Northwoods Smoked Ribs with Maple-Bourbon Glaze - Minnesota

Introduction

These Northwoods Smoked Ribs are slow-grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill, infused with the deep smokiness of open fire and finished with a rich maple-bourbon glaze inspired by the forests of Minnesota. Using the signature searing power of the Arteflame’s 1,000°F center grate and the precise heat control of its flat cooktop, these ribs achieve a mouthwatering crust and juicy tenderness. No oven, no pots—just pure grilled perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 rack of St. Louis-style pork ribs
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the napkins and light them.
3. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the outer flat cooktop has various heat zones.

Step 2: Prep the ribs

1. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
2. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for better seasoning penetration.
3. Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
4. Rub the spice blend generously on both sides of the ribs.

Step 3: Start grilling

1. Place the ribs on the outer flat cooktop in a medium heat zone.
2. Let them cook for about 45 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Make the maple-bourbon glaze

1. On a hotter section of the griddle, melt the butter.
2. Add maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes.
3. Stir continuously until the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Baste and caramelize

1. Brush the ribs generously with the maple-bourbon glaze.
2. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
3. Move the ribs to a cooler section of the griddle as needed to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and serve

1. Remove the ribs from the grill when their internal temperature reaches 195°F.
2. Let them rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
3. Slice and serve.

Tips

• Use wood with a mild smoke, such as cherry or apple, for a subtle flavor.
• Remove the ribs when they reach 180°F, as they will continue cooking off the grill.
• Flipping the ribs occasionally helps ensure an even cook.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Glaze: Substitute maple syrup with honey and add 1 tsp cayenne pepper for extra heat.
2. Garlic Herb Butter Ribs: Mix melted butter with fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme for a herbaceous twist.
3. Whiskey-Glazed Ribs: Replace bourbon with whiskey for a richer, smoky depth.
4. Asian-Inspired Ribs: Use hoisin sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in the glaze for an umami-packed version.
5. Caramelized Pineapple Ribs: Add pineapple juice and crushed pineapple to the glaze for a sweet tropical touch.

Best pairings

• Grilled sweet corn with herb butter
• Cast-iron skillet cornbread (cooked directly on the griddle)
• Smoky baked beans (cooked on the Arteflame griddle)
• Grilled asparagus with lemon zest
• A glass of oaky bourbon or your favorite craft beer

Conclusion

These Minnesota-inspired Northwoods Smoked Ribs showcase the unique grilling power of the Arteflame, achieving unmatched flavor, texture, and caramelization with the maple-bourbon glaze. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, the versatility of the Arteflame grill ensures flawless results every time.