These Jack Daniels Ribs, inspired by a popular TGI Fridays menu item, are perfect for family barbecues and special occasions. The unique blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors from the Jack Daniel’s whiskey sauce makes these fall-off-the-bone tender ribs a favorite cheat meal. Whether for a casual weekend dinner or a festive gathering, these ribs are sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Ribs Marinade:

• 2 racks baby back ribs

• 2 teaspoons sweet ground paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon white ground pepper

• ½ teaspoon ground garlic

• ½ teaspoon ground onion

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Jack Daniels Ribs Sauce (TGI Fridays Copycat):

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ cup water

• 240 ml pineapple juice

• 4 tablespoons teriyaki sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

• 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Ribs Marinade:
   Remove the membrane skin from the ribs. To do so, turn the ribs bone side up, slide a knife under the membrane, and gently pull it off. Combine all the ingredients for the marinade and rub it generously onto the ribs.

2. Cook the Ribs in the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 284°F (140°C). Place the ribs in a baking tray and cover with aluminum foil. Cook the ribs for 3 hours, checking occasionally, until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.

3. Prepare the Jack Daniels Ribs Sauce:
   In a medium pan, combine pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, crushed garlic, water, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes while stirring occasionally. Add lemon juice, chopped onion, Jack Daniel’s whiskey, crushed pineapple, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Serve the Ribs:
   Grill the cooked ribs for a couple of minutes on each side. Pour the Jack Daniels sauce over the ribs and serve immediately.

Nutrients

(For one serving, approximate values)

• Calories: 590 kcal

• Protein: 45g

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Fat: 26g

• Sugar: 35g

• Fiber: 2g

The Appeal of Jack Daniels Ribs

Ribs are a classic favorite at barbecues, but what sets Jack Daniels Ribs apart is their complex, rich sauce. The use of Jack Daniel’s whiskey in the sauce adds a distinct smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness from the pineapple juice and brown sugar. This perfect blend of ingredients creates a sauce that is both savory and slightly spicy, with a depth of flavor that makes each bite incredibly satisfying. The tanginess from the lemon juice and the bite of cayenne pepper complete the sauce’s profile, giving it the ideal balance of flavors.

These ribs are not just about great taste; they’re also about texture. The slow cooking process in the oven ensures that the ribs become tender, while grilling them at the end gives them a delicious charred exterior. The result is a succulent, juicy rib that melts in your mouth, with the sticky, flavorful sauce coating every piece. With a combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, Jack Daniels Ribs are the perfect cheat meal for those looking to indulge in something truly special.

Preparing the Ribs

To start, the ribs are marinated to infuse them with flavor before the cooking process begins. Removing the membrane from the ribs is an important step in ensuring the meat becomes tender and flavorful. The membrane, which is a thin layer of connective tissue on the back of the ribs, can make the ribs tough if left intact. Once removed, the ribs are ready to be marinated.

The marinade itself is simple but effective, consisting of sweet ground paprika, salt, white ground pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. These ingredients work together to enhance the natural flavors of the ribs, with the paprika adding a subtle smokiness, while the garlic and onion powders provide savory depth. The cayenne pepper introduces a mild heat, giving the ribs a touch of spice that balances perfectly with the sweet and tangy sauce they’ll later be coated in.

Slow Cooking the Ribs for Tenderness

Once the ribs are marinated, they are slow-cooked in the oven to ensure they become tender and fall-off-the-bone juicy. Preheating the oven to 284°F (140°C) and cooking the ribs for 3 hours allows the flavors to penetrate the meat while breaking down the connective tissue, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This slow cooking method allows the ribs to retain moisture, ensuring they stay juicy even before the addition of the flavorful sauce.

During this time, it’s important to check on the ribs occasionally to make sure they’re cooking evenly and that the meat is becoming tender. The key here is patience—by allowing the ribs to cook at a low temperature for an extended period, the result is incredibly tender, flavorful ribs that are just waiting to be topped with the Jack Daniel’s sauce.

Making the Jack Daniels Ribs Sauce

The Jack Daniel’s sauce is what takes these ribs from delicious to extraordinary. The sauce combines pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, water, and brown sugar in a medium pan. The ingredients are brought to a boil, and the sauce is simmered for a few minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld together. This forms the base of the sauce, creating a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy mixture.

To take the sauce to the next level, lemon juice, chopped onion, Jack Daniel’s whiskey, crushed pineapple, and cayenne pepper are added. The whiskey brings a distinct smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple juice and brown sugar, while the crushed pineapple adds an extra layer of fruitiness and texture. The cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat, ensuring the sauce is well-rounded and balanced.

Once everything is combined, the sauce is simmered for about 30 minutes. During this time, the flavors develop, and the sauce thickens, becoming the perfect consistency to coat the ribs and caramelize on the grill.

Finishing the Ribs on the Grill

After the ribs have been slow-cooked in the oven, it’s time to give them a final touch on the grill. This quick grilling process helps to give the ribs a charred, crispy exterior, while also allowing the Jack Daniel’s sauce to adhere to the meat. Grilling for just a couple of minutes on each side ensures the ribs get that perfect char without losing their tenderness. The result is a beautifully caramelized surface that enhances the overall flavor of the ribs.

Once grilled, the ribs are generously coated in the Jack Daniel’s sauce, which adds a sticky, glossy finish. The sauce seeps into every crevice of the ribs, infusing the meat with its rich, complex flavors. The combination of tender meat, smoky char, and flavorful sauce creates an unforgettable bite every time.

Serving Suggestions

Jack Daniels Ribs are perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served with a range of sides. They pair wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and potato salad. For a lighter option, you can serve them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. The sweetness and spice of the ribs also make them a great match for a refreshing fruit salad or grilled pineapple slices.

If you’re looking to complete the meal with something more substantial, mashed potatoes or creamy mac and cheese would be an excellent choice. The richness of these sides complements the smoky, sweet flavors of the ribs, creating a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Nutritional Breakdown

While Jack Daniels Ribs are a rich and indulgent dish, they offer a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Each serving contains approximately 590 kcal, with 45g of protein, making it a great source of lean protein. The ribs are also relatively high in fat, with 26g of fat per serving, but much of this comes from the healthy fats in the marinade and the grilling process. The carbohydrates come primarily from the sugar in the sauce, with 35g of sugar in each serving. The dish also provides 2g of fiber, helping with digestion and making the meal more filling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Jack Daniels Ribs are the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful and indulgent meal with a healthier twist. The combination of tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy Jack Daniel’s sauce makes this dish a standout at any gathering. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, these ribs are sure to impress with their amazing flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Give them a try for your next barbecue or holiday gathering, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!