Maple Syrup Barbecue Sauce
Juicy baby back ribs coated in a sweet and tangy maple syrup barbecue sauce with aromatic garlic and spices, perfect for casual gatherings and family barbecues.
Ingredients
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid red pepper seasoning ⓘ
- 2 racks (13 oz. each) baby back ribs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped gar lic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the racks of ribs in the pan.
- Rub the ribs with finely chopped garlic, pepper, and salt.
- Pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the ribs to coat them evenly.
- Bake the ribs for 1 hour at 350°F.
- Then broil the ribs 6 inches from the heat, turning until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, let the barbecue sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes before using it on the ribs. Substitute honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness or use a sugar-free catsup for a healthier option. You can also adjust the liquid red pepper seasoning according to your spice preference. This sauce is versatile; try it with grilled chicken or as a dip for vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a true barbecue feast. They also pair beautifully with a refreshing drink like Heart And Soul Tea. For a unique twist, consider serving them alongside a Tomato Soup Salad Dressing for a surprising flavor contrast. Don’t forget to have extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for a few minutes, ensuring they don't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple Syrup Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 579 calories, with 22g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 837mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this barbecue sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the maple syrup barbecue sauce up to a week ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before using it on the ribs or any other meats to enhance the flavors before serving.
Can I use a different type of ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are recommended for their tenderness, you can use spare ribs or even beef ribs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different cuts may require longer cooking to become tender.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling?
Yes, this maple syrup barbecue sauce works wonderfully on the grill. After baking the ribs, transfer them to a preheated grill and brush them with the sauce, grilling for a few minutes on each side to achieve a nice char and caramelization.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).