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Juicy turkey ribs glazed with barbecue sauce, served on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with fresh rosemary, alongside cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans.

Best Turkey Ribs Recipe

Lina
Master the Best Turkey Ribs Recipe with tender, juicy ribs glazed in flavorful BBQ sauce. Easy to make, perfect for dinner or your next backyard cookout!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 6 Peopel
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs:

  • 2 lbs turkey ribs shoulder blade cuts

For the Dry Rub:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat

For the Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 2 cloves minced garlic

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ribs:

  • Pat turkey ribs dry with paper towels.
  • Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for even cooking.

Apply the Marinade:

  • Mix apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl.
  • Place the ribs in a zip-lock bag or glass dish, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for 2–8 hours.

Apply the Dry Rub:

  • Remove ribs from the marinade, pat dry, and generously apply the dry rub on both sides.

Choose a Cooking Method:

    Smoking Method:

    • Preheat smoker to 225°F.
    • Smoke the ribs for 3–4 hours, using apple or hickory wood chips for flavor.

    Grilling Method:

    • Preheat grill to medium-high (325°F).
    • Grill ribs for 1.5–2 hours, flipping halfway through.

    Oven-Baking Method:

    • Preheat oven to 275°F.
    • Wrap ribs in foil and bake for 2.5–3 hours. Remove foil for the last 30 minutes to crisp the edges.

    Rest and Serve:

    • Let ribs rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

    Serving Suggestions:

    • Pair with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal.
    • Add grilled veggies or a fresh green salad for a lighter option.

    Pro Tips:

    • Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
    • For extra tenderness, wrap the ribs in foil during cooking.
    • Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or a tangy glaze for added flavor.

    Notes

    Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

    • Calories: 150
    • Protein: 22g
    • Fat: 5g
    • Carbohydrates: 2g
    • Sodium: 200mg
    • Iron: 1.5mg
    Keyword BBQ, healthy ribs, lean protein, Turkey ribs