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Smoked turkey ribs glazed with barbecue sauce on a wooden serving board, garnished with fresh rosemary, with a glowing grill in the background and coleslaw on the side.

Easy Turkey Ribs Recipe

Lina
Discover the ultimate Easy Turkey Ribs Recipe! Tender, flavorful, and simple to make, this dish is perfect for dinner or your next BBQ cookout.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 6 Peopel
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs:

  • 2 lbs turkey ribs shoulder blade cut
  • Kosher salt for seasoning

For the Marinade:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Dry Rub:

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

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ribs:

  • Pat turkey ribs dry with a paper towel and lightly season with kosher salt.

Marinate the Ribs:

  • Mix olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
  • Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring even coverage.
  • Marinate in the fridge for 2–8 hours.

Apply the Dry Rub:

  • Remove ribs from the marinade and pat dry.
  • Generously coat both sides with the dry rub mixture.

Choose a Cooking Method:

    Smoking Method:

    • Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
    • Place ribs in the smoker and cook for 2–3 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    Grilling Method:

    • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
    • Grill ribs for 15–20 minutes per side, checking for a final temperature of 165°F.

    Air Fryer Method:

    • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
    • Cook ribs for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    Rest and Serve:

    • Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
    • Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce or side dishes.

    Serving Suggestions:

    • Pair turkey ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, roasted veggies, or cornbread. For a summer cookout, add honey lime grilled corn or a black bean and corn salad.

    Pro Tips:

    • Marinating: Longer marinating enhances flavor; avoid exceeding 24 hours.
    • Temperature Control: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy ribs.
    • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

    Notes

    Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

    • Calories: 150
    • Protein: 22g
    • Fat: 5g
    • Carbohydrates: 2g
    • Iron: 1.5mg
    • Sodium: 350mg
    Keyword Healthy BBQ, lean protein, smoked ribs, Turkey ribs