Maple-Mango Glazed Smoked Ribs with Bacon-Infused BBQ Sauce

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

Slow-smoked pork ribs glazed with a sweet maple-mango sauce and served with a smoky bacon-infused BBQ sauce for a rich, layered flavor profile. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 480 minutes blends pork ribs, kosher salt, black pepper 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 560 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.

Prep: 150 min Cook: 330 min Serves 6 American cuisine 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp garlic powder; rub this mixture evenly over 3 lbs pork ribs. Let them rest uncovered in the fridge for 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F and smoke ribs for 5 hours until tender but not falling off the bone.
  3. Step 3: For the maple-mango glaze, mix 1/3 cup maple syrup and 1/2 cup mango puree in a bowl. Brush the ribs with this glaze during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
  4. Step 4: To make the bacon-infused BBQ sauce, cook 4 strips of chopped bacon in a saucepan over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon pieces and set aside. Into the bacon fat, add 1 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened, then stir in the reserved bacon pieces.
  5. Step 5: Serve the glazed ribs with the warm bacon BBQ sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Mango Glazed Smoked Ribs with Bacon-Infused BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 480 minutes (150 min prep + 330 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Maple-Mango Glazed Smoked Ribs with Bacon-Infused BBQ Sauce?

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 Maple-Mango Glazed Smoked Ribs with Bacon-Infused BBQ 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 Maple-Mango Glazed Smoked Ribs with Bacon-Infused BBQ 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 Maple-Mango Glazed Smoked Ribs with Bacon-Infused BBQ Sauce?

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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