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Flavorful Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ribs Recipe with Easy Coffee Rub

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Sticky, glossy, and slightly caramelized ribs with a crusty coffee rub and a sweet, boozy brown sugar bourbon glaze that creates a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp finely ground coffee (freshly ground if possible)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 3–4 pounds total)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, preferably dark)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Remove the thin silver membrane on the bone side by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off.
  2. In a small bowl, combine ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. Lightly brush ribs with olive oil on both sides. Generously sprinkle the coffee rub all over the ribs, pressing it into the meat. Wrap ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
  5. Place ribs bone-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet or roasting pan. If using a wire rack, set it inside the pan and lay ribs on top. Cover tightly with foil.
  6. Bake ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender but not falling apart.
  7. While ribs cook, combine brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thick and syrupy (8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and keep warm.
  8. Remove foil from ribs and brush a generous layer of glaze over them. Set oven to broil. Return ribs uncovered to oven for 3-5 minutes until glaze caramelizes and bubbles, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between bones and serving.

Notes

Remove the membrane from ribs for tender bites. Use low and slow cooking to keep ribs moist and tender. Brush glaze lightly at first to avoid burning sugars. Watch closely during broiling to prevent burning. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently with extra glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon ribs, coffee rub ribs, glazed ribs recipe, BBQ ribs, slow cooked ribs, bourbon glaze, coffee rub, sticky ribs

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