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Flavorful Bourbon-Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe Easy Smoky Paprika Rub

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Tender baby back ribs coated with a smoky paprika rub and finished with a sweet and warm bourbon glaze. This easy oven-baked recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2–2.5 lbs / 900–1150 g)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/3 cup bourbon (80 ml)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under and peeling it off.
  3. In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to make the rub.
  4. Generously rub the spice mix all over both sides of the ribs. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  5. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay the ribs meat-side up on the rack.
  6. Tent the ribs tightly with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender and meat starts pulling away from the bones.
  7. While ribs bake, prepare the bourbon glaze by simmering bourbon, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until thickened.
  8. Remove ribs from oven and carefully remove foil tent. Brush a generous layer of bourbon glaze over the ribs.
  9. Set oven to broil on high and broil ribs for 3-5 minutes until glaze caramelizes and edges become sticky and slightly charred. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  10. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Remove silver skin for better tenderness and flavor absorption. Brush bourbon glaze near the end to avoid burning sugars. Watch broiler carefully to prevent bitterness. Glaze can be made ahead and reheated gently. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire sauce. For lower sugar, reduce brown sugar and honey or substitute with maple syrup or zero-calorie sweeteners.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, bourbon glaze, smoked paprika, oven baked ribs, smoky ribs, easy rib recipe, barbecue ribs, comfort food

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