Sweet, sticky, and finger lickin' good. Serve these beef short ribs with wedges of fresh pineapple on the side.

Hawaiian Barbecued Beef Ribs

1 cup soy sauce 6 tablespoons dark brown sugar, firmly packed 1 cup water 2/3 cup dry sherry 2 teaspoons pure ground hot red chile or to taste 2 teaspoons Chinese five spice powder 3 teaspoons minced fresh ginger 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic 4 to 6 pounds beef short ribs

To prepare sauce: in a small saucepan combine all the ingredients. Cook over medium heat to dissolve the sugar, but do not boil. Remove the marinade from the heat and let it cool. Set it aside until you are ready to marinate the ribs.
To barbecue the ribs: two hours before your barbecue, spread the ribs out in a roasting pan, large enough to hold them in a single layer. You may need to divide the meat between two pans. Pour the sauce over the ribs, making sure all the meat is well covered. Turn and rub the ribs with the sauce several times during the marinating period. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
When the fire is ready, position the rack 3-inches above the heat source.
Remove the ribs from the marinade and reserve the marinade in a bowl or pitcher, including any excess scraped off the ribs. Bring the marinade in a saucepan to a boil and cook, boiling for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Place the ribs on the grill and sear for 10 minutes on each side.
Spoon on the reserved marinade at little at a time after each turn. Cook for 5 minutes, then turn and baste the second side.
Continue turning and basting every 5 minutes until the ribs are done, 30 to 40 minutes. The meat should be slightly pink on the inside and crusty brown on the outside.

Makes 2 2/3 cups sauce, serving 4 to 6 people.