Unlock the secrets of fall-off-the-bone perfection with these Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Slaw. Infused with a bold blend of spices, maple, and bourbon, these ribs will transport your taste buds to a backyard barbecue haven. Paired with a crisp, tangy slaw, this dish is a celebration of flavors that will have your family and friends raving.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Slaw
Get ready to experience the ultimate in cozy, comforting indulgence with these Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs. The mouthwatering combination of savory, smoky, and sweet will leave you craving more. The tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are a true delight, while the bright, tangy slaw perfectly balances the richness of the meat. This dish is a crowd-pleasing showstopper that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Dive into the flavorful lineup of ingredients that make this dish a star. From the juicy, meaty ribs to the zesty slaw, every element comes together to create a harmonious symphony of taste. Get ready to load up your plate with this epic feast.
- 3 lbs – Pork baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup – Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 2 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bourbon: Apple juice or cider (for a non-alcoholic version)
- Maple Syrup: Sugar-free maple syrup (for a lower-sugar alternative)
How to Make Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Slaw
Prepare to be the master of your kitchen as you follow these chef-tested steps to create a showstopping dish. From the perfect marinade to the tantalizing slaw, this guide will walk you through every delicious detail.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs, if desired, for better absorption of the flavors.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, bourbon, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add the ribs and toss to coat them evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, up to overnight, turning the ribs occasionally.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Transfer the marinated ribs to the grill, reserving the marinade. Grill the ribs for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are charred and tender.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
In a small saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Brush the ribs with the reduced marinade and serve immediately, alongside the crisp slaw.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoke It Up: Use a combination of wood chips, like hickory and apple, for a deeper, more complex smoky flavor.
- Spice It Up: Customize the spice blend by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Sweet & Sour Slaw: For a tangy twist, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the slaw.
- Oven-Baked Ribs: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the ribs in the oven at 325°F for 2-2.5 hours, until tender.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a fresh green salad.
Storage: Refrigerate the cooked ribs and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat the ribs in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: Marinate the ribs up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the slaw up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of these Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Slaw without any guilt. While this dish may be a flavor-packed indulgence, it’s also packed with essential nutrients to fuel your body and nourish your soul. Savor every bite, knowing that you’re treating yourself to a truly satisfying and wholesome meal.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ribs in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the ribs in the oven. Follow the same marinating process, then place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 2-2.5 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork ribs?
While pork baby back ribs are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other cuts of meat. Beef short ribs or even chicken thighs would also work well with the smoky, maple, and bourbon flavors. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the bourbon with a gluten-free spirit, such as a certified gluten-free whiskey or vodka. You can also use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade. As for the slaw, make sure to use gluten-free mayonnaise and avoid any ingredients that may contain gluten.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! The slaw is a great make-ahead component for this dish. Prepare the slaw up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will have time to meld, and the slaw will remain crisp and refreshing when you’re ready to serve it alongside the ribs.
What kind of wood chips should I use for smoking the ribs?
The type of wood chips you choose can greatly impact the flavor of your ribs. For a classic smoky flavor, opt for hickory or mesquite wood chips. If you prefer a slightly sweeter, fruitier smoke, try apple or cherry wood chips. You can even experiment with a blend of different wood varieties to create a unique, custom smoke profile.
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Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Finished with a sweet and smoky glaze, they are perfect for your next barbecue.
Ingredients
2 racks of baby back ribs
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup maple bourbon BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup coleslaw mix
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (about 250°F).
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Rub the ribs with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Place the ribs on the grill bone-side down, cover, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
6. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, baste the ribs with the maple bourbon BBQ sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar.
7. In a bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
8. Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes.
9. Slice the ribs and serve with coleslaw on the side.
10.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rack of ribs with slaw
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: BBQ, Ribs, Bourbon, Grilling