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Savory Jack Daniels BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe Easy Sticky Sweet Glaze

Jack Daniels BBQ Baby Back Ribs - featured image

Tender, smoky baby back ribs glazed in a sticky, sweet Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Slow roasted for juiciness and finished under the broiler for a caramelized sticky finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (45 pounds), trimmed of excess fat and membrane removed
  • Dry Rub:
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Jack Daniel’s BBQ Glaze:
  • ½ cup Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prep the ribs (15 minutes): Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if not already done. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the dry rub: Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub generously over both sides of ribs.
  3. Wrap and slow roast (2 to 2.5 hours): Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Place ribs bone side down on aluminum foil, wrap tightly, and place on baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast until tender and meat pulls back from bone.
  4. Prepare the Jack Daniel’s glaze: Whisk whiskey, ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer on medium-low for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  5. Glaze and broil (15-20 minutes): Unwrap ribs carefully. Brush glaze generously on both sides. Broil on high for 5-7 minutes until glaze bubbles and caramelizes. Flip ribs, glaze again, and broil once more.
  6. Rest and serve: Let ribs rest 5-10 minutes. Slice between bones, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tenderness. Slow roast at low temperature for juicy ribs. Apply glaze only at the end to prevent burning. Watch broiler closely to avoid burning glaze. Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature of 190-203°F for perfect tenderness. For gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free. Substitute Jack Daniel’s with apple juice or extra apple cider vinegar for non-alcoholic version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jack Daniel's BBQ ribs, baby back ribs, BBQ glaze, sticky ribs, sweet and savory ribs, slow roasted ribs, whiskey BBQ sauce