Active Time

　　40 min

　　Total Time

　　1 day

　　Sweet and tangy, these ribs are a one-dish masterpiece that is surprisingly mild despite all the added Tabasco.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　1 (3 1/2- to 4-lb) rack of pork spareribs

　　1/4 cup Cajun seasoning

　　1 large lemon

　　1 cup ketchup

　　1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, quartered

　　1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

　　1/2 cup Dijon mustard

　　1/2 cup mild honey

　　1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

　　5 tablespoons Tabasco

　　1 tablespoon salt

　　1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic

　　1 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes

　　1 teaspoon black pepper

　　

Special Equipment

a 17 1/2- by 12- by 2 1/2-inch roasting pan

　　

Step 1

Pat ribs dry and rub Cajun seasoning all over them. Fold rack of ribs into thirds and put in a large sealable plastic bag, then marinate, chilled, at least 8 hours, or up to 1 day.

　　

Step 2

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

　　

Step 3

Put rack of ribs, bone side up, in roasting pan and pour 3 cups water around ribs (water will not cover ribs). Bake, uncovered, basting with liquid and turning meat over every 30 minutes, until meaty side of ribs is browned, 2 hours total.

　　

Step 4

Meanwhile, halve lemon and squeeze 1/4 cup juice into a 1 1/2- to 2-quart heavy saucepan. Add lemon halves and stir in remaining ingredients. Bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Discard lemon halves.

　　

Step 5

Pour off and discard water from roasting pan, then coat ribs with 2 cups sauce. Arrange ribs, meaty side up, in roasting pan and bake until ribs are tender and sauce is baked onto ribs, 40 to 50 minutes more. Serve ribs with remaining sauce.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Sauce can be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered.