Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 lbs. spare ribs
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Season spare ribs with salt and pepper.
3. In a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot, combine bourbon, beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Add spare ribs to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and place in the preheated oven.
6. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
7. Remove the pot from the oven and transfer the spare ribs to a serving platter.
8. Strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve and discard any solids.
9. Return the liquid to the pot and simmer over medium heat until it has reduced and thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
10. Pour the reduced sauce over the spare ribs and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
325°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 580
Fat: 42g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 1020mg
Sugar: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef broth can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Apple cider vinegar can be substituted with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
Variations:
- Add chopped onions and carrots to the pot for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different type of alcohol, such as red wine or beer, instead of bourbon.
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the braising liquid for a tangy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- For extra tender spare ribs, marinate them in the braising liquid overnight before cooking.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for longer to reduce it further.
- Serve the spare ribs with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
Leftover spare ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the spare ribs and sauce in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the spare ribs on a large platter with the reduced sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Pair with a glass of bourbon or red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Creamed spinach
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the spare ribs are tough, they may need to cook for longer. Check them every 30 minutes and add more liquid if necessary.
- If the sauce is too salty, add a splash of water or broth to dilute it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the spare ribs are fully submerged in the braising liquid to prevent them from drying out.
- Store leftover spare ribs in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat leftover spare ribs to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Food history:
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made from at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels. It originated in Kentucky in the late 18th century and has since become a popular spirit around the world. Bourbon is often used in cooking to add depth and richness to dishes, such as these bourbon-braised spare ribs.
Flavor profiles:
The bourbon in this recipe adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the spare ribs, while the braising liquid of beef broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a savory and slightly sweet sauce. The smoked paprika and cayenne pepper add a subtle heat to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these bourbon-braised spare ribs at a backyard barbecue or dinner party for a crowd-pleasing main dish.
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