Heart-Healthy Classic BBQ Pork Ribs
Elevate your grill game with these **Heart-Healthy Classic BBQ Pork Ribs**, a wholesome twist on a backyard favorite! Tender, juicy baby back ribs are infused with the smoky essence of paprika and liquid smoke, kissed with the sweetness of honey, and balanced by the tang of apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon zest. This low-sodium recipe uses a flavorful spice rub and a light marinade to ensure bold, mouthwatering BBQ taste without the extra salt. Slow-roasted to perfection and finished with a caramelized glaze, these ribs are the perfect guilt-free indulgence for any occasion. Serve them alongside fresh, heart-healthy sides for a balanced meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you're hosting a crowd or treating the family, these healthier BBQ ribs will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 racks Pork baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 0.5 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
Rinse the pork ribs, pat them dry with paper towels, and remove the membrane from the back for better tenderness.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to form a rub.
Coat the ribs evenly with the spice rub on both sides. Allow them to sit at room temperature while you prepare the marinade.
In another bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and liquid smoke until fully combined.
Place the ribs in a large roasting pan and pour the marinade over the top, ensuring the ribs are coated well. Scatter fresh thyme over the ribs.
Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 3.5 hours or until the ribs are tender and the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
Once cooked, remove the foil and drain excess liquid. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the ribs with a bit more honey for added glaze and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until they are nicely caramelized.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for a refreshing finish, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve the ribs warm, pairing it with your choice of heart-healthy sides such as grilled vegetables or a green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
842 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.6 g | 82% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.7 g | 113% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 205 mg | 68% | |
| Sodium | 508 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.9 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 63.9 g | 128% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 42 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 788 mg | 17% | |
*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.
