Description

Imagine a plate of tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs, glazed with a rich, sticky, sweet, and smoky sauce that has a hint of bourbon. Does that sound tantalizing? This is exactly what you get with our Maple Bourbon Glazed Ribs. This recipe has its roots in the heart of American barbecue tradition, but we've given it a unique twist by incorporating the flavors of maple and bourbon. The result is a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy dish that is sure to impress your guests at any cookout or family gathering. The best part? It's not as complicated as it may sound. With our step-by-step guide, even a novice can master this delectable dish.

Ingredients

• For the ribs:
• - 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 2.5 lbs each)
• - 2 tablespoons of kosher salt
• - 2 tablespoons of black pepper
• - 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
• - 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• For the maple bourbon glaze:
• - 1 cup of bourbon
• - 1 cup of pure maple syrup
• - 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
• - 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• - 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• - 1/4 cup of ketchup
• - 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• - 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

Preparation Method

Start by preparing your ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack, if it hasn't been removed already. Combine your salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Rub this spice mix all over your ribs, making sure to cover both sides.

Now, it's time to make the glaze. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Stir everything together until well-combined and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

While the glaze is simmering, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down, and cook for about an hour and a half, turning occasionally. You'll know they're done when the meat starts to pull away from the bones. If you don't have a grill, you can also bake the ribs in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about the same amount of time.

When your ribs are done, brush them generously with your maple bourbon glaze. Return them to the grill or the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. Be sure to save some glaze for serving!

Tips and Conclusion

For a complete meal, serve these ribs with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. You can also add a refreshing element by pairing them with a cucumber salad or some grilled vegetables. If you have leftover glaze, store it in the refrigerator and use it as a sauce for chicken, pork, or even grilled vegetables.


Preparing these Maple Bourbon Glazed Ribs might take a little bit of time, but the result is more than worth it. The combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors makes this dish incredibly satisfying, and the tender, juicy meat is a joy to eat. Whether youre cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these ribs are a great choice. If you enjoyed this recipe, why not try our other barbecue favorites, like our Honey Garlic Chicken Wings or our Smoked Brisket? Dont forget to share your culinary creations with us, and keep exploring our site for more delicious recipes and cooking tips.