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Tender Smoked BBQ Ribs with Bourbon Honey Glaze

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Juicy, tender smoked pork ribs with a sticky, sweet bourbon honey glaze that balances smoky and savory flavors perfectly. A quick and easy recipe ideal for backyard barbecues and entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup honey (raw or wildflower)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt
  • Wood chips (hickory or applewood, optional for smoking)

Instructions

  1. Remove the thin membrane from the bone side of each rack of ribs using a knife and paper towel. Trim excess fat if desired.
  2. Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the ribs. Let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes if using, then drain and add to coals or smoker box. Set up for indirect heat.
  4. Place ribs bone side down on smoker grate. Smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, maintaining steady temperature and avoiding opening the lid frequently.
  5. While ribs smoke, combine bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, butter, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and salt in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until glaze thickens slightly. Avoid boiling hard.
  6. After initial smoke, wrap ribs tightly in foil and continue cooking for 1 hour. During the last 30 minutes, unwrap and brush ribs with bourbon honey glaze every 10 minutes to caramelize without burning.
  7. Remove ribs from smoker and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing between bones to serve.

Notes

Keep smoker temperature steady at 225°F for tender ribs. Remove membrane for better flavor absorption. Use a water pan in smoker to maintain moisture. Apply glaze only in the last 30 minutes to avoid burning. Let ribs rest before slicing to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked ribs, BBQ ribs, bourbon honey glaze, smoked pork ribs, backyard barbecue, easy ribs recipe, tender ribs, bourbon glaze

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/tender-smoked-bbq-ribs-recipe-5-steps-for-the-perfect-bourbon-honey-glaze/