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BBQ ribs are more than just a meal; they are a celebration of flavor, tradition, and comfort. As one of the quintessential comfort foods, they hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. The enticing aroma of slow-cooked ribs wafting from a backyard grill or kitchen oven evokes memories of family gatherings, summer cookouts, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. Among the myriad of ways to prepare ribs, the Fall-Off-The-Bone Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Ribs stand out due to their rich flavor profile and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Ribs – Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender!

Discover the joy of BBQ with these Fall-Off-The-Bone Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Ribs! This recipe showcases tender baby back ribs coated in a rich, homemade bourbon BBQ sauce that combines sweet and smoky flavors for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, these ribs are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and a low and slow cooking method. Elevate your BBQ game and create lasting memories around the table with this delicious dish.
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Ingredients
  

2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3 pounds)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup bourbon (preferably a smooth, sweeter variety)

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low and slow cooking method will help create that fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

    Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.

      Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Rub the olive oil on both sides of the ribs, then generously apply the spice mixture. Ensure the ribs are well-coated on both sides and let them sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

        Bake the Ribs: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (for easy cleanup) and cover tightly with another sheet of foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the ribs are tender.

          Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the ribs are baking, make the bourbon BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

            Glaze and Broil the Ribs: Once the ribs are fork-tender, remove them from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Brush a generous amount of the BBQ sauce over the ribs, ensuring even coverage. Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and broil for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized. Be sure to keep a close eye to prevent burning.

              Rest and Serve: Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This will help the juices redistribute. Brush with any remaining BBQ sauce, slice between the bones, and serve hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

                Enjoy your mouthwatering Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Ribs!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6