Applewood-Smoked Pork Ribs with Maple-Bourbon Glaze
Tender pork ribs smoked over applewood chips and finished with a sweet and smoky maple-bourbon glaze. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 255 minutes pairs pounds pork ribs, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork ribs
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups applewood chips
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 3 pounds of pork ribs and evenly rub all sides with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of soaked applewood chips for smoke flavor.
- Step 3: Place the ribs bone side down on the smoker rack and smoke for 3 hours, maintaining 225°F and replenishing wood chips as needed.
- Step 4: While the ribs smoke, combine 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: After 3 hours, brush the maple-bourbon glaze generously over the ribs and continue smoking for another 1 hour to caramelize the glaze, keeping the smoker at 225°F.
- Step 6: Remove ribs from the smoker, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice between the bones and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Applewood-Smoked Pork Ribs with Maple-Bourbon Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Applewood-Smoked Pork Ribs with Maple-Bourbon Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds pork ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Applewood-Smoked Pork Ribs with Maple-Bourbon Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Applewood-Smoked Pork Ribs with Maple-Bourbon Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Applewood-Smoked Pork Ribs with Maple-Bourbon Glaze?
American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
