Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

Published:

by Emilia

Ribs with balsamic-peach BBQ sauce are a delightful treat for any gathering. These Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce are incredibly juicy and packed with sweet and savory flavors. The recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for casual family dinners or summer barbecues. The combination of tender meat and a fruity sauce elevates this dish, ensuring it’s a hit at any occasion.

Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tender and Juicy: The low and slow cooking method guarantees that your ribs will be perfectly tender every time.
  • Bold Flavors: The unique combination of balsamic vinegar and fresh peaches creates a BBQ sauce that is both sweet and tangy.
  • Minimal Hands-On Time: Most of the cooking is done in the oven, allowing you to relax while the ribs bake.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Serve these ribs as a main dish, or slice them into smaller pieces for appetizers at parties.
  • Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the spices in the rub or add more fruit to the BBQ sauce based on your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Using these tools will help you prepare the Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Baking pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Grill (gas or charcoal)
  • Immersion blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

  • Baking pan: Essential for baking the ribs evenly without mess.
  • Aluminum foil: Helps retain moisture and flavor during the baking process.
  • Grill: Provides that perfect charred finish that enhances flavor.

Ingredients

For the Ribs

  • 1 rack baby back pork ribs (about 2 pounds/900g)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon EACH: chili powder, garlic powder, brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

  • 1/3 cup (79ml) Bourbon (can be omitted if you prefer)
  • 3/4 cup (200g) Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar (light ok too – or maple syrup)
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3/4 tablespoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced garlic clove)
  • 3/4 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup diced fresh peaches (about 4 small peaches)

How to Make Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300F/149C. This low temperature helps cook the ribs slowly, making them tender.

Step 2: Make the Rub

Combine all rub ingredients in a small bowl. If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought rub instead.

Step 3: Prepare Ribs

Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption. Cut the rack in half if necessary. Line a baking pan with tin foil for easy cleanup. Generously sprinkle the rub on both sides of each rib half. Wrap each half separately in foil, then place them in the pan. Cover the entire pan with another piece of foil. For enhanced flavor, consider seasoning the ribs ahead of time and refrigerating overnight.

Step 4: Bake Ribs

Place your prepared pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 2 hours or until a knife easily slides into the meat’s thickest part. If your ribs are meatier than average, they may require up to 2.5 hours.

Step 5: Make Sauce

While your ribs are baking, bring bourbon to boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and diced peaches using a wooden spoon. Bring it to a boil again before lowering to medium heat; cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened. If you’d prefer a smoother sauce without chunks, blend it using an immersion blender for about a minute.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish on Grill

If using a grill, spray oil on it to prevent sticking and heat to medium-high temperature. If your baked ribs have cooled down after baking, allow them to come to room temperature before grilling or add extra grilling time. Brush some peach BBQ sauce onto both sides of each rib half before placing them on the grill for about 4–6 minutes until charred marks appear; flip once midway through grilling. After grilling, brush on more sauce again before slicing into serving pieces.

Enjoy these delicious Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce at your next gathering!

How to Serve Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

Serving baby back ribs with balsamic-peach BBQ sauce is an experience that can be enhanced through thoughtful accompaniments. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a backyard barbecue, consider these serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Classic Coleslaw

  • A refreshing side that balances the rich flavors of the ribs, coleslaw adds crunch and a hint of acidity.

Serve with Cornbread Muffins

  • Soft and sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making every bite enjoyable.

Add Grilled Vegetables

  • Colorful grilled vegetables provide a healthy contrast and complement the smoky flavors of the ribs.

Include Baked Beans

  • Sweet baked beans add a hearty touch to your meal, enhancing the southern BBQ vibe.

Offer Pickles or Relish

  • Tangy pickles or relish can cut through the richness of the ribs, adding a zingy flavor contrast.

Accompany with Creamy Potato Salad

  • Creamy potato salad is a classic pairing that adds comfort and pairs well with barbecue sauces.
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How to Perfect Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

Perfecting your baby back ribs is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your ribs turn out tender and flavorful every time.

