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Savory Sticky Bourbon Honey Glazed Pork Ribs

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These savory sticky bourbon honey glazed pork ribs offer a perfect balance of sweet and boozy caramelized glaze, tender meat with a slight chew, and an easy, fuss-free cooking method ideal for BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds baby back or spare pork ribs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/2 cup bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • 1/3 cup honey (raw or wildflower)
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ribs (15 minutes): Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if not already done. Pat ribs dry and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
  2. Make the bourbon honey glaze (5 minutes): In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine bourbon, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers. Cook 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy but pourable.
  3. Preheat grill or oven: For grill, set up for indirect heat at medium (around 300°F). For oven, preheat to 300°F.
  4. Cook ribs low and slow (2 to 2.5 hours): Place ribs bone-side down on grill or baking sheet in oven. Close lid or oven door and cook slowly until meat is tender and starting to pull from bones. Maintain indirect heat on grill to avoid flare-ups.
  5. Baste and glaze (last 30 minutes): Every 10 minutes during the last half hour, brush ribs generously with bourbon honey glaze. Turn ribs occasionally for even caramelization. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  6. Final touch and rest (10 minutes): Remove ribs when internal temperature reaches about 190°F and glaze is thick and tacky. Let rest covered loosely with foil for 10 minutes before slicing.
  7. Serve: Cut ribs between bones and serve hot with leftover glaze for dipping.

Notes

Remove the membrane for better flavor absorption and tenderness. Apply glaze only during the last 30 minutes to avoid burning. Use indirect heat on grill to prevent flare-ups. Let ribs rest before slicing to lock in juices. Glaze can be made ahead and warmed gently before use. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon ribs, honey glazed ribs, BBQ ribs, sticky ribs, pork ribs recipe, easy ribs, bourbon honey glaze

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/savory-sticky-bourbon-honey-glazed-pork-ribs-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-bbq/