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Flavorful Whiskey BBQ Ribs Recipe Easy Sticky Brown Sugar Glaze

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This whiskey BBQ ribs recipe features tender, juicy ribs coated in a sticky brown sugar and whiskey glaze that balances smoky, sweet, and boozy warmth. It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and perfect for backyard gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 3–4 pounds / 1.3–1.8 kg), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Olive oil or neutral oil (for rubbing)
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed (use light brown if dark is unavailable)
  • ½ cup whiskey (bourbon preferred)
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if attached. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chili powder in a small bowl.
  3. Rub ribs lightly with oil, then coat all sides generously with the dry spice rub. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, whiskey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Stir frequently as sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Place ribs on a wire rack inside a roasting pan or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Tent loosely with aluminum foil.
  7. Roast ribs for 1 hour and 30 minutes, turning halfway through.
  8. Remove foil and brush a generous layer of the whiskey brown sugar glaze on ribs.
  9. Set oven to broil and broil ribs for 5-7 minutes until glaze is bubbly and caramelized but not burnt.
  10. Remove from oven and brush again with glaze. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tenderness. Apply glaze late to avoid burning. Use a thermometer to check for internal temperature around 190-203°F. Let ribs rest after cooking to redistribute juices. Glaze can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey BBQ ribs, sticky brown sugar glaze, easy ribs recipe, smoky ribs, backyard BBQ, bourbon ribs, slow roasted ribs

Find it online: https://islatable.com/flavorful-whiskey-bbq-ribs-recipe-easy-sticky-brown-sugar-glaze/