Bourbon-Glazed Baby Back Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs finished with a sticky, smoky bourbon glaze.
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Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- 1
Remove the silverskin from the back of each rack.
- 2
Mix the dry rub and coat ribs generously on both sides. Let sit 30 min.
- 3
Set the grill up for indirect at 225°F with a chunk of hickory or apple wood.
- 4
Smoke the ribs bone-side down for 3 hours.
- 5
Wrap each rack tightly in foil with a splash of apple juice; cook another 1.5 hours.
- 6
Simmer BBQ sauce, bourbon, and honey together for 5 minutes.
- 7
Unwrap ribs, brush with glaze, and grill uncovered for 15 more minutes until sticky.
- 8
Rest 10 minutes, slice between the bones, and serve.
Why this recipe works best on a clean grill
A clean grill makes this recipe easier because the grates release food evenly, the heat moves predictably, and old grease does not smoke over the fresh ingredients. When carbon buildup sits on the grate, it can leave bitter flavors, create flare-ups, and make delicate foods stick right when they should sear.
Before cooking, preheat the grill fully, scrape the grate with a bristle-free tool, and lightly oil the surface. If your grill has yellow flames, heavy smoke, stubborn hot spots, or a greasy smell before the food goes on, it may need a deeper cleaning before your next cookout. For more context, read our clean grill benefits guide or request a professional quote from The Grill Guyz.
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