Gather ’round, my flavor-loving friends! Today, we’re embarking on a BBQ adventure that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Get ready to sink your teeth into these Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs — a mouthwatering masterpiece that will bring people together and have them begging for more.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs
These ribs are the epitome of cozy comfort and bold flavors. The smoky char from the grill, the sticky-sweet glaze of maple and bourbon, and the tender, fall-off-the-bone texture will transport you to BBQ heaven. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or craving a delicious dinner at home, these ribs are sure to be the star of the show. Get ready for rave reviews and satisfied smiles all around!
Ingredients
At the heart of this recipe are the star players — succulent pork ribs, infused with a magical blend of spices, maple syrup, and bourbon. Rounding out the cast are brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a few other pantry staples that come together to create an unforgettable flavor explosion.
- 3-4 lbs – Pork baby back ribs
- 2 tbsp – Chili powder
- 1 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp – Garlic powder
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp – Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped parsley or scallions, for garnish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork Ribs: Beef short ribs or chicken thighs (equally delicious and easy to customize)
- Bourbon: Apple cider or ginger ale (for a non-alcoholic twist)
How to Make Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs
Preparing these ribs is a delightful dance of flavors, from the initial seasoning to the final sticky-sweet glaze. Let’s walk through the steps together, shall we?
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs, then season them generously with a blend of warm spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and set up for indirect cooking. Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill, cover, and let them sizzle for 1-1.5 hours, flipping occasionally, until the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bone.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a small saucepan, whisk together the maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon, and Worcestershire. Bring the glaze to a simmer and let it thicken slightly. Brush the ribs liberally with the maple bourbon glaze, then return them to the grill for 10-15 minutes, flipping and basting frequently, until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice the ribs between the bones and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with any remaining glaze, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Flavor: Add wood chips or chunks to your grill for extra smoky flavor. Experiment with different types of wood, like mesquite or apple, to play up the barbecue vibes.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the rub or glaze for a spicier twist.
- Quicker Cook Method: Partially cook the ribs in the oven before finishing them on the grill for a time-saving option.
- Extra Tender Ribs: Brine the ribs in a saltwater solution for an hour or two before cooking to help tenderize the meat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy coleslaw, baked beans, crispy fries, and plenty of napkins for the finger-licking good experience.
Storage: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the ribs in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or on the grill over medium heat until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dry rub and glaze in advance, then cook the ribs on the day of your event for maximum flavor and convenience.
Nutrition Information
These ribs are a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish, but they do come with some indulgent ingredients. Each serving (about 3-4 ribs) contains approximately 480 calories, 28g of fat, 35g of carbs, and 28g of protein. While they’re not the lightest option, they’re certainly worth the occasional treat!
- Serving Size: 3-4 ribs
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ribs should I use?
For this recipe, you can use either pork baby back ribs or beef short ribs. Pork ribs are the classic choice, but beef ribs will also work wonderfully and provide a heartier, meatier texture.
Can I make these ribs in the oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily make these ribs in the oven. Start by baking the seasoned ribs at 350°F for 1-1.5 hours, then brush them with the maple bourbon glaze and broil for 10-15 minutes to get that caramelized finish.
How long do the ribs need to marinate?
The ribs don’t require a lengthy marinating time, but giving them 30 minutes to an hour to sit with the dry rub will allow the flavors to really penetrate the meat. This short resting period is all they need before you can start grilling.
Can I use a different type of alcohol in the glaze?
Yes, you can absolutely experiment with different liquids in the glaze. If you prefer not to use bourbon, try substituting it with apple cider, ginger ale, or even a fruity red wine for a unique twist on the sticky-sweet flavor.
How can I make these ribs extra tender?
For the most tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, try brining them in a saltwater solution for 1-2 hours before cooking. This helps tenderize the meat and lock in moisture. You can also cook the ribs low and slow, either on the grill or in the oven, to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Ribs With Charred Pineapple Salsa
- Smoky Maple Bbq Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Maple Bacon Bbq Chicken Sandwich
Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs are slow-cooked and smoked to perfection, infused with rich flavors of maple, bourbon, and spices, making them the ultimate BBQ treat.
Ingredients
4 pounds pork ribs
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. 2. In a bowl, mix together the maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder.
3. 3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and rub the spice mixture evenly over the ribs.
4. 4. Place the ribs in the smoker and cook for 3-4 hours, spritzing with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar every hour.
5. 5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush additional sauce on the ribs for a sticky glaze.
6. 6. Remove from the smoker, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
For an extra smoky flavor, use hickory or apple wood chips in your smoker. Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to your spice preference. These ribs pair excellently with coleslaw and cornbread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 rack
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: BBQ, Ribs, Maple, Bourbon, Smoked