Indulge in smoky, tender perfection with our Heart-Healthy Grilled BBQ Ribs, a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. This recipe swaps high-sodium and sugary sauces for a flavorful homemade marinade featuring low-sodium soy sauce, unsweetened apple juice, and a bold blend of spices like smoked paprika and cumin. These ribs are slow-grilled to juicy tenderness using indirect heat, then basted with a luscious heart-healthy BBQ sauce sweetened naturally with honey. Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners, this dish offers all the rich, bold flavors of barbecue while prioritizing your well-being. Pair with grilled veggies or a crisp side salad for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
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1. Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane on the back of each rack. Use a knife to loosen the membrane at one end, then use a paper towel to grip and pull it off completely.
2. In a bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, unsweetened apple juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
3. Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or deep dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight for more intense flavor.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (about 275°F) using indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, move the charcoal to one side to create indirect heat.
5. Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them on the grill, bone side down. Close the grill lid and cook slowly for about 3 hours, maintaining a steady temperature. Check occasionally to ensure indirect heat is maintained.
6. While ribs are cooking, prepare the heart-healthy BBQ sauce. Mix honey, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until well combined and slightly thickened. Set aside.
7. After 3 hours, start basting the ribs with the BBQ sauce every 15 minutes for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away from the bones easily.
8. Remove the ribs from the grill and allow them to rest for about 10 minutes. Slice into individual ribs and serve them hot, with any remaining BBQ sauce on the side.
Serving size | (1735.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 4457.0 |
Total Fat 337.0g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 123.4g | 0% |
Cholesterol 1316mg | 0% |
Sodium 3234.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 85.2g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 5.2g | 0% |
Total Sugars 66.8g | |
Protein 305.5g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 386.0mg | 0% |
Iron 22.2mg | 0% |
Potassium 4609.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories