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Flavorful Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Baby Back Ribs Easy Smoky Dry Rub Recipe

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Juicy, tender baby back ribs with a smoky dry rub and a sweet, boozy brown sugar bourbon glaze that creates a sticky, flavorful finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2–2.5 pounds / 900–1100 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ⅓ cup bourbon
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel to grip and pull it off in one piece. Pat ribs dry with paper towels and rub lightly with olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly blended.
  3. Generously sprinkle the dry rub all over the ribs, pressing it into the meat with your hands.
  4. (Optional) Wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for best flavor. You can cook immediately if short on time.
  5. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay ribs bone side down on the rack.
  6. Cover ribs loosely with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until meat is tender and pulling away from the bone but not falling apart.
  7. While ribs cook, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (8-10 minutes).
  8. Remove ribs from oven and brush a generous layer of bourbon glaze on both sides.
  9. Switch oven to broil or preheat grill. Return ribs uncovered and broil for 5-7 minutes until glaze bubbles and caramelizes. Brush with another layer of glaze halfway through broiling.
  10. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Remove the membrane for better rub and glaze penetration. Apply glaze multiple times during broiling for sticky layers. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the glaze. For gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos. For non-alcoholic glaze, substitute bourbon with apple juice and add vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, bourbon glaze, brown sugar ribs, smoky dry rub, barbecue ribs, easy ribs recipe, oven ribs, bourbon ribs

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/flavorful-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-baby-back-ribs-easy-smoky-dry-rub-recipe/