Attention, all you bold culinary rebels out there! Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with my epic recipe for Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze. These ribs are about to blow your taste buds into the stratosphere with their insanely delicious smoky-sweet flavor. So, y’all ready to break some delicious rules today?
Why You’ll Love This Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze
These Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze are the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The applewood smoke infuses the ribs with a deep, robust character, while the maple glaze adds a tantalizing, caramelized sweetness that will have you coming back for more. This dish is not for the faint of heart – it’s a culinary adventure that’s sure to leave your taste buds begging for mercy (in the best possible way)! Get ready to experience a sensational explosion of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For this epic recipe, you’ll need a rack of pork baby back ribs, applewood chips, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a few other key ingredients to create the irresistible maple glaze. The combination of these bold flavors is about to take your taste buds on the ride of their lives!
- 1 rack (2-3 lbs) – Pork baby back ribs
- 1 cup – Applewood chips, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- Smoked Paprika: Chipotle powder (for a smoky-spicy kick)
- Honey: Maple syrup (for an even more intense maple flavor)
How to Make Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze
Now it’s time to work some magic with the applewood smoke. Soak the applewood chips in water for at least 30 minutes, then add them to your smoker or grill set to low heat. Place the ribs on the grates and let the smoke work its irresistible wonders, low and slow, for about 2-3 hours.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs, then generously season them with a delicious dry rub made from brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now it’s time to work some magic with the applewood smoke. Soak the applewood chips in water for at least 30 minutes, then add them to your smoker or grill set to low heat. Place the ribs on the grates and let the smoke work its irresistible wonders, low and slow, for about 2-3 hours.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the ribs have developed that mouthwatering, deep smoky flavor, it’s time to glaze them with the ultimate maple goodness. Whisk together your maple glaze ingredients, then brush it generously over the ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The result? Ribs that are literally out of this world!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Before serving, let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then slice them up and watch your guests’ faces light up with pure, unadulterated joy. These Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze are about to become the new star of your next backyard BBQ or family feast. Get ready to experience a true flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Wood Chip Variations: Feel free to experiment with different wood chips, such as hickory or mesquite, to create your own signature smoky flavor.
- Marinating: Try marinating the ribs in a bourbon or apple cider vinegar-based marinade before smoking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Leftover Glaze: Don’t forget to save any leftover maple glaze – it makes an incredible dipping sauce or topping for all kinds of dishes.
- Spice It Up: Swap out the smoked paprika for chipotle powder to add a smoky-spicy kick to the dry rub.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, and mac and cheese for a truly epic feast.
Storage: Leftover ribs can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat the ribs in a 350°F oven until heated through, or in a skillet over medium heat.
Make-Ahead: The maple glaze can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
Nutrition Information
These Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze are a true flavor explosion, but they’re also packed with protein and nutrients. A single serving provides a hefty dose of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as a satisfying amount of protein to keep you fueled and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1/4 rack
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 48 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 41 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to smoke the ribs?
The ideal smoking time for these ribs is 2-3 hours, depending on the thickness of the rack and the temperature of your smoker or grill.
Can I use a different type of wood chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different wood chips, such as hickory or mesquite, to create your own signature smoky flavor.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are ready when they’re tender and the meat pulls away easily from the bone. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 195-205°F.
Can I make the maple glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make the maple glaze in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to brush it onto the ribs during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
What should I serve with these ribs?
These Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, and mac and cheese. Get ready to create a true flavor explosion!
Try These Next
- Smoked Applewood Bbq Ribs With Maple Glaze
- Smoked Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings With Crispy Skin
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf With Maple Glaze
Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 330 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Smoke House
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze are a deliciously sweet and smoky dish. Perfect for any BBQ lover, these ribs are slow-cooked to perfection and glazed with a rich maple sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
Ingredients
– 2 racks of baby back ribs
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
– 1 cup applewood chips (for smoking)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
1.
2.
3. 1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
4. 2. In a bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
5. 3. Rub the mixture all over the ribs evenly.
6. 4. Soak the applewood chips in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain.
7. 5. Place the ribs in the smoker and add the soaked applewood chips to the smoker box.
8. 6. Smoke the ribs for about 4-5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
9. 7. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix BBQ sauce and maple syrup together.
10. 8. Brush the glaze over the ribs and continue to cook until the sauce is caramelized.
11. 9. Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
12. 10. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
13.
Notes
– For best results, use high-quality, fresh ribs.
– Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less maple syrup.
– You can also finish the ribs on a grill for a few minutes to get a nice char.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 rack
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: BBQ, Ribs, Applewood, Maple Glaze