"I've made these ribs for my son twice now, and he licks his fingers every time. The sauce is absolutely delicious, and the ribs are very tender. For my part, I skip the boiling step for the sake of time, and the meat isn't tough, but if you want them very tender like at a restaurant, then follow the full recipe." — Marilyn

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A comforting classic with local flavors

There’s nothing like tender, juicy ribs, coated in a maple syrup caramel sauce, to gather family and friends around the table. This recipe combines simple, authentic ingredients for a result that is both sweet and savory, with an irresistible smoky touch.

Why this rib recipe is unique

Pure maple syrup provides a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with maple butter Dijon mustard and soy sauce. Whether you choose to boil them for ultra-tender ribs or cook them directly for a firmer texture, this recipe adapts to your preferences.

A perfect meal for any occasion

These ribs are just as suitable for a Sunday dinner as they are for a barbecue with friends. Generously coated in sauce, they will delight lovers of perfectly caramelized meat.

Summary
🔍 Information	Details
⏱️ Prep time	20 minutes
🍳 Cook time	1h20 to 1h35
🕒 Marinating time	1 hour
⏲️ Total time	2h40 to 3h35
🔧 Difficulty level	Easy
🍽️ Servings	6 to 8
🔥 Calories (approximate)	550 per serving

Ingredients for 4 racks of ribs (2kg total)
4 racks of pork ribs (approximately 2 kg) 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup ketchup 1/4 cup maple butter Dijon mustard 1 tbsp lemon juice or cider vinegar 1 tbsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the ribs: Remove or cut the membrane on the back of the ribs for more tender ribs. Rinse and pat dry the ribs with paper towels. Option 1: Boil for ultra-tender ribs: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the ribs and let simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Drain and let cool enough to handle easily. Option 2: Direct cooking for more flavor: If you prefer flavorful ribs with a firmer texture, or if you are short on time to boil the meat, skip ahead to the marinating step. Marinate the ribs: In a large bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Coat the ribs well with this marinade. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for intense flavors and optimal texture, or 30 minutes at room temperature if you did not pre-boil them and are in a rush. Oven cooking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the ribs in a Pyrex dish or on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil, bone side down. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake for 1h to 1h15. Final caramelization: Remove the aluminum foil. Brush the ribs with the remaining marinade or cooking juices. Increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to caramelize. For even more charred ribs, place them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes.

Nutritional Information per Serving
Nutrient	Quantity
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Sugars	12 g
Fiber	1 g
Fat	35 g
Saturated Fat	12 g
Sodium	900 mg
Health Note	6/10 Strengths: Good source of protein, rich in flavor. Moderation: High sodium and fat content.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Maple Syrup Ribs

Can I use a different type of meat than pork?
Yes, you can use beef ribs or even lamb ribs. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the cut and thickness of the ribs.

How do I know if my ribs are cooked through?
The ribs are ready when they are tender and the meat pulls away easily from the bone. You can check by inserting a fork into the meat: it should slide in without resistance.

Can I prepare the ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the ribs the day before and keep them in the refrigerator. You can also cook them in advance, then reheat and caramelize them just before serving.

What to do with leftover ribs?
Leftovers can be deboned and used in sandwiches, tacos, or even added to salads for a gourmet touch.

Can I freeze the ribs?
Yes, cooked ribs freeze very well. Make sure to pack them airtight and consume them within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Maple Syrup by the Numbers
Global Production 🌍 : Quebec produces more than 70% of the world's maple syrup!

Maple Syrup by the Numbers
Global Production 🌍 : Quebec produces more than 70% of the world's maple syrup!
One Tree, Lots of Syrup 🌳 : It takes 40 liters of sap to produce 1 liter of maple syrup. x 40 = (1 L)
Natural Wealth 💎 : Maple syrup contains more than 50 beneficial compounds for health, including antioxidants. ... and much more!