Gather your friends and family for an unforgettable BBQ feast with these Smoky Maple Bourbon Ribs and Charred Pineapple Salsa. Tender, juicy ribs are coated in a sweet and tangy maple bourbon glaze, then topped with a vibrant, fresh salsa that balances the richness of the meat. This recipe is a true celebration of flavors, perfect for your next backyard cookout or weekend gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple Bourbon Ribs with Charred Pineapple Salsa
These ribs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The maple bourbon glaze caramelizes on the ribs, creating a sticky, finger-licking good coating that pairs beautifully with the bright and refreshing pineapple salsa. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, while the salsa adds a lovely contrasting texture and zing. This dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this recipe include meaty pork ribs, a simple homemade maple bourbon glaze, and a vibrant pineapple salsa. You’ll also need a few pantry staples like garlic, onion, spices, and fresh cilantro.
- 2-3 lbs (900g-1.4kg) – Pork Ribs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Maple Syrup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Bourbon
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Soy Sauce
- 2 tsp (10ml) – Smoked Paprika
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork Ribs: Beef Short Ribs or Chicken Thighs (same cooking method)
- Pineapple: Mango or Peach (for the salsa)
How to Make Smoky Maple Bourbon Ribs with Charred Pineapple Salsa
Preheat your grill or smoker to a medium-high temperature. Place the ribs on the grill or in the smoker and cook for about 2 hours, basting them with the maple bourbon glaze every 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grill the pineapple slices until they develop a nice char.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preparing the ribs, removing the membrane and trimming any excess fat. Mix together the maple bourbon glaze ingredients and set aside. For the salsa, dice the pineapple and onion, mince the garlic, and chop the cilantro.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill or smoker to a medium-high temperature. Place the ribs on the grill or in the smoker and cook for about 2 hours, basting them with the maple bourbon glaze every 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grill the pineapple slices until they develop a nice char.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the ribs are tender and cooked through, remove them from the heat. Dice the grilled pineapple and combine it with the onion, garlic, cilantro, and a splash of the reserved glaze to make the salsa. Serve the ribs with the charred pineapple salsa on the side, and enjoy the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze or salsa.
- Flavor Customization: Experiment with different types of bourbon or maple syrup.
- Indulgent Sides: Serve the ribs with a creamy, tangy coleslaw or roasted sweet potato wedges.
- Smokehouse Flair: Use a smoker instead of a grill for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: The fresh and vibrant pineapple salsa.
Storage: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salsa can be kept separately for up to 5 days.
Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the ribs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The pineapple salsa can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This dish is a delicious and satisfying main course, but it’s also important to be mindful of portion sizes. A serving of 2-3 ribs with a generous helping of the pineapple salsa provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The recipe is also gluten-free, making it a versatile option for a variety of dietary needs.
- Serving Size: 2-3 ribs with salsa
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ribs in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes, you can bake the ribs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender and fall off the bone. Be sure to baste them with the maple bourbon glaze every 30 minutes.
How do I remove the membrane from the ribs?
Carefully slide a butter knife or your fingers under the thin, papery membrane on the back of the ribs and gently peel it off. This step helps the seasonings and glaze penetrate the meat more effectively.
Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pineapple salsa can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors will continue to meld and the salsa will be even more flavorful.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover ribs?
For the best texture, reheat the ribs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also brush them with a bit of the reserved glaze to help them stay moist and flavorful.
Can I use frozen pineapple in the salsa?
Yes, you can use frozen pineapple in the salsa. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before grilling or adding it to the other salsa ingredients.
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bbq Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Maple Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake With Whipped Cream
- Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs With Herb Glaze
Smoky Maple Bourbon Ribs with Charred Pineapple Salsa
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Total Time: 210 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Maple Bourbon Ribs are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, paired with a refreshing charred pineapple salsa that elevates the dish. Perfect for your next BBQ gathering!
Ingredients
2 racks of baby back 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 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ripe pineapple, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 300°F).
3. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to make the marinade.
4. Place the ribs in a large dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure they are well-coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
5. While the ribs are marinating, prepare the charred pineapple salsa. Grill the pineapple pieces on medium heat for about 5-8 minutes until charred. Remove and chop into small pieces.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the grilled pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Set aside.
7. Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for about 2-2.5 hours, turning occasionally and basting with the leftover marinade.
8. Once the ribs are tender and have a nice glaze, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
9. Serve the ribs with the charred pineapple salsa on the side.
10.
Notes
For extra tender ribs, cook them low and slow.
You can also add your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of grilling for an additional layer of flavor.
Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rack (about 3 ribs)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: ribs, BBQ, bourbon, smoky, pineapple