Strap in, folks, because we’re about to take your taste buds on an absolute FLAVOR EXPLOSION with these Smoked Applewood BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze! These bad boys are the ultimate fusion of sweet, smoky, and savory, and I can guarantee they’ll have you licking every last finger. Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today?
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Applewood BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze
These ribs are the stuff of legends, y’all! The secret lies in the mind-blowing combination of applewood-smoked meat, tangy BBQ sauce, and a luscious maple glaze that’ll have you practically begging for more. Trust me, this dish is an absolute GAME-CHANGER that’ll leave your friends and family in awe. We’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Ingredients
Get ready for the ultimate ingredient lineup, because we’re about to take things to the next level! You’ll need juicy pork ribs, a smoker (or grill), a bold BBQ sauce, real maple syrup, and a few key spices to bring it all together. This is the kind of recipe that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
- 3-4 lbs – Pork Ribs
- 1 cup – Applewood Chips (for smoking)
- 1 cup – Homemade or Store-Bought BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup – Real Maple Syrup
- 2 tbsp – Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp – Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp – Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp – Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork Ribs: Beef Ribs or Plant-Based Ribs (for a vegetarian/vegan option)
- Maple Syrup: Honey or Agave Nectar (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Smoked Applewood BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze
Alright, let’s get this party started! First up, we’ve got to do a little prep work. Get those ribs trimmed and seasoned to perfection with a blend of smoky, savory spices. Then it’s time to fire up the smoker (or grill) and let those bad boys soak up that irresistible applewood flavor. Once they’re nice and tender, we’ll slather on that tangy BBQ sauce and finish with a mouthwatering maple glaze that’ll have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Trust me, this recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs (this helps the seasoning and smoke penetrate) and patting them dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Rub this spice blend all over the ribs, making sure to get it into every nook and cranny.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your smoker (or grill) to 225°F and add the applewood chips. Once the smoke is billowing, carefully place the seasoned ribs on the grates, making sure they’re not touching. Close the lid and let them smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulling away from the bone.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the ribs are beautifully smoked, it’s time to slather them in that finger-lickin’ good BBQ sauce. Brush the sauce all over the ribs, making sure to get it in every nook and cranny. Return the ribs to the smoker (or grill) and let them cook for an additional 30-45 minutes, basting with more sauce halfway through.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Now for the grand finale – the maple glaze! In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup over medium heat until it’s warm and pourable. Carefully drizzle the maple glaze over the saucy ribs, making sure to get it all over. Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve them up hot and enjoy the EPIC flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- BBQ Sauce Flavors: Try experimenting with different BBQ sauce flavors, like a sweet and spicy or a tangy mustard-based version.
- Extra Toppings: For an extra flavor explosion, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of hot honey to the finished ribs.
- Maple Sweetness: If you’re not a big maple fan, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or substitute it with honey or agave nectar.
- Spice it Up: Kick up the heat by adding a little extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh, crunchy slaw, creamy mashed potatoes, and fluffy cornbread for the ultimate smoky, sweet, and savory feast.
Storage: Keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or on the grill when you’re ready to dive in again!
Reheat: For best results, reheat the ribs in a 350°F oven or on the grill until hot and sizzling.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the ribs and the BBQ sauce/maple glaze in advance, then just assemble and finish on the day you want to serve them.
Nutrition Information
Let’s be real, folks – these ribs aren’t exactly health food, but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? When you’re craving something truly epic and indulgent, you gotta go all in. That said, you can feel a little better knowing that pork ribs are a good source of protein, and the maple glaze provides a touch of natural sweetness. So, go ahead and indulge in this mouth-watering masterpiece, just maybe save it for a special occasion or a well-deserved treat.
- Serving Size: 3-4 ribs
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 31 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of wood for smoking?
Absolutely! While applewood is my personal favorite for these ribs, you can definitely experiment with other types of wood chips or pellets, like mesquite, hickory, or even a blend. Just keep in mind that different woods will impart slightly different flavors to the final dish.
How can I make these ribs extra tender?
To ensure ultra-tender ribs, try wrapping them in foil for the last 1-2 hours of the smoking process. This helps trap the moisture and steam, resulting in fall-off-the-bone perfection. You can also try the “3-2-1” method, where you smoke the ribs for 3 hours, then wrap them in foil for 2 hours, and finish by saucing and glazing for the final 1 hour.
Can I make these ribs in the oven instead of a smoker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a smoker, you can still achieve delicious, smoky ribs by roasting them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F, then follow the same seasoning and cooking process, but use a cast-iron skillet or baking sheet lined with foil. Baste the ribs with the BBQ sauce and maple glaze in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
How can I make these ribs ahead of time?
These ribs are the perfect make-ahead dish! You can smoke and sauce the ribs up to 3 days in advance, then simply reheat and add the maple glaze before serving. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I use a different type of meat besides pork?
Definitely! While pork ribs are the classic choice, you can absolutely substitute beef ribs or even plant-based ribs for a vegetarian/vegan option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you use.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bourbon Bbq Meatballs With Spicy Maple Glaze
- Spicy Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake With Maple Drizzle
- Harvest Moon Burger With Apple Cider Glaze
Smoked Applewood BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍖 SMOKE HOUSE
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoked Applewood BBQ Ribs with Maple Glaze are fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor. A perfect dish for BBQ lovers!
Ingredients
2 racks of baby back ribs
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
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
2. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, covering both sides.
4. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
5. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
6. Place the ribs in the smoker and smoke for 3 hours, using applewood chips.
7. In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and BBQ sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
8. After 3 hours, brush the ribs with the maple glaze and continue smoking for an additional hour.
9. Remove ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try using a combination of different wood chips. You can also marinate the ribs overnight for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rack
- Calories: 800 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: BBQ, Ribs, Smoked, Maple Glaze