Heart-Healthy Classic BBQ Pork Ribs

Savor the smoky, tender goodness of Heart-Healthy Classic BBQ Pork Ribs, a guilt-free twist on a barbecue favorite. These flavorful ribs are rubbed with a heart-conscious blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, and cayenne, ensuring bold seasoning without excess sodium. A tangy marinade featuring low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey adds a luscious glaze, while a hint of liquid smoke delivers authentic BBQ flavor—all oven-baked to perfection for a healthier alternative to traditional methods. Topped with fresh thyme and a zesty lemon finish, these ribs are as delightful to eat as they are nourishing. Ideal for family dinners or weekend gatherings, pair them with grilled veggies or a fresh green salad for a heart-smart barbecue feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:255 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).

Step 2

Rinse the pork ribs, pat them dry with paper towels, and remove the membrane from the back for better tenderness.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Coat the ribs evenly with the spice rub on both sides. Allow them to sit at room temperature while you prepare the marinade.

Step 5

In another bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and liquid smoke until fully combined.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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).

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the foil and drain excess liquid. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9

Brush the ribs with a bit more honey for added glaze and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until they are nicely caramelized.

Step 10

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for a refreshing finish, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 11

Serve the ribs warm, pairing it with your choice of heart-healthy sides such as grilled vegetables or a green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1543.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4484.2

Total Fat 364.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 127.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1316mg	0%
Sodium 2665.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 30.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g	0%
Total Sugars 18.0g
Protein 301.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 358.8mg	0%
Iron 19.3mg	0%
Potassium 4027.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 71.2%

Protein: 26.1%

Carbs: 2.6%