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1
For the ribs: Combine 12 cups water, the salt, molasses, cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and cook until the salt is dissolved.
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2
Remove and let cool.
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3
Put the ribs in a plastic container, pour the cooled brine over, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours, turning the ribs several times.
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4
Remove the ribs from the brine, rinse, pat dry and put on baking racks set over baking sheets.
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5
Refrigerate for several hours until the surface dries and forms a film.
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6
For the root beer BBQ sauce: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the onions and cook until soft.
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7
Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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8
Add the paprika and cook for 1 minute.
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9
Stir in the root beer and cook until reduced by half.
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10
Add the ketchup, brown sugar and molasses and cook over low heat until the flavors meld and the sauce reduces, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
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11
Add the lemon juice and zest and season with salt and pepper.
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12
If using the kamado-style ceramic charcoal cooker: Remove the grill grate and ceramic plate from the cooker.
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13
Add the hot hardwood charcoal and scatter the soaked hickory chips over the top.
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14
Adjust the cooker to maintain a temperature of 225 to 250 degrees F. This temperature should be maintained throughout the entire smoke.
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15
Put on the ceramic plate.
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16
Put a disposable pan with some steaming liquid on the plate, and then put on the grill grate.
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17
Brush the ribs with some canola oil.
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18
Put the ribs on the grill, cover and cook until the ribs are tender and juicy, about 2 hours.
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19
Brush with the root beer BBQ sauce, turning occasionally, during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
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20
If using charcoal, set up the grill for direct and indirect heat.
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21
Brush the ribs with some canola oil.
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22
Start the ribs as above over indirect heat.
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23
Finish the ribs by moving them back over the hot coals and turning and basting with the root beer BBQ sauce for 15 to 20 minutes.