Bourbon Barbecue Baby Back Ribs

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby back pork ribs (1 pound slabs )
• 1 recipe Little Kick spice rub (recipe below)
• 1 recipe Bourbon barbecue sauce (recipe below)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chile de arbol (or substitute cayenne pepper)
• 1/2 yellow onion (grated)
• 5 cloves garlic (diced or pressed)
• 3/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 20 ounces ketchup
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chile de arbol (substitute cayenne pepper)
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. 1

   --- For the ribs ---

2. 2

   Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.

3. 3

   Lay each half rack of ribs on a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to wrap the ribs in. Rub each rack of ribs with the Little Kick spice rub. Wrap ribs in foil. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 2-1/2 hours.

4. 4

   Start the barbecue sauce 45 minutes before the ribs are done baking.

5. 5

   Remove the ribs from the oven and preheat the grill to high. Allow the ribs to rest and grill to preheat for about 10 minutes. Grill the ribs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Brush the sauce on the ribs while you grill them, after they are turned the first time.

6. 6

   Serve and enjoy!

7. 7

   --- Little Kick spice rub ---

8. 8

   In a small bowl combine the chili powder, paprika, pepper, salt and chile de arbol.

9. 9

   Stir to combine.

10. 10

    Use the rub on pork, chicken or beef.

11. 11

    --- Bourbon barbecue sauce ---

12. 12

    In a large sauce pan over medium heat, combine the onion, garlic and bourbon. Simmer until the onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Mix in the remaining ingredients, stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes.

13. 13

    Smooth the sauce by using an immersion blender or pouring into a blender and processing until it is a smooth consistency.