  • Choose quality meat: Start with fresh, high-quality baby back ribs for the best flavor and texture.
  • Marinate overnight: Letting the rub sit on the ribs overnight enhances flavor penetration and tenderness.
  • Cook low and slow: Baking at a low temperature allows collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tender ribs.
  • Baste frequently: During grilling, baste the ribs often for extra layers of flavor from the balsamic-peach sauce.
  • Rest before serving: Letting the ribs rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain juices, ensuring every bite is juicy.
  • Experiment with spices: Feel free to tweak the rub ingredients based on personal preference for an extra kick or sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

Complementing your baby back ribs with delicious side dishes can make your meal truly special. Here are some excellent options that pair well with this flavorful dish.

  1. Classic Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, this comfort food favorite is always a hit alongside BBQ.
  2. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness and crunch that balances the savory ribs.
  3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charring corn brings out its natural sweetness, making it a fantastic side option.
  4. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides refreshing greens that lighten up the meal while adding crunch.
  5. Garlic Bread: Save any leftover sauce by dipping warm garlic bread; its buttery flavor is a great match for barbecue.
  6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slightly bitter roasted Brussels sprouts offer a flavorful contrast to sweet BBQ sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking baby back ribs with balsamic-peach BBQ sauce can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome.

  • Skipping the Rub: Failing to apply the spice rub properly can lead to bland ribs. Always ensure you coat both sides generously for maximum flavor.
  • Not Removing Silver Skin: Leaving the silver skin on the ribs prevents the flavors from penetrating. Take time to remove it for tender and flavorful results.
  • Rushing the Cooking Process: Cooking ribs too quickly can make them tough. Low and slow is key; resist the urge to crank up the heat.
  • Ignoring Internal Temperature: Ribs should be tender when the knife slides easily into the meat. Use a thermometer to check if needed.
  • Overcooking or Undercooking on Grill: Keep an eye on your grill time. Overcooked ribs dry out, while undercooked ones lack tenderness. Aim for a perfect char without burning.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftover baby back ribs in an airtight container.
  • They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

  • Wrap ribs tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
  • Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat wrapped in foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place ribs on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently until hot.
  • Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce, covering until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about baby back ribs with balsamic-peach BBQ sauce that can help enhance your cooking experience.

How do I know when my baby back ribs are done?

Ribs are done when they are tender enough for a knife to slide easily into the meat. Aim for around 190°F (88°C) internal temperature.

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in your sauce.

What can I serve with baby back ribs?

These delicious ribs pair well with coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or grilled vegetables. They make an excellent addition to summer cookouts.

How should I customize my balsamic-peach BBQ sauce?

Feel free to adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar or maple syrup. You can also spice things up by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

Baby back ribs with balsamic-peach BBQ sauce are not only flavorful but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or a summer barbecue, these tender ribs will impress everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices and sides!

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Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce


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  • Author: Emilia
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Description

Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. These succulent ribs are slow-cooked to perfection and glazed with a homemade BBQ sauce that balances sweet peaches and tangy balsamic vinegar. Ideal for family gatherings or summer barbecues, this dish is easy to prepare, letting you enjoy the company of your guests while the oven does the work. Serve these tender, juicy ribs as a main course or cut them into smaller pieces for an impressive appetizer spread.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 rack baby back pork ribs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup bourbon (optional)
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3/4 tablespoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced garlic clove)
  • 3/4 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup diced fresh peaches (about 4 small peaches)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C).
  2. Combine spices for the rub and apply generously to both sides of the ribs.
  3. Wrap seasoned ribs in aluminum foil and place in a baking pan.
  4. Bake for 2 hours until tender.
  5. Meanwhile, make the BBQ sauce by simmering bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and peaches until thickened.
  6. Grill baked ribs for 4-6 minutes with sauce brushed on both sides.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 rib half (200g)
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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