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Savory Bourbon-Glazed BBQ Ribs Recipe with Easy Whiskey Butter Corn

bourbon-glazed BBQ ribs - featured image

Sticky, smoky bourbon-glazed BBQ ribs paired with buttery whiskey-infused corn make a perfect comfort food with a grown-up twist. This recipe is easy to prep and ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 45 pounds / 1.82.3 kg)
  • Salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder (optional)
  • 1 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 600 g / 21 oz)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp whiskey
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ribs by removing the silver skin membrane from the back of each rack. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. Make the bourbon glaze by combining bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and chili powder in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat to low and thicken for 15-20 minutes. Add water if too thick.
  3. Cook the ribs: For grill method, set grill for indirect heat at 275°F (135°C). Place ribs bone side down over indirect heat, cover, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. After 2 hours, wrap ribs tightly in foil and return to grill for 30-45 minutes. For oven method, preheat oven to 275°F (135°C), place ribs on foil-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
  4. Remove ribs from heat and unwrap carefully. Brush a generous layer of bourbon glaze on both sides, then place back on grill or under broiler for 5-7 minutes to caramelize. Repeat glazing if desired.
  5. Make whiskey butter corn by heating a skillet over medium heat. Melt butter, add corn, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until warmed and slightly golden. Stir in whiskey and honey, cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired.
  6. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between bones. Serve ribs with whiskey butter corn and extra glaze if desired.

Notes

Keep a spray bottle of water handy when grilling to manage flare-ups. Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs reach 190°F (88°C) for tenderness. Wrap ribs in foil during cooking to keep moist and tender. Simmer glaze gently to avoid burning. Apply glaze in layers near the end of cooking for best results. Leftover ribs can be stored in foil in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently. Whiskey butter corn reheats well in a skillet with a splash of water or butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, bourbon glaze, whiskey butter corn, barbecue, grilled ribs, comfort food, easy ribs recipe, whiskey corn