Pepper-Crusted Half Rack with Maple Bourbon Glaze
A half rack of pork ribs encrusted with cracked black pepper and finished with a sticky maple bourbon glaze for sweet and spicy notes. This bbq & smoked ready in about 180 minutes pairs pork half rack ribs, cracked black pepper, kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 lbs pork half rack ribs
- 2 tbsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp cracked black pepper, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a bowl.
- Step 2: Rub the 2 lbs pork half rack ribs thoroughly with the pepper spice mix, pressing it into the meat.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 275°F and place ribs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 2.5 hours until tender.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Brush the maple bourbon glaze onto the ribs and broil on high for 3-4 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and sticky, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 6: Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between bones and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pepper-Crusted Half Rack with Maple Bourbon Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 180 minutes (15 min prep + 165 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 Pepper-Crusted Half Rack with Maple Bourbon Glaze?
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 half rack ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pepper-Crusted Half Rack with Maple Bourbon Glaze?
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 Pepper-Crusted Half Rack with Maple Bourbon Glaze 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 Pepper-Crusted Half Rack with Maple Bourbon Glaze?
BBQ & Smoked 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.
