What type of ribs work best for this Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Ribs recipe?

Baby back ribs or St. Louis-style spare ribs are great for this recipe. Baby back ribs are tender and cook fast. Spare ribs have more meat and taste richer. Country-style ribs are also good, but they're different in texture and cooking time.

How long should I marinate the ribs?

Marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours for the best flavor. Overnight marinating is even better. This lets the marinade soak into the meat, making it tender and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can! Use apple juice or chicken broth instead of bourbon. Add vanilla extract and soy sauce to get the bourbon's depth of flavor.

What's the ideal internal temperature for perfectly cooked pork ribs?

Cook pork ribs to 145°F (63°C) for safety. But for tenderness, aim for 190-203°F (88-95°C). This breaks down the collagen, making the ribs fall-off-the-bone tender.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are done when the meat pulls back from the bones. You should be able to insert a fork or toothpick easily. The meat should be tender and tear apart easily.

Can I prepare these ribs in advance?

Yes! Prepare the ribs a day ahead and reheat them. Cover them with foil and warm at 275°F (135°C) for 30 minutes. Then, brush with more glaze before serving.

What are the best side dishes to serve with Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Ribs?

Serve classic barbecue sides like creamy coleslaw and cornbread. Baked beans, roasted corn on the cob, or a fresh potato salad are also great. These sides complement the ribs' rich, sweet, and smoky flavors.

How should I store leftover ribs?

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, adding extra glaze to prevent drying.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

You can cook ribs in a slow cooker, but you'll miss the caramelization. Finish them under the broiler or on a grill for a crispy exterior.

What type of bourbon works best for this recipe?

Use a mid-range bourbon like Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, or Wild Turkey. Choose a bourbon with enough flavor but not too expensive for the marinade.

Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Ribs: 7 Easy Steps to BBQ Perfection

Name: Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Ribs Recipe - Tender BBQ Perfection
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs baby back ribs or spare ribs; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup bourbon; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Description

Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs glazed with a perfect combination of maple syrup and bourbon. This Southern-style BBQ recipe creates smoky, sweet ribs with a caramelized exterior that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

3 lbs baby back ribs or spare ribs

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup bourbon

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Remove membrane from back of ribs and pat dry

2. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for dry rub

3. Apply dry rub generously to both sides of ribs

4. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard

5. Marinate ribs in 1/3 of the glaze for at least 4 hours or overnight

6. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C)

7. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil

8. Cover with foil and bake for 2.5 hours

9. Remove foil and brush with remaining glaze

10. Increase temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake 15-20 minutes until caramelized

11. Let rest 10 minutes before serving

Notes

For extra tenderness, cook ribs low and slow at 275°F for 3-4 hours

Internal temperature should reach 190-203°F for fall-off-the-bone texture

Can substitute bourbon with apple juice for alcohol-free version

Ribs can be prepared day ahead and reheated

Store leftovers in refrigerator for 3-4 days

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 ribs
Calories: 485
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg