Savory Maple-Glazed Country Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're on the hunt for a dish that combines sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, these Savory Maple-Glazed Country Ribs are your answer. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend treat, they deliver rich flavors that'll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients for Savory Maple-Glazed Country Ribs

Country-style pork ribs are the star of the show, offering a meaty, tender bite. Maple syrup brings sweetness and depth, while soy sauce adds a salty, umami-rich contrast. Apple cider vinegar introduces a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness. Brown sugar complements the maple, adding a caramelized richness. Dijon mustard provides a subtle, sharp kick. Garlic powder and smoked paprika enhance the savory flavor with a hint of smokiness. Black pepper and cayenne pepper add a gentle heat that rounds out the glaze. Finally, olive oil and salt help with browning and seasoning the meat.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the ribs in a regular skillet and transfer them to a baking dish before adding the glaze and baking.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the glaze.
  • Feel free to adjust the heat level by tweaking the amount of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp, tangy coleslaw also complements the richness of the glaze beautifully. For a refreshing touch, consider a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pork ribs?
Yes, baby back ribs or spare ribs can also work, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the ribs as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Savory Maple-Glazed Country Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) — we want it nice and warm to tenderize those ribs. In the meantime, grab a small bowl and whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until they’re well blended. This will be your flavorful glaze.

Next, heat up the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, season your ribs with salt. Place them in the skillet and sear until they’re browned on all sides, which should take about 8 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives the ribs a beautiful color.

Once the ribs are seared, pour the maple glaze over them, making sure they’re well coated. Cover the skillet with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 2.5 hours — it’s worth the wait! Check on them occasionally to baste with the glaze, ensuring it caramelizes into a sticky, irresistible coating.

After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet maple with savory, spicy notes for a unique flavor profile.
  • Easy to prepare with a hands-off cooking approach once it's in the oven.
  • Perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

3 lbs country-style pork ribs
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Season the ribs with salt and sear them in the hot skillet until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
5. Pour the maple glaze over the ribs, turning to coat them evenly.
6. Cover the skillet with foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 2.5 hours, basting occasionally, until the ribs are tender and the glaze is caramelized.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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