Grilled Bourbon-Maple Glazed Ribs with Charred Corn Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork ribs brushed with a sweet and smoky bourbon-maple glaze, served alongside a fresh charred corn salad bursting with summer flavors. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 75 minutes pairs pounds pork ribs, bourbon, pure maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 60 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Pat dry 3 pounds pork ribs and season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon and 1/3 cup pure maple syrup to create the glaze.
  3. Step 3: Place ribs on the grill, cooking covered for 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes and brushing generously with bourbon-maple glaze each time, until ribs are tender and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: While ribs cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups fresh corn kernels and sauté for 5 minutes until corn is lightly charred and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and mix in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño. Stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Let ribs rest for 5 minutes after grilling, then cut into portions and serve alongside the charred corn salad.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bourbon-Maple Glazed Ribs with Charred Corn Salad take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Grilled Bourbon-Maple Glazed Ribs with Charred Corn Salad?

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 Grilled Bourbon-Maple Glazed Ribs with Charred Corn Salad?

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 Grilled Bourbon-Maple Glazed Ribs with Charred Corn Salad 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 Grilled Bourbon-Maple Glazed Ribs with Charred Corn Salad?

American grilling 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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