Sugar-Free Perfectly Grilled Ribs

Experience the ultimate in backyard barbecue with these tender, flavorful *Sugar-Free Perfectly Grilled Ribs*. This recipe combines smoky, savory goodness with a bold, spice-packed dry rub crafted from smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and a hint of cayenne for just the right kick. Cooked low and slow over indirect heat, these pork ribs are basted with a tangy apple cider vinegar spritz to keep them moist and add an extra layer of flavor—all without any added sugar. Perfect for keto, paleo, or anyone looking to cut back on sweetness without sacrificing taste, these ribs are a guilt-free grilling masterpiece. Serve them hot off the grill to enjoy the perfect balance of charred crust and juicy, fall-off-the-bone tenderness!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 racks pork ribs
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1.5 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure a tender final result. Use a knife to gently loosen the edge of the membrane, then pull it off completely.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a flavorful dry rub.

Step 3

Rub the olive oil evenly over each rack of ribs, ensuring all sides are coated. This will help the spices adhere to the meat.

Step 4

Generously apply the spice mixture to both sides of the rib racks, pressing it into the meat to ensure it sticks.

Step 5

Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 6

Prepare your grill for indirect cooking by placing a drip pan beneath where the ribs will sit and igniting only one side of the grill, aiming for a low heat of 225-250°F (107-121°C).

Step 7

Place the ribs on the grill grate, away from the direct heat, with the bone side down.

Step 8

Close the lid and let the ribs cook for about 2 hours, maintaining the temperature and checking periodically to ensure an even cooking environment.

Step 9

Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Every 30 minutes, lightly spray the ribs to keep them moist and add a subtle tangy flavor.

Step 10

After 2 hours, check the ribs' tenderness. They should have a reddish color and the bones should be protruding slightly from the meat. If not tender enough, allow them to cook for an additional 30-60 minutes.

Step 11

Once the ribs are tender, increase the grill temperature slightly to 300°F (149°C) and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a slight char on the exterior.

Step 12

Remove the ribs from the grill, wrap them in aluminum foil, and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Step 13

Serve the ribs hot and enjoy their rich, spicy, and smoky flavor without any added sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(463.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	701.3

Total Fat 54.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 94mg	0%
Sodium 7203.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 32.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.9g	0%
Total Sugars 2.0g
Protein 26.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 184.5mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 919.4mg	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: 67.4%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 17.7%