Savory Sweet Smoked Bourbon Ribs: A Flavorful Journey

Have you ever heard of sweet ribs with a bourbon twist? If not, prepare for an adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your home-cooking game. This isn't your average BBQ ribs recipe. This is a culinary masterpiece where sweetness, smokiness, and the rich, bold flavor of bourbon come together to create a dish that's nothing short of extraordinary.

Whether you're planning a family dinner or looking to impress at the next neighborhood cookout, these bourbon-infused ribs are sure to be a hit. Read on as we delve into this delicious recipe, offering step-by-step instructions to ensure your success in the kitchen.
Ingredients

  • 2 racks of pork ribs
  • 2 cups of butterscotch bits
  • 1/2 stick of butter
  • 1/4 stick of butter
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 oz of minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup of cider vinegar
  • 1 cup of diced onions
  • 1 cup of bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic

Instructions:

  1. Begin by detaching the membrane from both rib racks.
  2. Rub the ribs with olive oil.
  3. Season both racks generously with SPG (Salt, Pepper, Garlic).
  4. Prepare hot coals on one side of your grill, keeping the other side cool.
  5. Heat the grill to between 275 and 300 degrees, then place the rib racks on the cooler side. Add a small piece of applewood to the hot coals for extra smokiness.
  6. In a saucepan over low heat, melt half a stick of butter.
  7. As the butter nears complete melting, add the butterscotch bits. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Add the cider vinegar while continuing to stir. Lift the pan on and off the burner to assist in melting the butterscotch, stirring until smooth. Use a double boiler if available.
  8. Incorporate the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic into the mixture, stirring until it turns smooth. Once smoothly combined, set the mixture aside.
  9. In a separate frying pan, melt a quarter stick of butter with a splash of olive oil, and begin to caramelize the diced onions.
  10. Return the butterscotch mixture to low heat, adding the caramelized onions and bourbon. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
  11. Halfway through the grilling process, brush the ribs with the butterscotch mixture three or four times. Continue until the meat recedes to expose the bones and becomes tender.

What to Serve With Bourbon Ribs
What to Serve With Bourbon Ribs

Bourbon ribs are a classic barbecue favorite. To complement the rich, smoky flavor of the ribs, you can serve several side dishes:

  • Potato Salad: A traditional choice for any BBQ meal, potato salad provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy ribs.
  • Broccoli Slaw: This offers a fresh, crunchy texture and tangy flavor that pairs well with the richness of the ribs.
  • Fried Okra: A southern staple, fried okra adds a unique crunch and flavor that matches well with bourbon ribs.
  • Smoked Mac and Cheese: The smoky, cheesy flavor complements the bourbon-infused ribs perfectly.
  • Sweet and Spicy Cornbread: This sweet and spicy side dish balances out the strong flavor of the ribs.
  • Cream Cheese Corn and Classic Macaroni Salad: These sides add a comforting, homey touch to the meal.

Remember, the goal is to balance the flavors and textures in your meal. So, choose sides that offer a contrast to the ribs, whether that's in temperature, flavor, or texture.
What type of bourbon is best to use when grilling ribs
What type of bourbon is best to use when grilling ribs

When grilling ribs, the choice of bourbon can significantly enhance the flavor. According to various barbecue professionals and master distillers, the top recommendations include Bardstown Fusion and Discovery Series, Woodford Reserve, Still Whiskey, and Old Forester 86 Proof Kentucky Straight, among others. These bourbons are praised for their proof and flavor profiles, which complement barbecue sauce well. For a unique twist, you might also consider using the bourbon in a mop sauce, as suggested in a recipe from overthefirecooking.com.

Remember, the best bourbon for you will ultimately depend on your personal taste preferences.

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