Get ready to fire up the grill and dive into the most mouthwatering, finger-licking good Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs with Tangy Glaze! These ribs are a barbecue lover’s dream, combining the smoky depth of maple syrup, the savory crunch of bacon, and a tangy, sticky glaze that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to be the star of your next backyard bash or cozy gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs with Tangy Glaze
Get ready to experience the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite of these Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs with Tangy Glaze. The marinade infuses the ribs with a delectable maple and bacon essence, while the tangy glaze caramelizes on the grill, creating a mouthwatering interplay of textures and tastes. These ribs are the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, making them a showstopper dish that will have your guests raving. Plus, the easy-to-follow steps ensure you’ll achieve chef-worthy results every time, no matter your grilling experience.
Ingredients
To create this flavor-packed masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients: tender pork ribs, maple syrup, bacon, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a selection of warm spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Together, these components work in perfect harmony to deliver a truly crave-worthy dish that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
- 3-4 lbs – Pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis-style)
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 6 slices – Bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup – Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp – Chili powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- Maple Syrup: Honey (similar sweetness and consistency)
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple juice or cider (for dietary restrictions)
How to Make Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs with Tangy Glaze
Prepare to be the grill master of your next backyard gathering with these mouthwatering Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs. Follow these easy steps for chef-worthy results every time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure maximum flavor absorption. Then, create a flavorful rub by combining the maple syrup, bacon pieces, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a blend of spices. Massage this aromatic mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat and set up for indirect grilling. Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill, close the lid, and let the magic happen. Slow-cook the ribs for about 2-3 hours, basting them occasionally with the tangy glaze, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to finish them off with a delectable glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining glaze ingredients and simmer until thickened and syrupy. Brush the glaze generously over the ribs, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For the ultimate wow factor, you can optionally sprinkle the glazed ribs with a dusting of chopped fresh parsley or scallions, adding a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Sweetener Swap: Try substituting the maple syrup with honey or brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Vinegar Variations: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as white wine or balsamic, to create unique tangy notes.
- Smoky Twist: For an extra smoky touch, try adding a few wood chips to your grill during the cooking process.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to play with the spice blend, adjusting the heat level to your personal preference.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or on the grill for a quick and easy meal.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ribs in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to grill and glaze.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs with Tangy Glaze are a delightful indulgence, though they do contain a higher fat and calorie content due to the bacon and the rich glaze. A single serving (approximately 3-4 ribs) contains around 400 calories, 25g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein. While they may not be the healthiest option, these ribs are a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or as an occasional indulgence.
- Serving Size: 3-4 ribs
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ribs should I use for this recipe?
You can use either baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs for this recipe. Both work well and will deliver delicious, tender results.
Can I make this recipe in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily make these Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 325°F, place the prepared ribs on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, and cook for 2-3 hours, basting with the glaze occasionally, until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
How do I know when the ribs are fully cooked?
The best way to tell if the ribs are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 195-205°F. The meat should also be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
Can I prepare the ribs in advance?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare the ribs in advance. Follow the initial steps to coat the ribs in the marinade, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill. This makes for easy, hands-off prep on the day of your event.
Can I freeze leftover Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs with Tangy Glaze?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover ribs for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the grill or in the oven until heated through.
Try These Next
- smoky bourbon bbq bacon ribs with maple glaze
- smoky maple bourbon bbq ribs with tangy slaw
- smoky maple bourbon bbq ribs with slaw
Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs with Tangy Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Total Time: 165 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Maple BBQ Bacon Ribs are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a tangy glaze that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for summer grilling!
Ingredients
2 racks of baby back ribs
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 300°F).
3. 2. In a bowl, mix together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
4. 3. Place the ribs on a large piece of foil and brush generously with the glaze mixture.
5. 4. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil and place on the grill. Cook for 2 hours.
6. 5. After 2 hours, carefully unwrap the foil and brush the ribs with more glaze.
7. 6. Cook the ribs on the grill uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to create a nice caramelized crust.
8. 7. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the ribs.
9. 8. Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. 9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra glaze on the side.
11.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to the glaze.
These ribs can also be cooked in the oven at 300°F for the same amount of time.
Make sure to keep an eye on the ribs to prevent burning during the last grilling stage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: ribs, BBQ, grilling, smoked, maple