Preparation

Marinate the ribs

• In a medium bowl, whisk the orange and lime juices, tequila, agave, oil, Cointreau (if using), soy sauce, garlic, chile powder, lime zest, cumin, 1 Tbs. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper. Cut each slab of ribs in half and put in a large resealable freezer bag; pour the marinade over the ribs. Seal the bag and shake to coat the pork with the marinade. Lay the bag in a pan in case the bag leaks; refrigerate overnight, turning the bag from time to time to redistribute the marinade.

Grill the ribs

• Prepare a gas or charcoal grill fire for indirect cooking over low to medium-low heat (250°F to 300°F).
• Remove the ribs from the marinade, shaking off the excess. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and set aside.

• Arrange the ribs bone side down over indirect heat. (You may need to use a rib rack to accommodate all of the ribs.) Cover the grill and maintain a grill temperature between 250°F and 300°F degrees.

• The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and begins to pull away from the ends of the bones. This will take 1 to 2 hours.

Make the glaze

• While the ribs are grilling, add the tequila, orange juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to the reserved marinade. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Simmer until just beginning to turn syrupy, 15 to 25 minutes.

Finish the ribs

• Increase the grill heat to medium high and generously brush the meat side of each slab of ribs with the glaze. Grill glaze side down over direct heat until shiny and beginning to darken, 3 to 5 minutes. Watch for flare-ups. Brush the bone side with some sauce, flip, and grill 3 to 5 minutes more. Transfer the ribs to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.

• Taste the remaining glaze and add more lime, agave, or salt as needed. Stir in the cilantro. Divide among 4 small bowls. Slice the ribs and serve with the sauce on the side for dipping.

Serve the ribs with Grilled Watermelon Gazpacho with Lime Crema or Spicy Grilled Corn Salad with Black Beans & Queso Fresco. A Fresh Cherry Margarita is the perfect cocktail to pair with this tangy dish.