Dark Soft Brown Sugar
- ½ of the Spice Rub Mixture ½ of the Spice Rub Mixture
- 225ml Apple Juice 225ml Apple Juice
Instructions
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Make the spice rub by combining the Tate & Lyle Dark Soft Brown Sugar, the spices, herbs and salt together in a bowl, then divide in half.
- Preheat the oven to 170°C/Fan 150°, 325°F, Gas 3.
- Place the ribs in 2 large roasting tins, sprinkle them with half of the spice mixture and then rub it in well. Pour 100ml (3½floz) water into each pan. Roast on the top and middle shelves of the oven for 2 hours, swapping the pans over halfway through and turning the ribs over. Pour off the fat. They are ready when crisp, browned and all the fat has been rendered from the lamb.
- Whilst the ribs are cooking, make the barbecue sauce. Pour the oil into a pan, add the onion and garlic and cook over a lowish heat for 15-20 minutes until very soft, stirring occasionally. Stir in the rest of the spice mixture and cook for 2 minutes. Add the apple juice and vinegar, then increase the heat and cook for about 12-15 minutes to reduce it down. Stir in the Tate & Lyle Dark Soft Brown Sugar and cook for another 3-4 minutes until thickened but still with some liquidity.
- Take some of the sauce and brush it all over the ribs. Return to the oven and cook for a further 8-10 minutes until sticky and glazed. Transfer to a serving dish and serve with the rest of the barbecue sauce.
- If barbecuing the ribs, cook them in the oven as before, brush with the sauce and then finish off on the barbecue over a moderate heat for a few minutes until sticky and glazed.
Make the spice rub up to 2 weeks ahead and store in a jar.
Make the barbecue sauce up to 2 weeks ahead and store in a lidded container in the fridge.
Chef's Tip
Why not try these ribs with a combo of sumac, cumin, Turkish red pepper and garlic for a spicier version of this recipe!
Let's get cooking!
With so many scrumptious savoury dishes to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice...