Print

Flavorful Baby Back Ribs Recipe with Easy Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce

baby back ribs recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender baby back ribs slow-cooked and glazed with a sticky, glossy cherry bourbon BBQ sauce that balances sweet, smoky, and boozy flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2.5 to 3 pounds / 1.1 to 1.4 kg)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry preserves or fresh pitted cherries
  • 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). If using a grill, set it up for indirect cooking at the same temperature.
  2. Remove the thin silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
  3. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl. Rub olive oil over both sides of the ribs, then evenly coat them with the spice mix.
  4. Place ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil, bone side down, and wrap tightly to seal in moisture. Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan.
  5. Bake the ribs in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender but not falling apart.
  6. While ribs cook, combine cherry preserves, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and let reduce and thicken for about 15 minutes until glossy.
  7. Remove ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap. Brush a generous layer of the cherry bourbon BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs.
  8. For a sticky glaze finish, place ribs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side, basting with more sauce. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Remove the membrane from ribs for tenderness. Simmer sauce gently to avoid burning. Use foil to keep ribs moist during baking. Watch broiler carefully to prevent burning sugars. Sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to a week. For gluten-free, substitute Worcestershire sauce and ketchup with gluten-free versions. For non-alcoholic sauce, replace bourbon with apple or cherry juice and add vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, cherry bourbon BBQ sauce, BBQ ribs, slow cooked ribs, cherry preserves, bourbon sauce, grilled ribs, oven baked ribs

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/flavorful-baby-back-ribs-recipe-with-easy-cherry-bourbon-bbq-sauce/