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Turkey ribs may not be as popular as their pork or beef counterparts, but they offer a lean and flavorful alternative that’s perfect for those looking for a healthier option.
Now, we’ll present you with a delicious turkey ribs recipe, share valuable tips to make them tender and flavorful, and provide calorie information for those interested in maintaining a balanced diet.
Turkey Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (about 900g) turkey ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to create a flavorful rub.
- Pat the turkey ribs dry with paper towels.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the turkey ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the seasoned turkey ribs on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey ribs in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and fully cooked. Baste them occasionally with their juices to keep them moist.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the turkey ribs with barbecue sauce. Allow them to caramelize and develop a flavorful crust.
- Once done, remove the turkey ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the turkey ribs hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Delicious Turkey Ribs
- Choose Quality Turkey Ribs: Look for fresh, high-quality turkey ribs at your local butcher or grocery store.
- Use a Flavorful Rub: A well-seasoned rub is key to infusing flavor into the lean turkey meat. Don’t skip this step.
- Low and Slow: Roasting the turkey ribs at a lower temperature for a longer time helps to keep them tender and juicy.
- Baste and Caramelize: Basting the ribs with their juices and finishing with barbecue sauce adds layers of flavor and a delightful crust.
What to Serve with Turkey Ribs
Turkey ribs barbecue can be a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are some side dishes that can complement and enhance the flavors of turkey ribs barbecue:
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread is a classic side dish for barbecue and can help balance the smoky flavors of the ribs.
- Coleslaw: A tangy and creamy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the barbecue ribs.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a traditional barbecue side dish that pairs well with turkey ribs.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese can add a comforting element to your barbecue meal.
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad with a creamy dressing can be a hearty side dish that complements the flavors of the barbecue.
- Collard Greens: Braised collard greens are a traditional Southern side dish that can add a savory and slightly bitter contrast to the barbecue.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries can be a delicious and healthier alternative to regular fries.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob can be a simple and tasty side dish for barbecue ribs.
- Green Beans: Seasoned green beans can be a lighter side dish that adds some freshness to your barbecue meal.
- Peach Cobbler: A classic Southern dessert like peach cobbler can be a sweet ending to your barbecue feast.
Feel free to mix and match these side dishes to create a meal that suits your taste preferences!
Calorie Information
Turkey ribs are a leaner option compared to traditional pork or beef ribs. On average, a 3-ounce (85g) serving of cooked turkey ribs (meat only) contains approximately 130-150 calories. This makes them a suitable choice for those looking to enjoy ribs while being mindful of their calorie intake.
To keep the meal balanced, consider serving turkey ribs with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
How to Store Turkey Ribs
To store turkey ribs barbecue properly, follow these guidelines:
- Cool Down: Allow the turkey ribs to cool down to room temperature after cooking. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigeration: Place the turkey ribs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store the turkey ribs for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled ribs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw frozen turkey ribs in the refrigerator overnight. You can then reheat them using your preferred method.
- Reheating: Reheat the turkey ribs thoroughly before serving to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can reheat them in the oven, on the grill, or in the microwave. If using the oven, cover the ribs with foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Sauce: If the turkey ribs are coated in barbecue sauce, consider storing the sauce separately. This can help prevent the ribs from becoming soggy when reheated.
- Portioning: If you plan to store the ribs for individual servings, consider portioning them before storing. This can make it easier to reheat only what you need.
- Labeling: It’s a good idea to label the containers or bags with the date when the turkey ribs were cooked or frozen. This can help you keep track of how long they have been stored.
Turkey ribs may be an unconventional choice, but they offer a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional ribs. This recipe and these tips will help you achieve tender and flavorful turkey ribs that are perfect for a wholesome meal. Enjoy the savory goodness without the guilt!
