Gather your friends and loved ones for a BBQ feast that’s sure to impress with these Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs and Tangy Slaw. Infused with an irresistible blend of bold, sweet, and smoky flavors, these tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing main course. Paired with a bright, crunchy slaw, this summertime showstopper is a modern take on classic barbecue that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Tangy Slaw
Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth ribs are already a summer staple, but this recipe takes things to the next level. The secret? A flavor-packed marinade that infuses the meat with a delectable combination of maple, bourbon, and warm spices for a truly craveable, comfort-food experience. The tangy slaw provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the ribs with its bright, zesty flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or looking for a cozy, indulgent meal, these Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Tangy Slaw are sure to be the star of the show.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a mix of pantry staples and fresh, high-quality ingredients to create an unforgettable barbecue experience. You’ll need a slab of meaty pork ribs, a few key spices, and a handful of simple slaw ingredients.
- 2-3 lbs – Meaty pork ribs
- 1/4 cup – Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 2 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bourbon: Substitute with whiskey or dark rum (for a similar bold, oaky flavor)
- Maple Syrup: Use honey or brown sugar for a dietary-friendly swap
How to Make Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Tangy Slaw
First, we’ll prepare the flavor-packed marinade, then get the ribs sizzling on the grill for that irresistible smoky char. While the ribs are cooking, we’ll whip up a refreshing tangy slaw to balance out the richness of the meat. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have an impressive, mouthwatering barbecue feast ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Marinate the Ribs
In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the pork ribs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, turning the ribs occasionally.
Step 2: Grill the Ribs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Remove the ribs from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid. Place the ribs directly on the grill grates and cook for 30-40 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the ribs are tender and the edges are crispy. If the ribs start to char too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.
Step 3: Make the Tangy Slaw
While the ribs are grilling, prepare the slaw. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and a dressing made with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat the slaw evenly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the grilled ribs to a platter and brush with any remaining marinade. Serve the Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs hot, accompanied by the Tangy Slaw. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired. Dive in and savor the delicious combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Try Different Ribs: Swap out the pork ribs for beef short ribs or baby back ribs for a twist on the classic.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, stir a pinch of cayenne pepper into the marinade or the slaw dressing.
- Swap the Vinegar: Use red wine vinegar or rice vinegar in place of the apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile in the slaw.
- Include Crunchy Extras: Toss in some toasted pecans or crisp apple slices to the slaw for an added textural element.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread.
Storage: Store the ribs and slaw separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the ribs in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Make-Ahead: The ribs can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance. The slaw can be prepared a day ahead and kept chilled until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Tangy Slaw are a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to leave you feeling nourished and content. Each serving provides a good source of protein, as well as a variety of essential vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables in the slaw.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While the recipe is written for pork ribs, you can certainly swap in beef short ribs or baby back ribs for a different flavor and texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For an extra kick of heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or the slaw dressing. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The vinegar-based dressing will help the slaw hold up well.
How long will the leftovers keep?
Store the ribs and slaw separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the ribs gently before serving to restore their tender, juicy texture.
What are some good sides to serve with this dish?
These Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs pair beautifully with classic barbecue sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. You can also serve them with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Try These Next
- smoky maple bbq pork sliders with tangy slaw
- smoky bbq bacon burgers with tangy slaw
- smoky maple bbq chicken sliders with coleslaw
Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Tangy 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 the perfect combination of sweet and smoky, finished with a tangy slaw for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
3 lbs pork ribs
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for slaw)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture generously over the ribs.
4. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and place them on the grill.
5. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning occasionally.
6. While the ribs are cooking, prepare the slaw by combining cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
7. Toss until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated.
8. Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the grill and unwrap the foil.
9. Brush additional BBQ sauce on the ribs and grill them directly for another 10-15 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
10. Serve the ribs hot with a side of tangy slaw.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill.
You can use any type of pork ribs, but baby back ribs are recommended for tenderness.
Adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce by adding more or less maple syrup as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib with slaw
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: BBQ ribs, bourbon ribs, smoked ribs, tangy slaw