Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork ribs slow-smoked and glazed with a rich bourbon barbecue sauce for a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 225 minutes pairs pork ribs, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 210 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F. Rub 2 lbs pork ribs with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder, coating evenly.
  2. Step 2: Place ribs in smoker and smoke for 3 hours, maintaining 225°F, until tender and smoky.
  3. Step 3: While ribs smoke, combine 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: For the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush ribs generously with bourbon glaze every 10 minutes to build a sticky, flavorful coating.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with remaining bourbon glaze.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 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 Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs?

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 pork ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Smoked 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 Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs?

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.

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