Are you ready to take your taste buds on the ultimate flavor adventure? Get ready, because I’m about to show you how to create the most epic, insane, and mouth-watering Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs you’ve ever tried. These ribs are guaranteed to make your kitchen explode with the incredible, sensational, and addictive combination of sweet and smoky goodness. So, let’s dive in and transform your ordinary meal into a legendary food experience!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs
These Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs are an absolute game-changer in the world of barbecue. The combination of the sweet and tangy apple molasses glaze, coupled with the tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, is an absolute flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. The best part? These ribs are incredibly easy to make, but they’ll have everyone thinking you’re a gourmet chef. Prepare to become the talk of the town with these incredible, revolutionary ribs that will have your friends and family begging for the recipe.
Ingredients
For this epic dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that will transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise. Get ready to smash together some juicy, tender ribs, a sweet and tangy apple molasses glaze, and a few other simple ingredients that will take your ribs to the next level of deliciousness.
- 3 lbs – Pork Ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
- 1 cup – Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup – Molasses
- 1/2 cup – Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp – Dijon Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Molasses: Honey (provides a similar sweetness and depth of flavor)
- Apple Cider Vinegar: White Wine Vinegar or Balsamic Vinegar (for a different tangy note)
How to Make Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs
Alright, it’s time to get your hands dirty and create the ultimate, legendary Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs. This process may seem a bit complex, but I promise you, it’s going to be an absolute blast. So, let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into a flavor-packed, epic adventure!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat more effectively. Next, cut the ribs into individual sections, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Set the ribs aside while you prepare the glaze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the seasoned ribs in a large baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush the ribs liberally with the apple molasses glaze, making sure to coat all sides. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 2 hours, basting the ribs with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
After 2 hours, remove the foil and continue to bake the ribs for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and the glaze has caramelized. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage to prevent burning.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite even more delicious. Serve the Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or scallions, if desired. Get ready to have your taste buds transported to a flavor paradise!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for a delightful touch of heat.
- Smoky Sensation: Rub the ribs with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder before baking for an extra layer of smoky goodness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Marinade: Marinate the ribs in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) before cooking.
- Caramelized Glaze: Broil the ribs for the last 5 minutes of cooking to get a shiny, caramelized glaze on the surface.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, and a cold beer or iced tea.
Storage: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat the ribs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, being careful not to overcook them.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the apple molasses glaze up to 1 week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake the ribs and brush them with the pre-made glaze.
Nutrition Information
These Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs are a decadent, flavor-packed treat that shouldn’t be consumed as an everyday meal. However, sometimes you just need to indulge in something truly sensational and explosive. Enjoy these ribs in moderation as a special occasion dish.
- Serving Size: 1/4 rack of ribs
- Calories: 730 kcal
- Protein: 48 g
- Carbs: 53 g
- Fat: 41 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat besides pork ribs?
Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically designed for pork ribs, you can easily substitute beef short ribs or even chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.
How can I make the ribs extra tender?
To get the ribs extra tender and fall-off-the-bone, try braise them in the oven instead of baking. Place the ribs in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cover with the apple molasses glaze, and braise at 300°F for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender.
Can I make these ribs on the grill?
Absolutely! These Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs can definitely be made on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat, and cook the ribs for 2-3 hours, basting them with the glaze every 30 minutes. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make these ribs a little lighter, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze or swap it out for a calorie-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia. You can also use a leaner cut of ribs, such as boneless country-style ribs.
Can I prepare these ribs in advance?
Absolutely! These ribs are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the ribs up to 2 days in advance, brush them with the glaze, and then bake them when ready to serve. This will save you a ton of time on the day you want to enjoy these incredible, flavor-packed ribs.
Try These Next
Delectable Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs
- Total Time: 320 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Apple Molasses BBQ Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor. The sweet apple molasses sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky taste of the ribs, making them a hit at any barbecue!
Ingredients
4 lbs pork ribs
1 cup apple molasses
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back and trimming excess fat.
3. In a bowl, mix together the apple molasses, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
4. Rub the mixture generously over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Place the ribs in the smoker and cook for 4-5 hours, or until tender, spritzing with apple cider vinegar every hour.
6. During the last 30 minutes, brush additional apple molasses sauce on the ribs for a glossy finish.
7. Remove ribs from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding apple wood chips to your smoker.
These ribs can also be cooked in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours if you don’t have a smoker.
Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a complete barbecue meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: 🍖 SMOKE HOUSE
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of ribs
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg