Maple-Miso Glazed Grilled Ribs

Maple-Miso Glazed Grilled Ribs are a delicious fusion of sweet and savory flavors, making them a standout choice for your next barbecue or family dinner.

This recipe combines the rich umami of miso with the natural sweetness of maple syrup to create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The result is a rack of ribs that’s tender, flavorful, and irresistibly sticky.

The key to these ribs is the marinade and glaze. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, adds depth and complexity, while maple syrup provides a luscious sweetness that balances the savory elements.

Ribs and Ingredients:

The grilling process enhances these flavors, creating a caramelized exterior with a tender interior.

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 2 pounds each)
• 1/4 cup white miso paste
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt, to taste

For Maple-Miso Glazed Grilled Ribs, you'll use tender baby back ribs. The glaze combines white miso paste for umami, pure maple syrup for sweetness, and soy sauce for depth.

Rice vinegar adds a tangy touch, while honey increases sweetness and stickiness. Fresh garlic and ginger provide aromatic spice, and sesame oil adds a nutty note.

Dijon mustard introduces a tangy contrast, and black pepper enhances the flavor, with optional red pepper flakes for heat. Salt rounds out the seasoning.

Recipe Instructions

Prepare the Ribs:

• Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect grilling. For a gas grill, turn on one side of the burners and leave the other side off.
• Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs if it’s still attached. This helps the marinade penetrate better and makes the ribs more tender.

Make the Marinade:

• In a bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.

Marinate the Ribs:

• Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting and serving.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Grill the Ribs:

• Remove the ribs from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Season the ribs with a little salt.
• Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally, until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bones.

Glaze and Finish:

• During the last 15-20 minutes of grilling, brush the reserved marinade over the ribs, basting them every few minutes. This will create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
• Once the ribs are cooked through and have a nice glaze, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve:

• Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with any remaining glaze on the side. Enjoy with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.

Maple-Miso Grilling Tips

For the Maple-Miso Glazed Ribs, preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Cook the ribs over indirect heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). Brush the ribs with the reserved glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of grilling and let them rest briefly before slicing.

These ribs are sure to impress with their unique taste and mouthwatering texture. Serve them with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.