Print

Best Easy Bourbon Peach Glazed BBQ Ribs

bourbon peach glazed ribs - featured image

Tender baby back ribs coated in a sweet and tangy bourbon peach glaze, slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe is budget-friendly, picky eater approved, and can be made in the oven or on the grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 45 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 ripe peaches (about 1 cup chopped)
  • ½ cup bourbon
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane from the ribs: Flip the ribs over, slide a butter knife under the membrane near the center, grab it with a paper towel, and pull it off.
  2. Make the dry rub: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Pat ribs dry, then sprinkle rub all over both racks. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Slow cook the ribs: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place each rack on a large piece of heavy-duty foil, wrap tightly to create a sealed packet. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 2½ to 3 hours, until tender but not falling apart.
  4. Make the bourbon peach glaze: While ribs cook, chop peaches and add to a small saucepan with bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then puree until smooth.
  5. Glaze and finish: Carefully open foil packets and pour off liquid. Brush glaze generously on both sides of ribs. Place on a grill over medium-high heat or under a broiler on high. Cook 3-5 minutes per side, basting with more glaze halfway through, until caramelized.
  6. Rest and serve: Let ribs rest 5-10 minutes. Cut into individual ribs and serve with remaining glaze on the side.

Notes

Remove the membrane for best texture. Watch the glaze closely under the broiler to prevent burning. Ribs can be cooked a day ahead and finished before serving. For alcohol-free version, substitute bourbon with apple juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon peach ribs, BBQ ribs, baby back ribs, peach glaze, summer dinner, grilled ribs, oven ribs