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Sticky Brown Sugar Bourbon Ribs: Best Easy Glazed Recipe

sticky brown sugar bourbon ribs - featured image

These oven-baked sticky brown sugar bourbon glazed ribs are incredibly tender and coated in a sweet, smoky, caramelized glaze. Made with simple ingredients, this foolproof recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone ribs perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 45 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix all dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the rub generously over both sides of the ribs, patting it in. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Place ribs on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, or directly on the baking sheet. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until tender.
  4. While ribs bake, combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until brown sugar dissolves and mixture simmers. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. After baking, increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Uncover ribs and brush a generous layer of glaze over the top. Return to oven, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
  6. Brush another layer of glaze on and bake for another 10 minutes. Repeat one more time for a total of three glaze applications over 30 minutes.
  7. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Cut between bones to separate individual ribs. Brush any remaining glaze over the top before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip removing the membrane from the ribs. Use a mid-range bourbon for best flavor. Let the glaze cool before applying to prevent it from running off. Line your baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Ribs are done when internal temperature reaches 190-203°F (88-95°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky brown sugar bourbon ribs, oven baked ribs, glazed ribs, baby back ribs, bourbon glaze, easy rib recipe, fall off the bone ribs