
Succulent Healthy Roasted Pork Ribs
Nutritional value per serving
Calories400kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat25gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Pork ribs, preferably lean cut1.2 kg
- Olive oil, extra virgin2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced3 piece
- Paprika, preferably smoked1 tbsp
- Ground black pepper, freshly ground1 tsp
- Sea salt1 tsp
- Fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)1 tbsp
- Lemon juice, fresh1 tbsp

This recipe guides you through roasting pork ribs in a healthy way — using simple ingredients and straightforward steps to achieve tender, flavorful meat with a crispy exterior, all while being mindful of your health. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD, €11, £9, or ₹950, varying slightly by location, for about 4 servings. Each serving contains roughly 400 kcal. This dish fits well into a balanced diet, providing good protein with moderate fat. The recipe complexity is easy to medium, and total time including preparation and cooking is about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the ribs
1Remove the pork ribs from packaging and pat them dry with paper towels to help seasonings stick and improve roasting. Trim any excess fat if desired for a healthier dish. This prevents flare-ups and excess fat consumption. Time: 5 minutes.
Make the marinade and season the ribs
2In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, rosemary, and lemon juice. Rub this mixture evenly all over the ribs, covering both sides. This will season and aid in creating a flavorful crust. Time: 5 minutes.
Preheat the oven
3Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). A lower temperature helps cook ribs gently to tenderness without excessive fat rendering or drying out.
Roast the ribs covered
4Place seasoned ribs on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment. Cover the tray snugly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Roast for about 2 hours. Cooking at low temperature ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy without charring.
Check internal temperature
5After 2 hours, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. Safe pork consumption requires an internal temp of at least 63°C (145°F) followed by a rest time. If the temperature is below this, continue roasting covered for 15–30 minutes more.
Increase heat and crisp the ribs
6Once the ribs have reached safe internal temperature and are tender, remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 220°C (425°F). Roast uncovered for about 10-15 minutes to develop a crispy, caramelized surface. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Rest and serve
7Remove ribs from the oven and let them rest uncovered at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender when cut. Then slice between bones and serve with your favorite healthy sides.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other ingredients.
2Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs reach a safe 63°C (145°F) internal temperature, then rest for at least 3 minutes.
3Marinating ribs overnight in the refrigerator enhances flavor and tenderness but requires proper storage.
4For a lower fat option, trim visible fat from ribs before cooking and use lean cuts.
5If you don't have rosemary, substitute with thyme or oregano for a different but still delicious herb flavor.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking tray
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Shopping List
- [ ] Pork ribs (1.2 kg) ~ $8: Look for fresh, firm, pinkish meat with minimal fat for a healthier choice.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin, small bottle) ~ $3: Choose cold-pressed for better flavor and health benefits.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) ~ $0.30: Fresh garlic bulbs with firm cloves and a pungent smell.
- [ ] Paprika (smoked if preferred) ~ $1.50 for a small jar: Opt for a vibrant red powder with a pleasant aroma.
- [ ] Ground black pepper ~ $1 for a small jar: Freshly ground black pepper is best.
- [ ] Sea salt ~ $0.50 for small quantity: Unrefined sea salt offers better mineral content.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (optional, 1 bunch) ~ $2: Choose bright green, fragrant sprigs.
- [ ] Lemon (for fresh juice) ~ $0.50: Look for firm, heavy lemons with smooth skin.
Total approximate cost: $12.80.
FAQ
How do I know if the pork ribs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature; it should read at least 63°C (145°F). Also, the juices should run clear, and the meat should be tender.
Can I marinate the ribs overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight in the refrigerator will enhance flavor and tenderness, but ensure the marinated ribs are covered and stored safely.
How to avoid dry ribs when roasting?
Cook the ribs covered at a low temperature first to retain moisture, and only uncover at the end to crisp them.
Can I substitute pork ribs with another meat?
Yes, you can use beef short ribs or chicken wings, but cooking times and temperatures will vary.
Is it necessary to let the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, resting for 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.