Grilled Citrus-Maple Glazed Pork Ribs
Tender pork ribs brushed with a tangy citrus and maple glaze, grilled to perfection with a caramelized finish. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 70 minutes pairs pounds pork ribs, maple syrup, fresh orange juice 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork ribs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined to make the glaze.
- Step 2: Rub 2 pounds pork ribs with 1 tbsp olive oil and season lightly with additional salt and pepper. Place ribs on the grill and cook over indirect heat for 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes.
- Step 3: During the last 15 minutes, brush ribs generously with the citrus-maple glaze every 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and form a sticky coating. Grill until ribs are tender and edges are slightly charred, about 60 minutes total.
- Step 4: Remove ribs from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones to serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Maple Glazed Pork Ribs take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (10 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 Citrus-Maple Glazed 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 pounds pork ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Maple Glazed 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 Grilled Citrus-Maple Glazed 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 Grilled Citrus-Maple Glazed 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.
