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Flavorful Grilled Honey Bourbon BBQ Ribs Recipe Perfect for Summer Cookouts

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These grilled baby back ribs feature a sticky honey bourbon glaze that balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, perfect for summer cookouts and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 2.5 to 3 pounds / 1.1 to 1.4 kg), trimmed of excess fat
  • ½ cup honey (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup bourbon whiskey (60 ml)
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce (180 ml), tomato-based
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (50 g), dark or light
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a sharp knife underneath and pulling it off. Pat ribs dry with paper towels. (Prep time: 10 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub olive oil all over the ribs, then generously sprinkle the dry rub on both sides, pressing it in. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  3. Preheat your grill for indirect heat around 275°F (135°C). For charcoal grills, bank the coals to one side; for gas grills, turn on only half the burners. Place a drip pan under the grill grate to catch fat drippings. (Prep time: 15 minutes)
  4. Place ribs bone side down on the cooler part of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and cook for about 1.5 hours, turning once halfway through. (Cook time: 90 minutes)
  5. In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey, bourbon, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. (Cook time: 10 minutes)
  6. Remove ribs from grill and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil to rest for 20 minutes. (Rest time: 20 minutes)
  7. Unwrap ribs and brush generously with the honey bourbon glaze. Place ribs back on the hot side of the grill (direct heat) for about 10 minutes, turning and basting every 3 minutes until glaze is sticky and caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning. (Cook time: 10 minutes)
  8. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between bones. Serve with extra glaze on the side. (Rest time: 5 minutes)

Notes

Remove the membrane for tender ribs and better glaze penetration. Use indirect heat for slow cooking to avoid drying out. Apply glaze only in the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. Rest ribs wrapped in foil to keep them juicy. A meat thermometer can help check doneness (190°F / 88°C). For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar if desired. Maple syrup can replace honey for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled ribs, honey bourbon ribs, BBQ ribs, summer cookout, sticky glaze, baby back ribs, bourbon BBQ sauce

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/flavorful-grilled-honey-bourbon-bbq-ribs-recipe-perfect-for-summer-cookouts/