Get ready to transform your ordinary barbecue night into a mouthwatering culinary adventure with these irresistible Cherry Vanilla Bourbon Barbecue Ribs! Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs glazed with a luxurious sauce that combines the sweet richness of cherries, the warmth of bourbon, and a tantalizing blend of smoky spices. This isn't just another rib recipe – it's a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for your secret recipe and wondering how you became such a grilling maestro!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 cup cherry preserves
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method will help to tenderize the ribs and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off. This step is crucial for ensuring the ribs are tender and can absorb the flavors of the marinade.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cherry preserves, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a flavorful barbecue sauce.
- Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This will help with cleanup and keep the ribs moist during cooking.
- Generously brush the cherry bourbon barbecue sauce over both sides of the ribs, reserving some sauce for basting later. Make sure the ribs are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of aluminum foil. This will trap steam and help cook the ribs evenly and keep them moist.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook the ribs for about 2 hours. This slow cooking will ensure that the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
- After 2 hours, carefully remove the ribs from the oven. Remove the top layer of foil and brush the ribs with the reserved cherry bourbon barbecue sauce.
- If you prefer a caramelized finish, you can transfer the ribs to a preheated grill or broiler. Grill or broil the ribs for an additional 5-10 minutes, basting with more sauce as desired, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred.
- Once done, remove the ribs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ribs even more tender.
- Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with any remaining barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious Cherry Vanilla Bourbon Barbecue Ribs!
Tips
- Always remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Use a low and slow cooking method (300°F) to guarantee the most succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don't rush the basting process – layering the sauce multiple times creates deeper, more complex flavors.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist.
- For an extra caramelized finish, don't skip the final grilling or broiling step – it adds a delicious crispy exterior.
- If you don't have bourbon, you can substitute with rum or whiskey, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Prep your ingredients beforehand to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for food safety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 913kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 56g
Fat: 50g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 200mg
