Whiskey-Glazed BBQ Pork Ribs

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

Slow-cooked pork ribs glazed with a rich whiskey barbecue sauce, perfect for a smoky and tender meal. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 185 minutes, pairs pork ribs, salt, black pepper 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: 20 min Cook: 165 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs pork ribs evenly with 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium heat, add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup whiskey, scraping the pan to deglaze, then add 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp chili powder; simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Coat ribs with half the whiskey barbecue sauce, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 2.5 hours until ribs are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil, brush ribs with remaining sauce, broil for 5 minutes until glaze is caramelized and edges are slightly crispy. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Glazed BBQ Pork Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 185 minutes (20 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 Whiskey-Glazed BBQ 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 pork ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Glazed BBQ 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 Whiskey-Glazed BBQ 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 Whiskey-Glazed BBQ Pork Ribs?

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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