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–+ servings

Ultimate All-American 4th of July BBQ Feast: Grilled Favorites with a Patriotic Twist

These fall-off-the-bone tender ribs feature a sweet and tangy bourbon glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The combination of slow cooking and final grilling creates the perfect texture while infusing incredible smoky flavor. These ribs are guaranteed to be the star of your Independence Day spread!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 685
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 3 racks baby back ribs about 6-7 pounds total
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional

Method
 

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it away with a paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the yellow mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Rub this mixture all over the ribs.
  3. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this dry rub generously over both sides of the ribs.
  4. Wrap each rack tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  5. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 275°F. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
  6. While the ribs are baking, make the bourbon glaze: Combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  7. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F).
  8. Carefully remove the ribs from the foil (save the juices for the glaze if desired).
  9. Place the ribs on the grill and brush generously with the bourbon glaze. Grill for 5 minutes, then flip, brush with more glaze, and grill for another 5 minutes.
  10. Continue this process, flipping and glazing every 5 minutes, until the ribs develop a sticky, caramelized exterior (about 15-20 minutes total).
  11. Remove from grill, let rest for 5-10 minutes, then cut between the bones to separate into individual ribs.
  12. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 685kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 48gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 1250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25g
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