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Savory Grilled BBQ Bourbon Ribs Recipe Easy Sticky Maple Glaze

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This recipe features tender pork baby back ribs grilled low and slow with a sticky maple bourbon glaze that balances sweet, smoky, and boozy flavors. Perfect for summer BBQs and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4–6 pounds total)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey (80 ml)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prep the ribs (15 minutes): Remove the thin silver skin membrane on the bone side of the ribs by sliding a knife under and peeling it off. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the ribs: Generously sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika all over both sides. Rub it in well.
  3. Prepare the grill: Set up your grill for indirect heat. For charcoal, bank the coals to one side aiming for 275°F (135°C). For gas, turn off one burner and cook over the unlit side.
  4. Cook the ribs (1.5 hours): Place ribs bone side down on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook low and slow. After the first hour, wrap ribs tightly in aluminum foil to trap moisture.
  5. Make the sticky maple bourbon glaze (10 minutes): Combine maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and butter in a small saucepan. Simmer gently, stirring often, until thickened and glossy (8-10 minutes).
  6. Glaze and finish grilling (20 minutes): Remove ribs from foil and place back on the grill over direct heat. Brush generously with glaze and cook for 10 minutes, flipping once and reapplying glaze, until sticky and caramelized. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Rest and serve: Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tenderness. Use indirect heat to cook ribs low and slow. Wrap ribs in foil after the first hour to keep them juicy. Apply glaze only in the last 20 minutes to avoid burning. Keep a spray bottle handy to control flare-ups. Let ribs rest 10 minutes before serving. Glaze can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, bourbon ribs, grilled ribs, maple glaze, sticky ribs, summer BBQ, easy ribs recipe

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/savory-grilled-bbq-bourbon-ribs-recipe-easy-sticky-maple-glaze-steps/