Grilled Pork Ribs Recipe With Maple Garlic Glaze – Sticky Hands, Happy Guests

Juicy, smoky pork ribs meet a sticky maple garlic glaze in a dish that’s both bold and comforting.

Sweetness from maple syrup balances the savory punch of garlic and spices, creating a mouthwatering crust on each rib.

Perfect for summer cookouts, weekend meals, or whenever a hearty, flavor-packed dinner is needed.

Serve with coleslaw, grilled corn, or roasted potatoes for a complete plate.

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Grilled Pork Ribs With Maple Garlic Glaze

Juicy, smoky pork ribs meet a sticky maple garlic glaze in a dish that's both bold and comforting

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 723

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Ribs

• 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 3 lbs total)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Maple Garlic Glaze

• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Baking sheet or large tray
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful)
• Tongs

Method

 

1. Preheat and Prepare Ribs:

   Preheat oven to 300°F if starting indoors.

   Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for better texture.

   Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
   

2. Season the Ribs:

   In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and cayenne (if using).

   Rub the spice mix generously over both sides of the ribs.

   Wrap ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet.
   

3. Bake the Ribs (Optional for Tenderness):

   Place wrapped ribs in the oven and bake at 300°F for 2 hours.

   This step ensures maximum tenderness before finishing on the grill.

   Alternatively, cook ribs on the grill over indirect heat for 2–2½ hours, turning occasionally.
   

4. Prepare the Maple Garlic Glaze:

   While the ribs bake or grill, combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan:maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.

   Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.

   Remove from heat and set aside.
   

5. Grill the Ribs:

   Preheat your grill to medium heat.

   Carefully unwrap ribs (if baked) and transfer to the grill.

   Grill for 10–15 minutes, turning frequently and basting generously with the glaze.

   Aim for a glossy, caramelized coating on all sides.
   

6. Rest and Serve:

   Remove ribs from grill and let rest for 5–10 minutes to redistribute juices.

   Brush with any remaining glaze.

   Slice between the bones and serve warm.
   

Video

Notes

• For extra smoky flavor: Add wood chips to your grill (like hickory or applewood) and grill the ribs uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
• Check for doneness: The ribs are done when the meat is tender and begins pulling away from the bone.
• Glaze control: Don’t add glaze too early—it may burn. Start basting once the ribs are almost done.
• Make ahead: You can bake the ribs a day ahead and refrigerate them, then glaze and grill right before serving.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Pairing grilled pork ribs with complementary sides turns a great dish into an unforgettable meal, especially when cooked over charcoal BBQ grills that add authentic smoky flavor.

Classic barbecue staples like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or buttery corn on the cob add contrast in both texture and temperature.

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the glaze, providing balance on the plate.

For a starch, consider roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cornbread, or grilled sweet potatoes to soak up the sticky glaze.

Looking to keep things casual and fun? Serve ribs with pickles, potato wedges, and a side of grilled pineapple for a backyard cookout vibe.

If going for a more elevated feel, try a chilled couscous salad, charred broccolini, or a fennel and apple slaw.

Sauce Choices That Work Best With Maple Garlic Ribs

Choosing the right sauce can elevate grilled pork ribs and shape the overall flavor experience. Maple garlic glaze already delivers sweetness and savory depth, so sauces should complement rather than compete.

Light layering or side-serving works best, allowing ribs to shine while offering extra options for dipping or brushing.

For those who enjoy classic barbecue flavors, sauces with balanced sweetness and acidity pair well. Options worth considering include:

Fans of bolder profiles may enjoy sauces with heat or smokiness. Used sparingly, these add contrast and complexity:

• Smoky chipotle sauce – Adds gentle heat and depth
• Honey mustard sauce-Sweet and tangy, works well alongside garlic flavors

Lighter sauces also have a place, especially when serving ribs during warmer months or with fresh sides. Fresh, herb-forward options bring brightness to each bite:

• Garlic herb butter sauce – Simple and savory, brushed lightly before serving
• Green chimichurri-style sauce – Fresh herbs and acidity balance the glaze

Serving sauces on the side gives guests flexibility and keeps the glaze intact. A small selection allows everyone to tailor flavors without overpowering the ribs’ maple garlic finish.

Drink Pairing Ideas to Complement the Flavors

Bold, savory-sweet ribs call for drinks that hold their own without clashing against the maple garlic glaze.

A well-chosen beverage brings out the best in the dish, enhancing each bite while refreshing the palate.

Lighter beers are a go-to in this case, especially those with crisp, clean finishes that offset the richness.

Consider:

• Pale Ale – Offers mild bitterness with citrus or pine notes that balance sweet glazes
• Crisp Lager – Clean and light, great for keeping the palate fresh between bites

For those who prefer a deeper, slightly smoky flavor profile in their drink, bourbon-based cocktails echo the glaze while adding a warm, spiced complexity. Cocktails like:

• Old Fashioned – Mellow, with orange and bitters
• Maple Bourbon Smash – Pairs directly with the glaze’s sweetness and garlic bite

Wine lovers have a few excellent options as well. The ribs’ boldness plays well with reds that have fruit-forward profiles and just enough tannin to cut through the fat.

Two great options include:

• Zinfandel – Juicy and spicy, it enhances the glaze’s maple notes
• Shiraz – Deep and slightly peppery, with a smooth finish that matches pork beautifully

Lighter wines aren’t out of place either. A chilled rosé offers enough acidity and subtle fruit to complement rather than compete.

Non-alcoholic drinks deserve just as much attention, especially when serving guests of all ages or looking to keep things light.

Try pairing with:

• Sparkling apple cider – Adds crispness and a touch of sweetness
• Iced green tea with lemon – Clean and slightly bitter to contrast the glaze
• Tart cherry soda – Sharp and fruity, refreshes between bites without being too sweet

Final Thoughts

Grilled pork ribs with a maple garlic glaze deliver bold flavor, sticky texture, and smoky depth that turn any meal into something memorable.

With the right sides and drinks, they easily become the centerpiece of a casual cookout or a weekend dinner worth repeating.

A little planning goes a long way, season well, cook low and slow, glaze generously, and rest before serving.

Give the recipe a try and make it your own.

Kelly Barlow

Hi there, my name is Kelly Barlow and kellytoeat.com is my blog. Here, I write about various recipes I want to reccommend to readers.

I try to find the best possible recipes that can attract the attention of readers, and at the same time, I strive to write it in the most engaging manner possible.

When I was younger, I wanted to become a chef. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be, but at the very least, I write about it.