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Savory Honey Bourbon Glazed Baby Back Ribs

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Tender baby back ribs glazed with a sticky, savory honey bourbon sauce that caramelizes to a perfect crust. This easy recipe balances sweet, smoky, and boozy flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (3–4 pounds / 1.4–1.8 kg)
  • ½ cup honey (120 ml)
  • ⅓ cup bourbon (80 ml)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed (50 g)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of each rack by sliding a knife under it and peeling it off.
  3. Pat ribs dry with paper towels, then rub olive oil all over to help the seasoning stick.
  4. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly on both sides of the ribs.
  5. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet or roasting pan with a rack.
  6. Cook in the oven for 2½ to 3 hours until the meat is tender and pulling away from the bone.
  7. While ribs cook, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
  8. Remove ribs from oven and carefully unwrap. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
  9. Brush ribs generously with the honey bourbon glaze, coating every inch. Place ribs back on the rack and return to the oven uncovered.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, basting again halfway through to caramelize the glaze.
  11. Remove ribs from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  12. Slice between the bones and serve.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tender ribs. Cook low and slow at 275°F for best results. Warm glaze gently to avoid burning. Use an oven thermometer to maintain steady temperature. Leftovers reheat well with extra glaze and broil for crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, honey bourbon glaze, caramelized ribs, easy ribs recipe, savory ribs, barbecue ribs, oven baked ribs

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/savory-honey-bourbon-glazed-baby-back-ribs-recipe-easy-and-perfect-caramelized-crust/