Detroit-Inspired BBQ Glazed Pork Ribs with Maple Bourbon Sauce

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Slow-baked pork ribs slathered in a smoky, sweet maple bourbon BBQ sauce for a tender and flavorful finish. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 210 minutes, pairs pork baby back ribs, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 275°F. Remove the silver membrane from the back of 2 racks of pork baby back ribs and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the ribs.
  3. Step 3: Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 3 hours until the ribs are tender and meat easily pulls from the bone.
  4. Step 4: While ribs bake, combine 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 3/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened into a glossy BBQ glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from oven and carefully unwrap. Brush ribs generously with the maple bourbon BBQ sauce.
  6. Step 6: Preheat broiler to high. Place ribs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Step 7: Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before cutting between bones and serving with extra sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Detroit-Inspired BBQ Glazed Pork Ribs with Maple Bourbon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (15 min prep + 195 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 Detroit-Inspired BBQ Glazed Pork Ribs with Maple Bourbon Sauce?

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 baby back ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Detroit-Inspired BBQ Glazed Pork Ribs with Maple Bourbon Sauce?

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 Detroit-Inspired BBQ Glazed Pork Ribs with Maple Bourbon Sauce 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 Detroit-Inspired BBQ Glazed Pork Ribs with Maple Bourbon Sauce?

American 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.

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