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Close-up of juicy boneless turkey ribs glazed with BBQ sauce and garnished with fresh parsley on a wooden surface.

Boneless Turkey Ribs Recipe

Lina
Try this easy boneless turkey ribs recipe for a delicious, healthy twist on classic ribs. Quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 4 People
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

Basic Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Boneless Turkey Ribs – Look for boneless turkey ribs also known as turkey breast ribs for a lean, tender cut. You can often find these at your local grocery store or butcher.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil – Adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick giving your ribs a beautiful golden crust.
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder – A key flavor enhancer garlic powder gives the ribs that irresistible savory kick.
  • 1 tbsp Paprika – This brings a mild smokiness and vibrant color to your turkey ribs.
  • 1 tsp Salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the recipe.
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper – A touch of pepper adds subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Optional for Extra Flavor:

  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar – If you like a touch of sweetness brown sugar is a perfect addition, especially for BBQ-style ribs.
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme – For an earthy aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice – Adds a zesty refreshing note and helps tenderize the meat.
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce – For that classic BBQ glaze! You can use store-bought or homemade.

Marinade (Optional for Extra Tenderness):

  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar – A splash of vinegar helps break down the turkey fibers making them even more tender.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil – For richness and moisture.
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce – Adds umami depth to the flavor.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

  • Before you start seasoning, give your ribs some TLC:
  • Trim any excess fat from the turkey ribs. You don’t need to be too meticulous—just remove the large pieces of fat to keep things lean.
  • Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This step is important because it helps the seasoning stick and ensures you get a nice crisp on the outside.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

  • Here comes the fun part—adding flavor! In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat, or a bit of brown sugar for a sweet kick.
  • Rub the seasoning generously over the ribs. Make sure every inch is covered to ensure maximum flavor in every bite. If you have a bit more time, let them sit for 20-30 minutes (or even a couple of hours) to marinate.

Step 3: Cooking the Ribs

  • Now let’s get cooking! There are two great ways to cook these boneless turkey ribs: baking or grilling. Both methods yield delicious results—just choose the one that works best for you.
  • Option 1: Oven-Baking (for tender, juicy ribs)
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  • Place the ribs on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. The ribs should be cooked through and lightly golden on the edges. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C) when they’re fully done.
  • For a crispy finish, pop the ribs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
  • Option 2: Grilling (for that smoky, charred flavor)
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  • Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping them carefully to get those beautiful grill marks.
  • Once the ribs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they’re ready to be served! If you like, you can brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to add a sweet, smoky glaze.

Step 4: Let Them Rest

  • After the ribs are done cooking, it’s important to let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute, keeping the ribs moist and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Perfect Boneless Turkey Ribs:

  • Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the ribs are fully cooked by checking that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Customize your seasoning: Play around with different herbs and spices to make the flavor your own. For a more robust flavor, try adding smoked paprika, onion powder, or a splash of soy sauce.
  • Grilling Tip: Keep the grill lid closed to maintain an even temperature and avoid flare-ups that could dry out the ribs.
  • Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the ribs for a couple of hours to let the flavors soak in. You can even prepare the seasoning and let the ribs sit overnight in the fridge.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Total Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Vitamin A: 8% DV
  • Vitamin C: 4% DV
  • Calcium: 2% DV
  • Iron: 10% DV
Keyword Boneless Turkey Ribs, Easy Turkey Recipe, healthy ribs recipe,