Black Rum Molasses BBQ Sauce for Grilled Pork Ribs
A smoky, tangy BBQ sauce enriched with black rum and molasses for deep flavor, perfect for glazing tender grilled pork ribs. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends black rum, molasses, ketchup into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1/3 cup black rum
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup molasses, 1/3 cup black rum, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before brushing generously over 3 lbs of pre-cooked grilled pork ribs during the last 10 minutes of grilling to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Step 5: Serve ribs with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Black Rum Molasses BBQ Sauce for Grilled Pork Ribs take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Black Rum Molasses BBQ Sauce for Grilled Pork Ribs?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Black Rum Molasses BBQ Sauce for Grilled Pork Ribs?
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 Black Rum Molasses BBQ Sauce for Grilled Pork Ribs 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 Black Rum Molasses BBQ Sauce for Grilled Pork Ribs?
BBQ & Smoked pork 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.
