Spiced Smoked Ribs with Maple Jim Beam Glaze
Tender smoked pork ribs slathered in a sweet and smoky glaze featuring maple syrup and a splash of Jim Beam bourbon. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 315 minutes pairs racks (about 4 lbs each) pork ribs, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 3 racks (about 4 lbs each) pork ribs
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp Jim Beam bourbon
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over all sides of 3 racks of pork ribs.
- Step 2: Place ribs bone side down on the smoker grates and smoke for 5 hours until meat is tender and pulls back from the bones.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup maple syrup, 3 tbsp Jim Beam bourbon, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the ribs generously with the maple Jim Beam glaze every 10 minutes to build a sticky, flavorful coating.
- Step 5: Remove ribs from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice between the bones and serve with remaining glaze on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Smoked Ribs with Maple Jim Beam Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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 Spiced Smoked Ribs with Maple Jim Beam 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 kosher salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Smoked Ribs with Maple Jim Beam 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 Spiced Smoked Ribs with Maple Jim Beam Glaze 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 Spiced Smoked Ribs with Maple Jim Beam Glaze?
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.
