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Keto Smoked Pork Ribs Recipe 🥩

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Looking for a tasty keto dish? Try this 5-ingredient Smoked Pork Ribs recipe. It's low-carb and packed with BBQ sauce, mustard, and juicy pork flavors. With just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare a meal that feels gourmet. Give this simple recipe a go and enjoy a perfect smoke flavor!

A wooden platter featuring homemade smoked pork ribs, garnished with lemon, cherry tomatoes, and herbs.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Making these keto smoked pork ribs is easy! Don't be overwhelmed with the time; the cooking process is very simple and worth it. First, spread mustard and BBQ sauce on the ribs. Then, smoke them for 3 hours. After that, add beef broth and butter and smoke for two more hours. Once done, you'll have a meal that tastes like it's from a fancy restaurant!

Chef's note

Add a bit of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce for a deeper, smoky flavor without extra carbs. Or, try various wood chunks or chips in your smoker to play with flavors.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

🥩 Ingredients for this smoked pork ribs recipe

To make these low-carb smoked pork ribs, you'll need the following five ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of pork ribs
  • ¼ cup yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce, sugar-free
  • 3 ounces butter
  • ¼ cup beef broth
Pork ribs, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, butter, beef broth arranged and displayed on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

If you see something on the ingredients list you would rather skip, here are some substitutions you can make:

  • Yellow mustard: Use Dijon mustard for a more intense mustard flavor.
  • BBQ sauce: Instead of BBQ sauce, use a homemade BBQ dry rub made of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper.
  • Butter: Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.

Additional ingredients

To enhance the taste of your smoked ribs recipe, try these optional ingredients:

  • Garlic: Add half a tablespoon of garlic powder with the BBQ sauce, or use freshly chopped garlic for a rich flavor.
  • Smoked paprika: A sprinkle of smoked paprika before smoking the meat gives that authentic smoky taste.
  • Cayenne pepper: Want some heat? Stir half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the butter.
  • Fresh herbs: Top your ribs with chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
A focused shot of smoked pork ribs, revealing their distinctive texture

Cooking tools required

To make smoked pork ribs recipe, you'll need the following kitchen tools:

  • Measuring cups
  • Brush
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Aluminum foil
  • Baking tray
  • Paper towels

Tool substitutes list

  • Brush: If you don't have a brush, use a basting brush or spoon to apply the sauces.
A close-up picture of smoked pork ribs showing it's texture.

How to make Smoked Pork Ribs: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Smoking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all your ingredients.
  2. Ready the cooking tools.

Cooking steps

  1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (105°C).
  2. Brush the ribs with a thin layer of yellow mustard on both sides.
  3. Apply the BBQ sauce generously to both sides of the ribs and coat evenly.
  4. Place the ribs on the smoker and smoke for 3 hours.
  5. After 3 hours, coat each rib with two tablespoons of beef broth and butter.
  6. Smoke them for an additional 2 hours.
  7. After 2 hours, remove the ribs from the smoker and serve with your favorite side dish.

Chef's pro tip

For the most delicious meat, take off the membrane or silver skin from the pork ribs. Once cooked, let the ribs sit for 10-15 minutes before eating. This rest time helps the juices spread in the meat, making every bite juicy and tasty.

What to serve with smoked pork ribs?

Keto smoked pork ribs pair well with various side dishes. Here are some yummy ideas:

  • Grilled Vegetables: For a nutritious meal, serve the keto pork ribs with a medley of grilled vegetables.
  • Cauliflower Mash: The creamy texture of the cauliflower mash mimics traditional mashed potatoes, making a comforting side dish for the ribs.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The satisfying crunch of Brussels sprouts complements the tender pork ribs.
  • Green Cabbage Salad: Serve the pork ribs with a green cabbage salad for a refreshing side dish.
  • Keto Crack Slaw: Pair the smoked ribs with a flavorful crack slaw for a tangy and crisp side dish.
Close-up photo of smoked pork ribs emphasizing their texture.

How to make it healthier?

  • Pick leaner pork ribs: Choose leaner pork ribs, like baby back ribs, to reduce fat.
  • Use healthier BBQ sauce: Opt for low-sodium BBQ sauce or create your own with tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and natural sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol.

Time-saving tips

  • Pre-trimmed ribs: Pick pre-trimmed ribs to skip removing the silver skin yourself.
  • Reduce the cooking time: If you're short on time, set your smoker to 250°F (120°C) and cook the ribs for just 4-5 hours.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Marinate ribs: Brush the ribs with a coat of mustard and barbecue sauce. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to smoke them.
A wooden plate displaying smoked pork ribs, garnished with lemon, tomatoes, and herbs.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Fridge: Store any leftover smoked pork ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: If you wish to freeze a batch, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Best reheating practices

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Wrap the leftover ribs in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Heat in the oven for around 20-30 minutes or until heated.
  • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the leftover ribs with oil or BBQ sauce and grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until heated.
  • Microwave: Place the ribs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

If you're starting out with keto or have been on this journey for a while, this Smoked Pork Ribs recipe is bound to become a staple in your meal plans. It offers a tasty and wholesome choice for those craving a dish full of flavor. Whether you're thinking of a special dinner or a filling lunch, this recipe has got you covered. So, light up that smoker and prepare to discover your next favorite dish!

Here are some keto pork recipes that are super delicious!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, pork ribs are keto-friendly. They are low in carbs, especially when prepared with sugar-free BBQ sauce and other low-carb ingredients.

Certainly! You can use both a grill grate and a gas grill for this recipe. Just put the charcoal or wood chips on one side and the ribs on the other. Keep a steady low heat of about 225°F (105°C) by tweaking the vents and replenishing charcoal or wood as needed.

Yes, you can use bone ribs for this recipe.

If you don't like a heavy smoke flavor, use milder woods like fruitwood (e.g., apple or cherry) for smoking. You can also reduce smoking time or use fewer wood chips in a smoking pouch to control the level of smokiness.

Pork ribs are very low in carbs, typically containing zero to one gram per serving. But, the total amount of carbs in pork ribs varies depending on the sauce and seasonings you use for the dish.

Absolutely, when ribs are smoked at 225°F (105°C) for 6 hours, they become perfectly cooked, tender, and ready to savor.

📖 Recipe

Keto smoked pork ribs presented on a wooden platter garnished with lemon wedges, tomatoes and fresh green herbs.

Smoked Pork Ribs

Enjoy tender, smoky keto pork ribs with this simple 5-ingredient recipe, perfect for low-carb and BBQ enthusiasts.
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Course: Main Course
Keyword: keto pork ribs, pork ribs recipe, smoked pork ribs, smoked ribs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 317kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of pork ribs
  • ¼ cup yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce sugar-free
  • 3 ounces butter
  • ¼ cup beef broth
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat your smoker to 225°F (105°C).
  • Brush the ribs with a thin layer of yellow mustard on both sides.
  • Apply the BBQ sauce generously to both sides of the ribs and coat evenly.
  • Place the ribs on the smoker and smoke for 3 hours.
  • After 3 hours, coat each rib with two tablespoons of beef broth and butter.
  • Smoke them for an additional 2 hours.
  • After 2 hours, remove the ribs from the smoker and serve with your favorite side dish.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Smoked Pork Ribs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 317 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 86mg29%
Sodium 338mg15%
Potassium 231mg7%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 291IU6%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 23mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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