Print

Flavorful Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Baby Back Ribs

brown sugar bourbon glazed baby back ribs - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender baby back ribs glazed with a sticky, sweet, and smoky brown sugar bourbon sauce. Perfect for quick and easy Father’s Day celebrations or any barbecue occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2.5 pounds or 1.1 kg), trimmed of excess fat
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat (around 300°F) or oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub ribs all over with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Massage spices into meat for about 2 minutes.
  4. Place ribs meat side up on a large sheet of aluminum foil and wrap tightly to create a sealed packet.
  5. Cook ribs on indirect heat on the grill or on a baking sheet in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  6. While ribs cook, combine brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  7. Carefully unwrap ribs (watch for hot steam) and brush bourbon glaze generously over both sides.
  8. Return ribs uncovered to grill or oven for another 10-15 minutes, basting once halfway through to caramelize glaze.
  9. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Do not skip wrapping ribs in foil to keep them moist and tender. Apply glaze only in the last 15 minutes to avoid burning the sugar. Removing the membrane helps the glaze penetrate better. Rest ribs before slicing to retain juices. For non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice and vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, bourbon glaze, brown sugar ribs, barbecue ribs, Father's Day recipe, easy ribs, grilled ribs, oven-baked ribs

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/flavorful-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-baby-back-ribs-easy-fathers-day-recipe/