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Savory Honey Bourbon BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe with Brown Sugar Rub

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Tender, sticky baby back ribs with a sweet-savory honey bourbon glaze and a brown sugar rub, perfect for grilling or oven baking. This easy recipe balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds / 900 to 1150 grams)
  • ½ cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs using a butter knife and paper towel for grip (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Rub olive oil over both sides of the ribs, then massage the brown sugar rub all over the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  4. Preheat grill for indirect heat to about 275°F (135°C). For charcoal, bank coals to one side; for gas, turn one burner to low and keep the other off.
  5. Place ribs bone-side down on the cooler part of the grill. Close lid and cook low and slow for about 2 hours, flipping once halfway through. Spritz with apple cider vinegar or water if drying.
  6. Mix honey, bourbon, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until smooth to make the glaze.
  7. After 2 hours, wrap ribs tightly in aluminum foil and cook for another 30 minutes to tenderize.
  8. Unwrap ribs and brush glaze generously on both sides. Return ribs to grill and cook for 15 more minutes over direct heat, flipping and glazing once halfway through.
  9. Remove ribs from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between bones.

Notes

Remove the membrane for better seasoning absorption and tenderness. Keep the grill lid closed most of the time to maintain steady heat. Use a spray bottle to mist ribs if they start drying. Watch for flare-ups when glazing as sugars can burn quickly. Rest ribs 10 minutes before slicing for juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, BBQ ribs, honey bourbon ribs, brown sugar rub, grilled ribs, easy ribs recipe, smoky ribs, sweet and savory ribs

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/savory-honey-bourbon-bbq-baby-back-ribs-recipe-with-brown-sugar-rub-easy-steps/