Description
Sweet and savory BBQ ribs, slow-cooked to perfection. A fall flavor favorite!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 lbs (1814 g) pork spare ribs
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) BBQ rub
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) white onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cups (237 ml) ketchup
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) bourbon
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) honey
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Spread the BBQ rub generously over the ribs, massaging it in to ensure even coverage. Wrap the ribs in foil or plastic wrap, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate overnight.
- Make the BBQ Rub (if using homemade): In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix thoroughly.
- Make the Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Place sliced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about ¼ (approximately 30 minutes). Let cool slightly, then blend until smooth.
- Cook the Spare Ribs: Place the prepared spare ribs in the slow cooker. Pour half the honey bourbon BBQ sauce over the ribs, spreading evenly. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until tender.
- Finish the Ribs in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Slather with more BBQ sauce and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until edges are crispy.
- Serve: Serve the ribs immediately with remaining BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a deeper smoky flavor, use applewood chips in your slow cooker (if your model allows).
- Substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor in the BBQ rub.
- These ribs are even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 450 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ribs
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 100