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Tender Smoky BBQ Ribs with Bourbon Glaze

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A quick and easy recipe for tender, smoky pork spare ribs finished with a sticky, sweet bourbon glaze that caramelizes perfectly for a memorable BBQ night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 pounds pork spare ribs, trimmed and membrane removed
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup bourbon (80 ml)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ribs (10 minutes): Remove the thin silver membrane from the back of the ribs using a sharp knife and paper towel for grip.
  2. Make the dry rub (5 minutes): Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder if using in a bowl.
  3. Apply the rub (5 minutes): Pat ribs dry and rub the spice mix generously all over the meat.
  4. Wrap and bake low & slow (2.5 to 3 hours): Wrap ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place on a roasting pan. Bake at 275°F (135°C). Check after 2.5 hours to avoid overcooking.
  5. Prepare the bourbon glaze (10 minutes): Combine bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, until thickened and glossy (8-10 minutes).
  6. Glaze and broil (10-15 minutes): Unwrap ribs carefully and brush a generous layer of bourbon glaze all over. Place ribs uncovered on a baking sheet and broil on high for 5-7 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Rest and serve (5 minutes): Let ribs rest before slicing between the bones to redistribute juices.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tender ribs. Bake low and slow at 275°F to break down collagen. Apply glaze only in the last 15 minutes to avoid burning. Use a thermometer to check for 190°F internal temperature. Adding a splash of apple juice in the foil packet before baking keeps ribs moist. Broil carefully to get a sticky char without burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, bourbon glaze, smoky ribs, pork ribs, barbecue, easy ribs recipe, grilled ribs, oven baked ribs

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/tender-smoky-bbq-ribs-with-bourbon-glaze-easy-recipe-for-perfect-bbq-night/