If you're craving something with a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy kick, these Smoky Maple BBQ Country Style Ribs are your answer. Perfect for any season, they bring together the warmth of spices and the rich sweetness of maple syrup for a truly memorable meal.
The star of the show is, of course, the country-style pork ribs. These are meatier than other rib cuts, making them perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors. The BBQ sauce serves as a base for our glaze, while pure maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that complements the smoky spices. A healthy dose of smoked paprika brings that irresistible smoky aroma. We also mix in garlic powder and onion powder for depth, and a dash of cayenne pepper to give it just the right amount of heat. Finally, olive oil is used for searing, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the ribs.
These ribs pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw or a simple potato salad. For something green, try serving them with grilled asparagus or a fresh garden salad. And, of course, some warm, crusty bread on the side never hurts!
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven is warming up, let's whip up a quick spice rub. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
Now, take your ribs and generously rub them with this spice mix. Make sure every inch is covered — this is where a lot of the flavor magic happens.
Heat up some olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot and shimmering, sear the ribs on each side. You want them nicely browned, about 2 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and gives the ribs that beautiful color.
While the ribs are getting a nice sear, mix the BBQ sauce and maple syrup in a separate bowl. Once your ribs are seared to perfection, pour this saucy mixture over them, making sure they're well coated.
Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 2.5 hours. This slow cooking melts the meat, making it tender and full of flavor.
When the time's almost up, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for another 15 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce, giving it a sticky, glossy finish that's hard to resist.
Finally, take the skillet out of the oven and let the ribs rest for a good 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making the meat even juicier.
Share