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Bourbon BBQ Ribs

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Ingredients
  

  • 4-pounds side or back ribs

For the Dry Rub:

  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp. dry mustard
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp. oregano
  • 3 tbsp. regular or smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg

For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium sized red onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup plain tomato sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp. hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp. regular or smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp. oregano
  • 1 tbsp. fresh ginger root, grated
  • 1 tsp. ground nutmeg

Instructions
 

To prepare the dry ingredients:

  • In a small bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the dry rub until evenly combined.

To prepare the ribs:

  • Coat the pork ribs with the dry rub; allow them to sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight.

To prepare the BBQ sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
  • Add the garlic and onions; cook until the onions have softened; stirring occasionally.
  • Add the remaining sauce ingredients; simmer very slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30 - 40 minutes, or until the sauce reaches a brush able consistency,
  • Let the sauce cool for a half hour, or so, then puree the sauce in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
  • Save leftover sauce by bottling it, in mason jars, or freezing in small airtight containers.

To cook the ribs:

  • Cook the ribs, very slowly, on the grill, for a couple of hours by using only one burner of the grill and cooking the ribs on the opposite side; not under the direct heat; turning occasionally.
  • Alternatively, cook the ribs in a covered roasting pan in a pre-heated 275°F oven for about 2 hours.
  • Either way, finish the ribs by grilling them directly over medium heat, brushing on the BBQ sauce and turning them after a minute or two.
  • Generally, three coats of the sauce, on each side of the ribs, is sufficient to get the full flavor of the Bourbon BBQ sauce.
  • Remove from the grill and serve.