Tequila Baby Back Ribs

These Tequila Baby Back Ribs are tender, sticky, citrusy, and built for cookouts, weekend dinners, and easy entertaining. The ribs are seasoned with Uncle Dibbz Texas Steak Rub, then finished with a buttery glaze made with honey, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, and tequila.

Ingredients

• 2 racks baby back ribs, about 4 to 5 pounds total
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Uncle Dibbz Texas Steak Rub, to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into squares
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup tequila
• Fresh lime wedges for serving, optional

Oven Instructions

1. Prep the ribs: Score the membrane on the back of the ribs so the seasoning can get in and the ribs cook evenly. Rub the ribs lightly with olive oil, then season generously with Uncle Dibbz Texas Steak Rub.
2. Set up the pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the ribs on a rack set over a roasting pan or sheet pan. Pour the tequila into the bottom of the pan to help create moisture while the ribs cook.
3. Bake unwrapped: Cook the ribs unwrapped for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
4. Wrap with the glaze base: Lay out large sheets of foil. Add butter, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, and a splash of tequila to each sheet. Place the ribs meat side down onto the mixture. Add a little more butter and honey over the back of the ribs, then wrap tightly.
5. Finish baking: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F and return the wrapped ribs to the oven for 30 minutes.
6. Broil for color: Carefully unwrap the ribs and spoon the sauce from the foil over the top. Broil on high for about 5 minutes, or until the ribs are glossy and caramelized.
7. Rest and serve: Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with fresh lime wedges if desired.

Grill or Smoker Instructions

1. Prep the ribs: Score the membrane, rub with olive oil, and season generously with Uncle Dibbz Texas Steak Rub.
2. Heat the grill or smoker: Preheat to 250°F for indirect cooking. Place a pan with tequila underneath or beside the ribs to add moisture.
3. Cook low and slow: Smoke or grill the ribs over indirect heat for about 3 hours, or until they start to turn tender.
4. Wrap the ribs: Add butter, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, and tequila to foil. Place the ribs meat side down on top, add a little more butter and honey, then wrap tightly.
5. Continue cooking: Return the wrapped ribs to the grill or smoker for 1 hour.
6. Finish over higher heat: Unwrap the ribs, baste with the sauce from the foil, then move them over higher heat for a few minutes to caramelize the outside.
7. Rest and serve: Let the ribs rest before slicing. Serve with extra glaze and fresh lime wedges if you like.

Recipe Notes

• Use enough seasoning to fully coat both sides of the ribs.
• The tequila adds flavor and aroma, but most of the alcohol cooks off during the process.
• For a deeper glaze, baste the ribs once more right before broiling or searing.
• This recipe works great for cookouts, game days, and summer gatherings.