Southern Smokehouse BBQ Ribs with Honey Bourbon Glaze

Southern Smokehouse BBQ Ribs with Honey Bourbon Glaze

Find the perfect BBQ smokehouse ribs recipe with a twist, inspired by the flavors of the South.

🕒 Prep: 30 minutes - Cook: 4 hours - Total: 4 hours 30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Difficulty: Intermediate
🌎 Cuisine: American

Allergens

None

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs pork spare ribs
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or smoker to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture onto the ribs.
  3. Place the ribs on the grill or smoker, meat side up. Cook for 2 hours, basting with apple cider vinegar every 30 minutes.
  4. In a saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients (except for the ribs) and cook over medium heat until fully combined. Simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside.
  5. After 2 hours, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and return to the grill or smoker. Cook for another 2 hours or until tender.
  6. Unwrap the ribs and baste with the prepared honey bourbon glaze. Continue cooking on the grill or smoker until the ribs are browned and slightly charred, approximately 15 minutes.

Chef’s Insight

To achieve the perfect smoke ring, ensure that your grill or smoker stays between 225°F (107°C) and 250°F (121°C).

Notes

Allow the ribs to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting to ensure they stay juicy and tender.

Cultural or Historical Background

This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Southern American barbecue, specifically Tennessee-style ribs.