Maple Cayenne Smoked Party Ribs
These Maple Cayenne Smoked Party Ribs are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, giving your taste buds an unforgettable experience. The rich maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard balance out the heat from the cayenne pepper, creating a flavorful glaze that complements the tender, smoked ribs. If you’re looking for ribs that offer a kick but are still family-friendly, this recipe will deliver just that. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want to treat yourself, these ribs will leave everyone asking for more.
What makes smoked ribs so tender?
Smoked ribs become incredibly tender because of the slow, low-temperature cooking process. When ribs are smoked at a low temperature for a few hours, the collagen in the meat breaks down, resulting in that “fall-off-the-bone” tenderness we all love. Additionally, wrapping the ribs in foil during the cooking process helps lock in moisture, further softening the meat without drying it out.
Why use a binder when seasoning ribs?
A binder like hot sauce or mustard serves two important purposes. First, it helps the seasoning stick to the meat, ensuring an even coating. Second, as the ribs cook, the binder helps create a delicious bark (crust) that traps the juices inside, making the ribs more flavorful. Don’t worry—once the ribs are smoked, you won’t even taste the binder itself, just the flavor-packed seasoning.
Ingredients:
2 racks of baby back ribs
Hot sauce (for the binder)
Your favorite BBQ rub
1 stick of unsalted butter (cut into chunks)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Maple Cayenne Sauce:
1 cup maple syrup (use good quality)
3 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1-2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
Sauce Instructions:
Prepare the Sauce:
In a skillet or pot, combine the maple syrup, ketchup, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well and heat over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, until all the ingredients are blended and slightly thickened. Allow the sauce to cool.
