Scott Hibb’s Amazing Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs

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Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with Scott Hibb’s Amazing Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs! This recipe isn’t just about grilling; it’s a journey to flavor paradise, combining the smoky goodness of grilled pork with a rich, sweet, and tangy homemade whisky BBQ sauce. Forget dry, tough ribs – we’re talking fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy perfection that will have everyone asking for your secret.

What makes these ribs truly amazing is the two-step cooking process: slow-baking them to achieve ultimate tenderness, followed by a quick sear on the grill to develop that irresistible char and caramelize the incredible whisky-infused sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or looking to elevate your BBQ game, this recipe from Scott Hibb is a must-try. Let’s dive in and create some seriously delicious ribs!

Ingredients

• 2 (2-pound) slabs of baby back pork ribs
• salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground red chile pepper, divided
• 2 ¼ tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup minced onion
• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ cup tomato paste
• ½ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 ½ tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark molasses
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons whisky
• 1 ¼ teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

• Cut each full rack of ribs in half to make 4 half racks. Season with salt and black pepper (more black pepper than salt), then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ground chile pepper over the meat.

• Wrap each half rack in aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir the onion in hot oil for 5 minutes. Stir in water, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Add molasses, 2 teaspoons salt, garlic powder, whisky, remaining 1/2 tablespoon ground chile pepper, liquid smoke, onion powder, paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set the sauce aside.

• Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grates.

• Remove wrapped ribs from the oven. Let stand for 10 minutes, then remove ribs from the foil.

• Cook ribs on the preheated grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Brush sauce on ribs while grilling, just before you serve them (adding sauce too early will burn ribs).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore these Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs for their incredible tenderness, achieved through a slow baking process, followed by a perfect smoky char from the grill. The star is the homemade whisky BBQ sauce – a rich, tangy, and sweet glaze with a subtle kick of whisky that elevates these ribs to legendary status. They’re truly fall-off-the-bone delicious and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any BBQ enthusiast.

Tips for Perfect Whisky Grilled Ribs

• Remove the Membrane: For truly tender ribs, always remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs before seasoning. This prevents them from becoming tough. This can be made easier with good grilling tongs.
• Don’t Rush the Bake: The initial oven baking is crucial for tenderness. Don’t cut this time short. Low and slow is the key here. Ensure even cooking with a proper ribarack.
• Sauce Timing is Key: As the recipe states, apply the BBQ sauce only towards the end of grilling. Sugar in the sauce burns quickly, so adding it too early will result in a bitter, charred crust. A good basting brush is essential for even application of the sauce.
• Rest Your Ribs: Allow the ribs to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a more succulent bite.
• Internal Temperature: For optimal tenderness, ribs are best when cooked to an internal temperature of 195-203°F (90-95°C). Use a reliable meat thermometer like those mentioned on Food Jot to ensure accuracy.

Suggested Pairings and Variations

These amazing whisky grilled baby back ribs pair wonderfully with classic BBQ sides. Consider serving them with a classic baked beans recipe, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh potato salad to cut through the richness. For something hearty, consider a side of slow cooker barbecued beef ribs for a meat feast, or some fluffy cornbread. Don’t forget a refreshing beverage to complete your BBQ feast. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I make these ribs without whisky?

Answer: Yes, you can omit the whisky from the BBQ sauce if preferred. The sauce will still be delicious with all the other robust flavors. You can also substitute it with a non-alcoholic whisky alternative or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar tang.

Question: How do I know when the ribs are perfectly cooked?

Answer: The ribs are perfectly cooked when the meat is very tender and pulls away easily from the bone, but isn’t falling apart completely. After baking, they should be pliable. The grilling step is primarily for char and sauce caramelization. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (avoiding bone) should read around 195-203°F (90-95°C) for optimal tenderness. For more insights on meat thermometers, explore reviews on Serious Eats.

Question: Can I prepare the BBQ sauce in advance?

Answer: Absolutely! The homemade whisky BBQ sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld even further, making it even more delicious.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 1029 per serving
• Total Fat: 75g
• Saturated Fat: 27g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Sodium: 1500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Sugars: 35g
• Protein: 45g

Scott Hibb’s Amazing Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. The combination of tender meat and a deeply flavorful sauce makes this recipe a standout for any gathering or a special weekend treat. Don’t be intimidated by the steps; each one contributes to the incredible final product. So fire up your propane gas grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy the best ribs you’ve ever made. For more fantastic recipes, keep an eye on AllRecipes.com and Food.com!

Happy grilling from Food Jot! We hope these ribs become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. If you loved these, be sure to check out our other food and recipes for more culinary adventures. You can also find great grilling resources on American BBQ and discover new techniques on Tasting Table.