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Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ribs

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Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs coated in a sticky, sweet, and smoky glaze made with real maple syrup and bourbon. Perfect for special dinners, cookouts, or indulgent comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

  • 2 racks pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Maple-Bourbon Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) or prepare your grill for indirect heat.
  2. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the mixture all over the ribs.
  4. Place ribs on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
  5. While ribs cook, prepare the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until glaze thickens slightly.
  7. Remove ribs from the oven and increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or preheat grill.
  8. Brush ribs generously with glaze and return to oven or grill. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, basting once or twice until caramelized.
  9. Let ribs rest a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use real maple syrup for the best flavor—not pancake syrup.
  • Make the glaze ahead and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Grill option: finish ribs over direct heat after slow cooking for a smoky char.
  • Substitute bourbon with apple juice for an alcohol-free version.
  • Double the glaze for basting and extra dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/maple-bourbon-glazed-ribs/