Ingredients
Spice Rub & Sauce Base
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1 tbsp Garlic Salt
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4 tbsp Chili Powder
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1 tbsp Onion Powder
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2 tbsp Paprika
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2 tsp Ground Pepper
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2 tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper
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2 cups Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute
Sauce Wet Ingredients
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2 cups Hot Tomato Sauce (El Pato recommended)
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1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
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1/4 cup Yellow Mustard
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1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
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1/4 cup Coconut Oil
Meat
Directions
Make the Rub
In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: garlic salt, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, ground pepper, cayenne pepper, and Swerve brown sugar substitute.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Divide the rub in half: Half will be used to season the ribs, and half will be used later to make the sauce.
Season the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry. Do not trim the fat — it helps keep the ribs juicy.
Generously apply one half of the rub on both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat.
Sear the Ribs
Preheat your grill to high.
Sear the ribs on both sides just until they develop some color. This step is just for flavor; you are not cooking them through.
Slow Roast
Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Place the seared ribs on a baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Bake for 2 hours.
- After 2.5 hours, flip the ribs, then bake for another 2.5 hours until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone.
Make the Sauce
While the ribs are in the oven, combine the remaining half of the rub with the tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and coconut oil in a saucepan.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and chill until the ribs are ready.
Sauce & Caramelize
Once the ribs are fully cooked and tender, remove them from the oven.
- Generously brush the sauce over one side of the ribs.
- Place the sauced side down on the grill over medium-high heat. Sear briefly until the sauce sizzles and caramelizes.
- Flip and repeat for the other side if desired.
- Brush with any remaining sauce before serving.
Recipe Note
Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Yes. You can slow-cook the ribs a day in advance, refrigerate overnight, and then sauce and grill them just before serving for that fresh caramelized finish.
Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder tomato sauce instead of El Pato to bring the heat down.
What if I don't have a grill for searing?
You can sear the ribs in a hot cast-iron skillet or skip the initial searing step entirely. The final caramelization can also be done under the broiler for 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of Swerve?
Yes, you can substitute with other brown sugar alternatives like Lakanto Golden or Erythritol with a small amount of molasses extract for flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- per serving
- Calories
- 1066
Amount/Serving
% Daily Value
- Fat
- 87.6 grams
- Carbs
- 13.2 grams
- Fiber
- 3.2 grams
- Protein
- 54.7 grams