Bite-Size Sweet and Spicy Beef Ribs

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 to 2 pounds beef Country-Style Ribs, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 cup mirin
• 1/2 cup sweet chili garlic sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup agave nectar or honey
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• Minced fresh chives (optional)

Cooking:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine mirin, sweet chili garlic sauce, water, brown sugar, agave nectar and ginger in stockpot over medium heat stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Place beef ribs in stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly. Continue cooking in 325°F oven 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
Cook's Tip:
Mirin is a low-alcohol, sweet wine made from glutinous rice and is essential in Japanese cooking. It's available in Japanese markets and the ethnic section of most supermarkets. 
Sweet chili garlic sauce, an Asian condiment made from red chilies, garlic and vinegar, imparts a tangy, spicy heat to dishes. Chili garlic sauce is available in Asian markets and the Asian section of most supermarkets. 
Agave nectar is the liquid or syrup extracted from the Agave plant. The nectar is similar to the consistency of honey, but may have a milder flavor. Agave nectar can be found in health food stores or most supermarkets.

2. Remove beef; keep warm. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cook 12 to 15 minutes or until sauce is reduced by half. Stir in lime juice and soy sauce. Return beef to cooking liquid; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle beef with chives, if desired. Serve with remaining sauce for dipping, if desired.
Cook's Tip: Beef ribs can be served on 6-inch wooden skewers or with wooden toothpicks.