Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs: Perfect Fall-Off-Bone Tender Recipe

Looking for tender BBQ short ribs? A classic Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs recipe is the answer. It turns a simple meal into a special treat. The slow-cooking method brings out amazing flavors and tender meat.

This recipe is a mix of sweet bourbon glaze and rich beef. It’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your family.

My love for barbecue led me to create this smoked bourbon ribs recipe. It perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. These glazed beef ribs celebrate American barbecue tradition.

Choosing the right beef and slow cooking are the secrets to this dish. It’s a way to make your barbecue taste like it’s from a top restaurant.

Preparing these ribs is simple. With a few ingredients and patience, you can make amazing tender barbecue. The bourbon, honey, and spices create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

Key Takeaways

  • Perfect for family dinners and special occasions
  • Combines sweet bourbon and honey flavors
  • Requires minimal preparation time
  • Creates incredibly tender and juicy meat
  • Versatile recipe adaptable to different cooking methods
  • Impresses guests with professional-level barbecue
Easy Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs recipe Pinterest pin with cooking tips
Save this Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs recipe for tender, restaurant-quality results

Introduction to Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs

My journey into barbecue has been full of flavors and techniques. Grilled beef short ribs are my favorite, and I’ve worked hard to make a recipe that’s amazing. The bourbon barbecue sauce makes these ribs fall-off-the-bone delicious.

My Passion for Barbecue

Barbecue is more than cooking; it’s an art that brings people together with great flavors. My love for whiskey bbq meat began in my family’s backyard. Each recipe I develop is a way to honor those memories, mixing old techniques with new ideas.

What Makes This Recipe Unique

The secret to these ribs is the special glaze. I’ve tried many combinations to find the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors. The bourbon adds depth, and the honey gives a luxurious caramelization that makes these ribs a gourmet treat.

Key Ingredients Overview

IngredientPurposeFlavor Profile
BourbonFlavor BaseRich, Complex
HoneySweetness & CaramelizationSmooth, Natural Sweetness
Beef Short RibsProtein FoundationTender, Robust

Knowing how each ingredient works is key. The bourbon barbecue sauce does more than just coat the ribs. It turns them into unforgettable ribs.

Preparing the Short Ribs

Creating the perfect honey bourbon beef ribs requires careful preparation. I’ll guide you through the essential steps. These steps will turn ordinary short ribs into a mouthwatering masterpiece. It will impress your family and friends.

Selecting the Right Cut of Meat

Choosing the right meat is key when making honey bourbon short ribs. I suggest picking bone-in beef short ribs with good marbling. Look for cuts that have:

  • Consistent fat distribution
  • Deep red color
  • Thick, meaty appearance
  • Visible intramuscular fat

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

The secret to amazing bourbon glazed short ribs is the marinade. I make a robust marinade that mixes sweet and tangy flavors. My marinade includes:

  1. Bourbon whiskey
  2. Honey
  3. Garlic
  4. Soy sauce
  5. Worcestershire sauce

Pro tip: Marinate the ribs for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight. This lets the flavors soak in deeply.

Cooking Method Mastery

For the best honey bourbon ribs, I use a precise technique. I start by searing the ribs to lock in flavor. Then, I slow-cook them to tender perfection. My method involves:

  • Searing ribs at high heat
  • Transferring to a Dutch oven
  • Cooking at 350°F for 2.5-3 hours
  • Reducing temperature to 325°F

The Dutch oven honey bourbon ribs technique makes the ribs tender and flavorful. It will make your taste buds happy.

Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs step-by-step recipe guide Pinterest image
Master the art of Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs with this detailed recipe guide

Serving Suggestions and Tips

When I make my honey bourbon BBQ short ribs, I find great ways to serve them. These ribs are so tender, they fall off the bone. I like to serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or smooth polenta. These sides soak up the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly.

My top picks for sides are roasted veggies and a crisp coleslaw. They offer a nice contrast to the rich ribs. If you want more ideas, try this bourbon BBQ bacon cheeseburger recipe. It’s all about finding the right balance on your plate.

Storing leftover ribs is easy. Just put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, use low heat to keep the meat juicy. This way, you’ll enjoy the ribs just as much the second time around.

My experience with this recipe has taught me a lot. Patience and preparation are key. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a big event, these ribs will wow everyone. Don’t be afraid to try new things and enjoy the journey of making a great meal.

FAQ

What type of bourbon works best for this recipe?

I suggest using a mid-range bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace. They offer a smooth flavor that complements the beef well. Avoid expensive bourbon as the subtle flavors will be lost during cooking.

Can I make these short ribs if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can make these ribs without a Dutch oven. Use a slow cooker or a roasting pan. The key is to keep the heat low and consistent for tender meat and a good glaze.

How long should I marinate the short ribs?

For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for 4-6 hours or overnight. This lets the marinade deeply penetrate the meat, making it taste better and more tender.

Are these ribs suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These ribs are great for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They reheat well and the flavors get even better over time.

What are the best side dishes to serve with these ribs?

I recommend creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp coleslaw. These sides offer a nice contrast to the rich meat.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While beef short ribs are best, you can try pork ribs or beef brisket. Adjust cooking times and marinade as needed.

How do I know when the short ribs are perfectly cooked?

The ribs are done when they’re very tender and fall off the bone. This takes 3-4 hours of slow cooking. They should reach 200-205°F and easily pull apart with a fork.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check your bourbon is gluten-free. Most bourbons are, but it’s good to double-check.

What’s the best way to get a nice caramelized exterior on the ribs?

First, sear the ribs before slow cooking. Then, finish them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. This creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Can I freeze these Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs?

Definitely! These ribs freeze well. Cool them completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

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Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs glazed with bourbon honey sauce in Dutch oven

Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs: Perfect Fall-Off-Bone Tender Recipe


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  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

Tender, fall-off-bone Honey Bourbon BBQ Beef Short Ribs with a rich bourbon glaze. This slow-cooked recipe creates restaurant-quality ribs with sweet and savory flavors that will become your family’s new favorite barbecue dish.


Ingredients

Scale

34 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in

1/2 cup bourbon whiskey

1/3 cup honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, sliced


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Pat short ribs dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear ribs on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.

3. Remove ribs and set aside. Add sliced onions to the same Dutch oven and cook until softened.

4. In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.

5. Return ribs to Dutch oven and pour bourbon mixture over them. Cover tightly with lid.

6. Bake for 2.5-3 hours at 350°F, then reduce to 325°F for additional tenderness.

7. Check for doneness – ribs should be fork-tender and falling off the bone.

8. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the exterior glaze.

9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

For best results, marinate ribs 4-6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.

Mid-range bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace works perfectly – avoid expensive bottles.

Can substitute Dutch oven with slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Ribs are done when internal temperature reaches 200-205°F.

Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: American BBQ

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
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