Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with these Smoked Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Tangy Glaze! This recipe is an explosion of flavors that will have you licking your fingers and begging for more. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise and leave your guests in awe of your culinary prowess.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Tangy Glaze
These ribs are the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The maple bourbon marinade infuses the meat with an irresistible depth of flavor, while the tangy glaze delivers a thrilling punch of acidity to balance the richness. The smoking process takes these ribs to the next level, creating a sensational texture and aroma that will leave your guests begging for seconds. This dish is a true masterpiece that will have your taste buds exploding with excitement!
Ingredients
Get ready to assemble the ultimate flavor arsenal! You’ll need a rack of pork ribs, maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a mind-blowing symphony of taste that will have your guests devouring every last bite.
- 1 rack (2-3 lbs) – Pork ribs
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 1/4 cup – Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Vinegar: Try white wine or balsamic vinegar for a unique twist on the tangy glaze.
- Bourbon: Swap in dark rum or whiskey for an equally delightful flavor profile.
How to Make Smoked Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs with Tangy Glaze
Get ready to take your kitchen skills to the next level, folks! This recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by removing the membrane from the ribs and cutting them into individual pieces. In a large bowl, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix, then add the ribs and toss to coat them evenly. Cover and let the ribs marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add your favorite wood chips for a delicious smoky aroma. Transfer the marinated ribs to the smoker and let them work their magic 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 cooked to perfection, remove them from the smoker and brush them generously with the tangy glaze. You can make the glaze by combining the remaining marinade ingredients in a saucepan and simmering until thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can broil the glazed ribs for a few minutes, just until the glaze caramelizes and creates a delectable sticky coating. Serve these epic ribs immediately, with plenty of napkins on hand!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Wood Chips: Experiment with different types of wood chips in your smoker, such as apple or cherry, to add even more layers of flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by playing with the amount of smoked paprika or even adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sweet & Sticky Finish: Try brushing the ribs with a mixture of barbecue sauce and honey for a truly explosive sweet-and-sticky finish.
- Charred & Caramelized: For an extra touch of indulgence, broil the glazed ribs for a few minutes, just until the glaze caramelizes and creates a delectable sticky coating.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy fries for a truly legendary feast.
Storage: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The ribs can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, making them the perfect dish for meal prepping or hosting a crowd.
Nutrition Information
These ribs are a true indulgence, with each serving packing a punch of protein, carbs, and even a touch of healthy fats. Just be sure to enjoy them in moderation and balance out the richness with plenty of fresh veggies and hydration. Trust us, your taste buds will be thanking you for this epic culinary adventure!
- Serving Size: 4-6 oz
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to marinate the ribs?
For the best flavor, we recommend marinating the ribs for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum impact.
Can I use a different type of vinegar in the glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different vinegars, such as white wine or balsamic, to find the perfect balance of tangy goodness.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and pulling away from the bone easily. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 195-205°F.
Can I make these ribs in the oven instead of the smoker?
While the smoker is the ultimate way to achieve that incredible depth of flavor, you can certainly make these ribs in the oven. Simply follow the same marinade and cooking process, but bake the ribs at 275°F for 3-4 hours, or until tender.
How do I reheat leftover ribs?
To reheat, simply place the ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat, just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid drying them out.
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Print
Mouthwatering Smoked Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 320 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Smoke House
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoked Maple Bourbon BBQ Ribs are the perfect combination of sweet and smoky, coated with a tangy glaze that enhances the flavor and makes them irresistible.
Ingredients
2 racks of baby back ribs
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix together maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
4. Place the ribs in the smoker and smoke for 3 hours, spritzing with apple cider vinegar every hour.
5. After 3 hours, brush the ribs with the glaze and continue to smoke for another 2 hours.
6. Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra tenderness, wrap the ribs in foil after applying the glaze during the last hour of smoking.
Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness or spice in the glaze to suit your taste.
These ribs pair great with coleslaw and cornbread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rack
- Calories: 800 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: BBQ, Ribs, Smoked, Bourbon, Maple