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Barbecue-glazed slow cooked turkey ribs served on a white plate

Slow Cooked Turkey Ribs Recipe Oven

Lina
Discover the best Slow Cooked Turkey Ribs Recipe Oven for tender, juicy ribs packed with flavor. Easy, delicious, and perfect for any dinner table!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs:

  • 2 to 2.5 lbs turkey ribs bone-in, skin removed if preferred
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps the seasoning stick and locks in moisture

Dry Rub Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – for that deep smoky flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – a must for savory depth
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a touch of heat
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar – adds a subtle caramelized note

For Baking and Glazing:

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce – go classic spicy, or honey-sweet depending on your taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – balances the sweetness with a gentle tang
  • Aluminum foil – essential for sealing in moisture during the slow bake
  • Cooking spray or a touch of oil – to lightly grease the baking dish

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prep

  • Set your oven to 300°F (150°C). Low and slow is the key to tender ribs.
  • Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easier cleanup.

Season the Ribs

  • Pat the turkey ribs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick.
  • Rub olive oil all over the ribs, then coat generously with the dry rub mixture you prepared earlier.
  • For deeper flavor, you can cover and refrigerate the ribs for 2–12 hours before baking — but it’s optional.

Arrange and Cover

  • Place the seasoned ribs in the baking dish in a single layer.
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the bottom of the dish for extra moisture and tang.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and ensures the ribs stay juicy.

Bake Low and Slow

  • Bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on their thickness.
  • You’ll know they’re ready when the meat easily pulls away from the bone and is fork-tender.

Glaze and Finish

  • Carefully remove the foil and brush the ribs with barbecue sauce.
  • Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes to let the sauce thicken and caramelize.
  • If you like a little char, broil the ribs for the final 2–3 minutes — just keep a close eye so they don’t burn.

Rest and Serve

  • Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy and gives the flavors time to settle.
  • Slice between the bones if needed, plate them up, and enjoy the smiles around the table.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
  • Protein: 36g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 540mg
Keyword Oven-baked turkey ribs, slow cooked turkey ribs recipe oven, turkey ribs dinner