Apple Cider Rye Whisky Glazed Ribs

apple butter, whisky, chilli flakes

These sticky, fruity, off-the-bone tender ribs are the perfect hedonistic treat for a group of primates looking to get their hands dirty. Using rye whisky is optional but highly recommended, as it adds a gorgeous complexity to the flavor.

SHOP THE BONE-IN RIBS

1h / serve 3-4

Ingredients

Apple Cider-Bourbon Glaze:
• 3/4 cup rye whisky (bourbon or scotch will also do)
• 2 cups of apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
• 3 tbsp of apple butter
• 1 tsp of plant-based butter or coconut oil
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp of glassa balsamic vinegar (thick balsamic vinegar)
• 4 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of water
• 1/2 tsp of tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Oven-Baked Ribs:
• 2 packs of Juicy Marbles ribs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp of plant-based butter or olive oil

Method

For the apple-cider-bourbon sauce:

Add all apple bourbon sauce components except butter to a medium-sized pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the temperature and allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, while continuing to mix it every minute or so. Add the butter when you bring the mixture to a simmer.
After about 15 minutes, the sauce should have begun to thicken. It will also thicken more as it cools. We want the sauce to be slightly thicker than caramel. So when it’s almost thick enough, turn off the heat and allow it to cool.

For the ribs:

To get the most flavorful experience, season the ribs in advance, put them in a closed container, and allow them to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or even overnight, if you are THAT person (good for you). If you don’t have the time, no worries, you can season them and cook them immediately as well. Season the meat with spices generously on each side and spread a layer of butter over each side.
Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Line a pan with oven paper, put the seasoned ribs in the pan, and cover with tin foil. Wrap the tin foil tightly around the pan so no air can get out.
Bake the ribs for 20 minutes while being covered. Then, remove the ribs from the oven and spread the apple-bourbon sauce generously over each side of the ribs. Then, put the ribs back into the oven and bake for 7 more minutes.
Then take the ribs out of the oven and serve them hot! Add more sauce as desired.