Heart-Healthy Classic Barbecue Ribs
Indulge in the smoky, tender perfection of Heart-Healthy Classic Barbecue Ribs, a guilt-free twist on a backyard favorite. This recipe balances bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, featuring lean pork back ribs coated in a savory, sugar-free dry rub made with smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin. Slow-baked to tenderness and finished with a tangy homemade barbecue sauce crafted from balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt-free tomato paste, these ribs deliver BBQ bliss without compromising your heart health. Ready in just over 3 hours, it’s the ideal choice for anyone seeking a healthier, flavor-packed barbecue option. Perfect for weekend gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these ribs are sure to become a go-to favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Lean pork back ribs
- 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar substitute
- 1 can (6 oz) Salt-free tomato paste
- 1 cup Balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- 1 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off.
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and brown sugar substitute to create the dry rub.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
Wrap the ribs tightly with aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until tender.
While the ribs are baking, prepare the barbecue sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine salt-free tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, honey, liquid smoke, water, and olive oil.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil.
Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
Brush the ribs generously with the prepared barbecue sauce.
Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has caramelized.
Remove from the oven, let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing, and serve with additional sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3604 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 237.6 g | 305% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.0 g | 400% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 717 mg | 239% | |
| Sodium | 873 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 148.3 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.1 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 119.3 g | ||
| Protein | 195.8 g | 392% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 452 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 18.2 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 3588 mg | 76% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
