If you are a fan of succulent and flavorful ribs, then this Bacon Bourbon Oven Baked Ribs recipe is a must-try! These ribs are seasoned to perfection, slow-cooked, and basted with a mouthwatering bacon bourbon sauce. The result is tender, juicy ribs with a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or simply craving some delicious ribs, this recipe is sure to impress.
To make these Bacon Bourbon Oven Baked Ribs, start by seasoning the ribs with a blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This rub adds a delicious and savory flavor to the meat. Next, slow-cook the ribs in the oven to ensure they become tender and juicy. To take these ribs to the next level, baste them with a homemade bacon bourbon sauce. This sauce combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tangy tomato paste, and sweet brown sugar with a hint of smoky bourbon. The result is a sauce that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the ribs.
For the full recipe and instructions, please see the table below:
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – 2 racks of baby back ribs | 1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). |
| – 2 tablespoons paprika | 2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to make the rub. |
| – 1 tablespoon garlic powder | 3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs. |
| – 1 tablespoon salt | 4. Place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet and cover tightly with aluminum foil. |
| – 1 tablespoon black pepper | 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and cooked through. |
| – 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper | 6. While the ribs are cooking, make the bacon bourbon sauce by cooking the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. |
| – 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled | 7. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened. |
| – 1/2 cup tomato paste | 8. Stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard until well combined. |
| – 2 tablespoons brown sugar | 9. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. |
| – 1/4 cup bourbon | 10. Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven and baste them generously with the bacon bourbon sauce. |
| – 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce | 11. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and return the ribs to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is sticky and caramelized. |
| – 2 tablespoons mustard | 12. Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! |
Preparing the Ribs
First, you’ll want to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin, silver skin can prevent the flavors from penetrating the meat and can make the ribs tough to eat. To remove the membrane, simply use a knife to lift one corner of the membrane and then grip it with a paper towel and peel it off.
Next, you’ll need to season the ribs with a dry rub. This is a mixture of spices that will add flavor to the ribs. You can use a pre-made rub or create your own by combining ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, making sure to massage it into the meat to ensure it sticks.
Once the ribs are seasoned, you’ll want to let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This step is crucial for developing the best flavor in the ribs, so don’t skip it!
Creating the Bacon Bourbon Glaze
To create the Bacon Bourbon Glaze, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of bourbon
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
To make the glaze, start by combining all of the ingredients (except the bacon) in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well to ensure that the brown sugar is fully dissolved. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has thickened. Be careful not to let it burn.
After the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the crumbled bacon. This will add an extra layer of smoky flavor to the glaze. Let the glaze cool slightly before using it to glaze the ribs.
Oven Baking the Ribs
Marinating the Ribs: Before baking the ribs, it is important to marinate them to enhance their flavor and tenderness. A marinade typically consists of a combination of ingredients such as vinegar, oil, garlic, herbs, and spices. The ribs should be placed in a ziplock bag or a container with the marinade and left to marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
Dry Rub: After marinating, the next step is to apply a dry rub to the ribs. A dry rub is a mixture of herbs, spices, and sometimes brown sugar that is rubbed onto the meat to add flavor. Popular ingredients for a dry rub include paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. The ribs should be coated generously with the dry rub on all sides, ensuring that the spices adhere to the meat.
Once the marinating and dry rubbing steps are complete, the ribs are ready to be baked in the oven. It is recommended to preheat the oven to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C), to slow cook the ribs. The ribs should be placed on a wire rack or a baking sheet lined with foil to catch any drippings. They should then be baked for several hours until they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the ribs, but it generally ranges from 2 to 3 hours. To ensure that the ribs stay moist during cooking, it is a good idea to periodically baste them with a barbecue sauce or apple juice. This helps to add additional flavor and prevent them from drying out. Once the ribs are done, they can be served immediately or brushed with more barbecue sauce and broiled for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
