Project Description

Bourbon Maple Ribs

This recipe gives you the perfect excuse to light the grill no matter the time of year.

Recipe

Ingredients

Dry Rub

  • 1 rack of spare ribs
  • 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 1/2 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • kosher salt
  • fresh black pepper

Maple Glaze

  • 1/2 cup Pure Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple butter
  • 1/2 cup Bourbon-Rye Whiskey (or any Bourbon of choice)

Directions

  1. Mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, and oregano. Set aside.
  2. Place spare ribs onto a pan sheet and then at one end of the rack, slide a dinner knife under the membrane and over a bone, lift and loosen the membrane until it tears, grab the edge of the membrane with a paper towel and pull it off. The membrane may come off in one whole piece, or you may need to remove it in smaller pieces.
  3. Season both sides of spare ribs with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
  4. Season spare ribs with the homemade dry rub, rubbing the seasoning into the ribs using hands, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  5. Once the ribs have finished marinating, wrap ribs in aluminum foil making sure to seal the edges so that air or steam can’t escape.
  6. Option #1: Heat your grill to low– roughly 300°F. Once the grill comes to temperature, place spare ribs wrapped in aluminum foil, and let it cook for 1.5-2hours. Cook times will vary depending on how big the rack of ribs is.
  7. Option #2: Preheat the oven to 300°F, then place ribs wrapped in aluminum foil onto a pan sheet. Cook for 1.5 – 2hours. Cook times will vary depending on how big the rack of ribs is.
  8. While ribs are cooking, combine ½ cup of Bourbon Whiskey, ½ cup of Bourbon-Barrel aged Chicago maple syrup, and 2 tbsp of Apple Butter. Whisk together and cook over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes until alcohol vapors have cooked away and sauce begins to bubble and thicken. Afterward, transfer to a clean bowl. The bourbon-Maple sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  9. Once ribs have finished cooking, generously coat both sides of the spare ribs with Bourbon-Maple sauce. Grill or roast using braise setting in oven, uncovered on HIGH for 5 minutes or until sauce begins to caramelize.
    1. Note: Bourbon-Maple sauce burns very easily so make sure to keep a close eye. Feel free to re-apply any extra unused sauce and grill/roast again on high for extra saucy ribs.