Sticky BBQ Ribs with Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce

Sticky BBQ Ribs with Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce

The ultimate tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a perfectly balanced sugar-free BBQ sauce that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

KEY INFO

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2.5 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dietary: Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Keto-friendly

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Oven-safe rack
• Medium saucepan
• Sharp knife
• Pastry brush
• Alternative: Substitute baking sheet with disposable aluminum pan

INGREDIENTS

For the Ribs:

• 4 pounds (1.8 kg) pork baby back ribs
• 1/2 cup (60g) smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup (30g) black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) sugar-free ketchup
• 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar substitute (Swerve or monk fruit)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C)
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs by sliding knife under it and pulling with paper towel

3. Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl
4. Coat ribs generously with dry rub on both sides

5. Wrap ribs tightly in foil, place on baking sheet
6. Bake for 2-2.5 hours until meat starts pulling away from bones

7. Meanwhile, combine all sauce ingredients in saucepan

8. Simmer sauce on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently
9. Remove ribs from oven, unwrap carefully
10. Increase oven to 460°F (240°C)
11. Brush ribs generously with sauce
12. Return to oven uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce caramelizes

CRUCIAL TIPS

• Let ribs come to room temperature before cooking
• Don’t rush the low-and-slow cooking process
• Check tenderness by bending rack – should have slight crack in crust
• Allow sauce to thicken but not burn

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

• Store: In airtight container up to 3 days
• Freeze: For up to 3 months
• Reheat: Covered at 300°F until warm
• Asian variation: Replace BBQ sauce with mix of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil
• Spice it up: Add extra chipotle or cayenne to sauce

Common Mistakes:

• Skipping membrane removal
• Cooking at too high temperature
• Not wrapping ribs tightly enough
• Over-reducing the sauce

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality ribs without the sugar rush. Perfect for BBQ lovers watching their carbs!