These tender, sticky maple-balsamic glazed ribs get their sweet-and-savoury flavour from an easy marinade mixture that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Low and slow is the secret to fall-apart tender ribs—no barbecue required. Once they’re cooked through, a maple, balsamic and soy glaze turns glossy and caramelized in a hot oven. Even better, you can cook the ribs up to three days in advance, then glaze and finish them just before serving.
Ingredients for Maple-Balsamic Glazed Ribs
2 racks pork back or side ribs
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2–3 garlic cloves, crushed
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions for Maple-Balsamic Glazed Ribs
- Place ribs on a parchment- or foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and cover tightly with foil. Roast at 325°F for 2.5–3 hours. (Ribs can be pre-cooked to this point, then cooled, wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to three days.) Turn the oven up to 400°F.
- Meanwhile, combine maple syrup, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and garlic in a small saucepan set over medium-high. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, for 20 min, or until slightly thickened.
- Uncover the ribs and brush them generously with the glaze. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, brushing with more glaze 2–3 times, until dark, sticky and caramelized. Serve warm, with plenty of napkins.
Serves 6.
Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, February 2014. Updated August 2026.
