Welcome to a mouthwatering adventure with Smoky Maple Bourbon Oven Baked Ribs! These ribs are the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors — an ideal dish for impressing guests or treating yourself. Let’s get cooking!
Starting with the star of the show, the pork ribs are the canvas for all these flavors to shine. The maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that complements the smoky elements beautifully. Bourbon not only tenderizes the meat but also brings a deep, rich flavor profile. The tanginess of apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness and ensures the marinade penetrates the meat. Brown sugar caramelizes during cooking, creating a lovely crust. The smoked paprika is what adds that quintessential smoky aroma, while garlic powder and onion powder provide a savory depth. A touch of cayenne pepper introduces a gentle heat. Finally, salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning.
For the glaze, ketchup serves as a tangy base, Worcestershire sauce adds umami, and Dijon mustard gives it a sharp, piquant kick.
Pair these ribs with classic coleslaw for a refreshing crunch or buttery cornbread to soak up the delicious glaze. A side of grilled corn on the cob also complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low-and-slow method is key to achieving tender ribs. Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it comes to cleanup.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything’s well mixed. Now, take your pork ribs and slather them in this marinade. Make sure each rib is generously coated. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet and cover with foil. Pop them into the oven and let them bake for about 2 hours. This is where the magic happens, and the flavors meld beautifully while the meat becomes tender.
While the ribs are baking, let’s prep the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This glaze will give your ribs that irresistible, sticky finish.
After 2 hours, take the ribs out of the oven and remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush the ribs generously with the glaze and return them to the oven for another 20 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, giving your ribs a fantastic texture and flavor.
Once done, let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
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