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Savory Honey Bourbon Glazed Baby Back Ribs

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Tender baby back ribs slow-cooked and glazed with a sticky, caramelized honey bourbon sauce that balances sweet, smoky, and savory flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2–2.5 lbs / 900–1100 g), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 g), preferably raw or local
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60 ml), mid-range like Maker’s Mark
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (25 g), packed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (3 g)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (2 g)
  • 1 tsp onion powder (3 g)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (1 g), freshly ground
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (5 g)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g), softened
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (15 ml), optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven or grill to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Trim excess fat and remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs using a sharp knife. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub evenly over both sides of the ribs. Let rest for 15 minutes.
  4. Place a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet. Arrange ribs bone side down on the rack.
  5. Cook ribs in the oven or grill for 2 hours to tenderize the meat.
  6. While ribs cook, combine honey, bourbon, brown sugar, softened butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens, stirring often.
  7. After 2 hours, brush ribs generously with the honey bourbon glaze. Increase oven or grill temperature to 400°F (205°C) and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting every 5 minutes until glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  8. Remove ribs from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack to allow even heat circulation and prevent soggy bottoms. Apply glaze near the end to avoid burning. Let ribs rest before slicing to keep juices locked in. If glaze darkens too fast, lower heat. Substitute bourbon with whiskey, brandy, or non-alcoholic alternatives if desired. For slow cooker method, cook ribs on low for 6 hours then finish under broiler with glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, honey bourbon glaze, sticky ribs, caramelized ribs, barbecue ribs, slow cooked ribs, savory ribs, bourbon ribs

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/savory-honey-bourbon-glazed-baby-back-ribs-easy-sticky-caramelized-recipe/