Quick Asian BBQ Ribs

Here’s a menu for the grill that doesn’t require marinating time or a lot of advance work. You’ll just need to work the ribs over a little beforehand, trimming fat and membrane.

The ribs cook over a medium fire until bronzed and sizzling. They’re served with a coleslaw that accents their flavor.

Buy lean rib slabs for easier preparation. And if you have mesquite chips, add them to the grill to create a smoky flavor.

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Grilled Honey-Garlic Ribs

Active Work Time: 10 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Fish sauce can be found in the Asian aisle of well-stocked supermarkets and at Asian markets.

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup Dijon mustard

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fish sauce

2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root

1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 slabs lean baby pork ribs, about 8 pounds, trimmed of visible fat

Nonstick cooking spray

Combine the honey, mustard, ketchup, garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, ginger, pepper sauce and salt in a mini-processor until smooth, or combine in a bowl. (The sauce can be made several days ahead and refrigerated. Let come to room temperature before using.)

Using the tip of a sharp paring knife, remove the tough white membrane on the underside along the short end of each rib. Once the membrane is loosened, grip this edge with your fingers and pull it off. Trim any visible fat. Refrigerate the ribs until ready to cook.

Spray a grilling rack with nonstick spray. Heat the grill to medium; for gas, place some soaked mesquite chips on foil and put over the heating element. When the chips smoke, the grill is ready.

Brush both sides of the ribs with the sauce. Place the ribs on the grill, rounded side down and in a single layer. Cook at medium-low temperature to avoid burning. After 30 minutes, flip the ribs and grill until cooked through, bronze and sizzling, 30 minutes more. Occasionally brush the ribs with sauce during cooking. (These can be cooked a few hours ahead, refrigerated or kept at room temperature, cut into 2 rib portions and reheated in the microwave until hot.)

8 to 10 servings. Each of 10 servings: 784 calories; 532 mg sodium; 223 mg cholesterol; 56 grams fat; 21 grams saturated fat; 10 grams carbohydrates; 54 grams protein; 0.25 gram fiber.

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Confetti Coleslaw

Active Work and Total Preparation Time: 15 minutes plus 3 hours chilling

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4 cups diced green cabbage

2 cups diced red cabbage

1 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup diced celery

1 cup thinly sliced green onions

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1/3 cup oil

3 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons light mayonnaise

4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

Place the green and red cabbages, red pepper, celery and green onions in a large bowl. Combine the vinegar, oil, sugar, water, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and red pepper flakes; pour over the vegetables. Toss well. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. To serve, toss; drain the excess liquid.

6 servings. Each serving: 181 calories; 308 mg sodium; 2 mg cholesterol; 14 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 14 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams protein; 3 grams fiber.