Name: Pineapple Bourbon Party Ribs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 racks of baby back ribs; 8 oz pineapple juice; 4 oz bourbon; 1 can crushed pineapple; ¼ cup Original Bachan’s; Green onions for garnish; Toasted sesame seeds for garnish; 4 tbsp butter; ¼ cup brown sugar

If you’re looking for a new way to elevate your barbecue game, Pineapple Bourbon Party Ribs are an absolute must-try! This delightful recipe combines the sweet, tangy essence of pineapple with the rich, smoky depth of bourbon.

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking to impress guests at your next game-day gathering, these ribs are sure to be a hit.

The combination of flavors, paired with tender baby back ribs, creates an irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into how to create these mouthwatering pineapple bourbon party ribs step by step.

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Ingredients for Pineapple Bourbon Party Ribs

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

2 racks of baby back ribs
1 cup pineapple juice
1 can crushed pineapple
¼ cup Original Bachan’s (or your favorite sweet BBQ sauce)
4 oz Bourbon
Green onions for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
4 tbsp butter
¼ cup brown sugar
BBQ rub (your choice)

This ingredient list brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and smoky flavors that complement the richness of the pork. Let’s move on to the preparation!

Step 1: Prepping the Ribs

Before starting, it’s important to remove the membrane from the back of the rib rack. Removing the membrane ensures the ribs will absorb more flavor and have a tender texture.

You can use a knife to lift the membrane from one end and pull it off with a paper towel for better grip.

After removing the membrane, cut the ribs individually between each rib bone on a cutting board. This ensures that the seasoning penetrates every side of the meat, and it also makes serving easier later on.

pork ribs being cut up — *Photos from this recipe are from Brittany Scott (Instagram:* @the_salted_bite)

Seasoning the Party Ribs

To build a solid flavor base, use Original Bachan’s as a binder for the ribs. If you don’t have Bachan’s on hand, a yellow mustard will also work well.

Once the binder is applied, generously season the ribs with a salt, black pepper, garlic powder blend and your favorite BBQ rub.

For best results, choose a rub that has a good balance and isn’t too sweet to create a depth of flavor. This would be a great way to use something with a hint of heat.

Step 2: Smoking the Ribs

Fire up your smoker and set it to 275°F. Place the seasoned ribs on the grill, ensuring they are evenly spaced. The key to achieving the best flavor and tenderness is maintaining a consistent low and slow heat throughout the cooking process.

Smoke the ribs for several hours, spritzing them with pineapple juice every hour. This step helps to keep the meat moist and adds that signature sweet, fruity flavor of pineapple to the ribs.

Using a cup of pineapple juice is more than enough for this process, as you want the ribs to absorb the moisture gradually.

Building the Bark

While the ribs smoke, you’ll notice a “bark” starting to form. This outer layer of the ribs, darkened and full of smoky flavor, is what gives BBQ ribs their incredible texture.

Baby back ribs benefit greatly from a slow smoking process, as it allows the fat to render slowly and the flavors to build over time.

Step 3: Preparing the Pineapple Bourbon Sauce

While the ribs are smoking and developing that rich bark, it’s time to prepare the pineapple bourbon sauce.

In a medium pot, combine the following ingredients:

4 tbsp butter
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup Original Bachan’s (or your chosen sweet BBQ sauce)
½ cup crushed pineapple
4oz bourbon

Heat this mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer. Stir continuously to ensure the ingredients combine well, creating a sweet and savory sauce that will coat the ribs beautifully.

Once everything is well blended, kill the heat and set the sauce aside.

This sauce adds a rich, tropical sweetness to the ribs and perfectly balances the savory flavors of the BBQ rub.

Step 4: Wrapping and Braising the Ribs

Once your ribs have developed a solid bark and they’ve been smoking for a few hours, it’s time to move to the next step.

Place the ribs into an aluminum pan and pour the prepared pineapple bourbon sauce over the top. Be sure the ribs are evenly coated with the sauce to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Cover the aluminum pan with aluminum foil and place the ribs back onto the smoker. Braising the ribs in this sauce helps to lock in moisture while allowing the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat.

Step 5: Finishing the Ribs

Let the ribs cook for another hour in the aluminum pan. During the last 15 minutes of smoking, uncover the ribs to allow the sauce to tack up. This final step ensures the sauce sticks to the ribs and develops a delicious caramelized coating.

Keep a close eye on the internal temperature of the ribs. For fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, you want them to reach an internal temperature of 200°F.

Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the ribs to ensure accuracy.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

Once the ribs have reached the desired temperature, carefully remove them from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making for a more flavorful bite.

For a finishing touch, garnish the ribs with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The freshness of the green onions adds a nice contrast to the rich, smoky ribs.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Pineapple Bourbon Party Ribs!

Your pineapple bourbon party ribs are now ready to serve! The combination of tender, smoky ribs with the sweet and tangy pineapple sauce is a flavor explosion in every bite.

Serve these ribs warm and be ready to enjoy all sorts of compliments from your guests!

Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Bourbon Ribs

Temperature control is key when smoking ribs. Maintain a low – medium heat and monitor your smoker’s temperature throughout the process.
Use a high-quality BBQ rub that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple juice.
Don’t rush the process! Allow the ribs to smoke slowly and develop a flavorful bark before coating them in the pineapple bourbon sauce.

Alternative Cooking Methods for Pineapple Bourbon Party Ribs

If you don’t have a smoker, you can still enjoy delicious pineapple bourbon party ribs using these methods:

Oven: Preheat the oven to 275°F. Place seasoned ribs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 2.5-3 hours. Uncover and apply the pineapple bourbon sauce in the last 30 minutes to caramelize.
Crockpot: Season ribs and place them in a crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then finish under the broiler with the sauce for a crispy exterior.
Grill: Grill ribs over indirect medium heat for 1-2 hours, then baste with sauce and sear over direct heat for the final caramelization.

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Pork Belly Burnt Ends are bite-sized, tender pieces of pork belly smoked to perfection. Coated in a sweet BBQ glaze and caramelized on the smoker, these juicy, flavorful bites melt in your mouth and are an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

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