Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to embark on a flavor adventure with these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Sweet Heat Glaze. Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, infused with the warm embrace of bourbon and the sweet-and-spicy dance of our homemade glaze – this is the kind of dish that brings people together and leaves them craving more. Get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort, craveable flavor, and chef-tested steps for guaranteed success.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Sweet Heat Glaze
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, satisfying flavors. The combination of smoky, juicy ribs and our signature sweet heat glaze is an absolute showstopper. The bourbon adds a velvety, lush note that complements the zesty, bright flavors perfectly. These ribs are the ultimate in cozy, indulgent comfort food – perfect for backyard BBQs, game day gatherings, or any occasion when you want to wow your guests. Plus, the step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice home cooks can achieve restaurant-worthy results with ease.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Sweet Heat Glaze are pantry-friendly and easy to find. You’ll need baby back ribs, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, chili powder, and a few other simple spices. The sweet heat glaze comes together quickly and adds the perfect finishing touch.
- 3-4 lbs – baby back ribs
- 1/2 cup – bourbon
- 1/2 cup – brown sugar
- 1 cup – ketchup
- 1/4 cup – apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves – garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – chili powder
- 1 tsp – smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – kosher salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ribs: Pork spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs (both will work well and provide that signature fall-off-the-bone texture)
- Bourbon: Another whiskey or apple juice (for a non-alcoholic option)
How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Sweet Heat Glaze
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for these mouthwatering ribs!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs, if necessary. Season the ribs generously with a blend of brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven or grill to 300°F. If baking, place the ribs in a baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone. If grilling, place the ribs directly on the grates and cook, covered, for 2-3 hours, flipping occasionally, until tender.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the ribs are cooking, prepare the sweet heat glaze. In a saucepan, combine bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a pinch of chili powder. Simmer the mixture until thickened, about 15-20 minutes. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs generously with the glaze, letting it caramelize and create a crispy, sticky coating.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the ribs from the oven or grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice the ribs into individual portions and serve immediately, with any remaining glaze on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for an extra kick of heat.
- Smoky Twist: Experiment with different types of bourbon or try using a smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.
- Saucy Glaze: If you prefer a saucier glaze, simply simmer the mixture for a few minutes longer.
- Tender Perfection: The key to tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs is low and slow cooking, so be patient and let the flavors develop.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted potatoes.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the ribs in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the ribs and make the glaze in advance. Refrigerate them separately, then assemble and bake or grill when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Sweet Heat Glaze are a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for indulging. Each serving (about 2-3 ribs) contains approximately 450 calories, 25g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein. The ribs are a good source of protein, while the glaze provides a boost of natural sweetness and a touch of heat.
- Serving Size: 2-3 ribs
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ribs should I use?
For this recipe, we recommend using baby back ribs or St. Louis-style pork ribs. Both will work well and give you that fall-off-the-bone texture.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the ribs and make the glaze ahead of time. Simply refrigerate the ribs and glaze separately, then assemble and bake or grill when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make the ribs even more tender?
To ensure the ribs are extra tender, you can wrap them in foil after the initial baking or grilling step. This steams the ribs and helps the meat become even more succulent.
Is there a way to make the glaze less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and add a bit more apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard to balance the flavors.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to an oven or grill, you can braise the ribs on the stovetop in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Follow the same preparation steps, then cover the ribs with liquid (such as broth or a mixture of bourbon and water) and simmer for 2-3 hours until tender.
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Smoky Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Sweet Heat Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Sweet Heat Glaze are a mouthwatering treat, perfect for any BBQ lover. Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs are infused with smoky flavors and topped with a sweet and spicy glaze for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
2 racks of baby back ribs
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup bourbon
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
3. In a bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture all over the ribs.
4. In a saucepan, combine bourbon, BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 2 hours, turning occasionally.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with the bourbon BBQ glaze every 10 minutes.
7. Remove ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, use wood chips while grilling.
Adjust the level of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
These ribs pair perfectly with coleslaw or cornbread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rack
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: BBQ, Ribs, Bourbon, Grilling