Jack Daniel's Ribs from TGI Friday's feature tender, slow-cooked pork ribs glazed with a smoky, sweet Jack Daniel's barbecue sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and served alongside crispy fries, delivering a rich and flavorful Southern-inspired feast.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking tray
- Aluminum foil
- Grill or broiler
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Fryer or deep pot (for fries)
- Slotted spoon or fry basket
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs
- 1 cup Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
When preparing the Jack Daniel's ribs, ensure you marinate the pork baby back ribs with the Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey and the mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices to infuse the smoky, sweet flavors deeply into the meat. Use fresh russet potatoes for fries to achieve the perfect crispy texture when fried in vegetable oil at the correct temperature. Your sauce's balance of apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice is crucial for tenderizing the ribs and enhancing the tangy undertones. Pay careful attention to the measurement of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to avoid overpowering the ribs with heat while maintaining the signature smoky flavor. You can recreate the rich, flavorful Southern-inspired feast of Jack Daniel's Ribs from TGI Friday's copycat menu right at home using these ingredients and cooking equipment.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- Season ribs with salt.
- Place ribs on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil.
- Cover ribs with additional foil.
- Bake ribs in the oven for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
- Meanwhile, combine Jack Daniel's whiskey, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika in a saucepan.
- Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer sauce until thickened, about 20–25 minutes.
- Remove ribs from oven and discard top foil.
- Preheat grill or broiler.
- Brush ribs generously with Jack Daniel's sauce.
- Grill or broil ribs for 3–5 minutes on each side, basting with more sauce, until caramelized.
- Let ribs rest for a few minutes, then cut between bones.
- Peel russet potatoes and cut into fries.
- Soak fries in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in fryer or deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain and dry fries thoroughly.
- Fry potatoes in batches until golden and crispy.
- Remove fries with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Season fries with salt.
- Arrange ribs and fries on a serving platter.
- Garnish ribs with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Jack Daniel's Ribs from TGI Friday's are a smoky, sweet Southern-inspired dish featuring tender baby back pork ribs glazed in a rich Jack Daniel's barbecue sauce. If you don't have Jack Daniel's whiskey on hand, bourbon or a blend of apple juice with a splash of vanilla extract can provide a similar depth of flavor. When slow-cooking the ribs, wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil helps retain moisture and tenderness throughout the oven or grill process. For crispy fries, russet potatoes cut evenly and fried in vegetable oil heated to 350degF (175degC) yield optimal crunch. Remember to baste the ribs regularly with the barbecue sauce during the last phase of cooking to enhance the smoky glaze and flavor.
Tips
Remove the thin membrane from the back of your pork ribs before seasoning to ensure better flavor absorption and tenderness. Soaking the cut russet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Make sure to dry the fries thoroughly before frying to avoid oil splatters and soggy texture. While grilling or broiling, apply multiple layers of Jack Daniel's barbecue sauce and watch closely to prevent burning and achieve that perfect caramelized glaze.
Nutritions
Jack Daniel's Ribs from TGI Friday's provide a protein-rich meal, primarily from slow-cooked pork baby back ribs, which are a good source of B vitamins and essential amino acids. The barbecue sauce combines Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey with ingredients like brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, adding flavor while increasing the dish's sugar content. Complementary crispy fries made from russet potatoes deliver carbohydrates and fiber, though frying adds additional fats and calories. Your meal balances savory and sweet notes but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its higher sodium and fat content.
Storage
Store leftover Jack Daniel's ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. For best taste, consume the ribs within 3 to 4 days, reheating them gently in the oven at 275degF (135degC) to preserve tenderness and flavor. Keep your crispy fries separate in a paper towel-lined container to avoid sogginess; reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute the Jack Daniel's whiskey with bourbon or spiced rum to change the depth of flavor in your barbecue sauce. You can also swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a natural sweetness and extra nutrients to your fries. Try slow-cooking the ribs in a smoker instead of the oven for a more authentic smoky taste and tender texture. If you prefer a less sticky glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce to suit your taste.
Allergies
Your Jack Daniel's Ribs may pose allergy risks due to soy sauce, which contains soy and gluten, common allergens. Worcestershire sauce can include anchovies, affecting those with seafood allergies. Individuals sensitive to sulfites should also be cautious, as some ingredients like apple cider vinegar and soy sauce may contain them.
Why this recipe?
Jack Daniel's Ribs from TGI Friday's are beloved for their tender, slow-cooked pork ribs glazed with a rich, smoky Jack Daniel's whiskey-infused barbecue sauce. The perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors creates an irresistible taste that keeps diners coming back. You can recreate this iconic dish at home by mastering the unique marinade and slow cooking technique, delivering restaurant-quality ribs right to your kitchen. Making the copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the same mouthwatering experience anytime, tailored exactly to your flavor preferences.