Delaware Bourbon-Glazed Baby Back Ribs on Arteflame
Introduction
Get ready to grill the most tender and flavorful baby back ribs with a bold bourbon-infused glaze using the Arteflame grill. By searing the ribs on the center grill grate at 1,000°F and then cooking them on the flat cooktop, you'll achieve an incredible balance of texture and taste. No lids needed—just pure, open-flame perfection!
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place the napkins in the center of the grill and stack firewood on top.
- Light the paper napkins and let the fire build.
- Wait about 20 minutes until the grill is ready for cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the ribs
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- Rub Dijon mustard over both sides of the ribs.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the ribs.
Step 3: Make the bourbon glaze
- On the flat cooktop near the center heat, melt butter.
- Add bourbon and let it reduce for about 2 minutes.
- Mix in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and stir until combined.
- Let the glaze simmer until thickened.
Step 4: Sear and cook the ribs
- Place the ribs on the center grill grate and sear for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in juices.
- Move the ribs to the flat cooktop, positioning them in a medium-heat zone.
- Brush the ribs with the bourbon glaze.
- Cook the ribs for about 45 minutes, flipping occasionally, and brushing more glaze every time.
Step 5: Rest and serve
- Remove the ribs from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
- Let them rest for 10 minutes—they'll continue cooking slightly.
- Slice and serve with extra bourbon glaze.
Tips
- Always remove ribs from the grill at 15°F lower than the final desired temperature.
- Use butter instead of oil for a richer, more flavorful crust.
- Adjust cooking zones on the Arteflame to control doneness and prevent overcooking.
- For extra smoky flavor, use hardwood like oak or hickory.
- Let the glaze thicken on the cooktop before applying to get a more robust coating.
Variations
- Honey Bourbon Ribs: Substitute half the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter glaze.
- Spicy Ghost Pepper Ribs: Add a finely chopped ghost pepper to the glaze for intense heat.
- Maple Whiskey Ribs: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and replace bourbon with whiskey.
- Asian Fusion Ribs: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ginger to the glaze for an umami burst.
- Smoky Hickory Ribs: Use Liquid Smoke in the glaze to enhance the wood-fired taste.
Conclusion
These Delaware Bourbon-Glazed Baby Back Ribs are succulent, flavorful, and perfectly grilled using the Arteflame. With a bold bourbon glaze and flawlessly seared meat, this recipe will elevate your grilling skills and impress everyone at your table.
Best pairings
- Grilled corn on the cob with butter and paprika
- Smoky baked beans cooked on the Arteflame griddle
- Grilled asparagus with garlic butter
- Classic coleslaw with tangy dressing
- A glass of bourbon or a cold craft beer