Turkey Ribs

Turkey Ribs

When it comes to ribs, there are two camps: pork and beef. But what about turkey? Turns out, turkey makes a great rib alternative! And we’ve got the perfect recipe for you. Our Turkey Ribs are easy to make and delicious. Plus, they’re a healthy option for those looking for a leaner protein.

Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare ribs? If so, you should try our turkey rib recipe! Our Turkey ribs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Plus, they are much easier to cook than traditional pork or beef ribs. So what are you waiting for? Give the turkey rib recipe a try today!

What Are The Turkey Ribs?

There are many different types of ribs you can get, but the most common are baby backs, beef back ribs, country-style spare ribs, and the turkey ribs. Ribs are awesome because they produce a ton of smoke flavor while grilling or smoking. Grilled or smoked ribs will give you the awesome flavor that is hard to beat. Each type of rib has its own unique variation of flavors that come with it. Turkey had long been considered something people ate around Thanksgiving time only. With the introduction of many new cuts on the market today, more and more people are cooking turkey all year round.

Moreover, one of those cuts is the “turkey rib”, which is gaining more and more popularity. It is a cut from the breast of a turkey, located between the upper part of the breast and either side of the sternum. In other words, it’s a slab consisting of three or four ribs – depending on whether you include one or two smaller bones – with meat attached to both sides. Turkey ribs are not as meaty as pork spare ribs but they will give you a good amount of meat for your money.

The Origin Of Turkey Ribs:

Turkey ribs have been available for a couple of years now and can be found in most butcher shops that carry fresh meat. They were originally sold as the “drumstick” of turkey, which is one of three sections on a whole turkey carcass. When these first appeared, they didn’t sell very well because people simply weren’t familiar with cooking them or eating them. Some butchers began calling the cut by its more exotic name: “turkey drumsticks”.

Nowadays, turkey ribs are becoming more popular as cooks become aware of their existence and how to cook them properly. Turkey ribs appeal to those who love spareribs but don’t like having to deal with the bones that come along with pork ribs – or to those who love turkey but don’t want to deal with the whole bird.

Where Can I Purchase Turkey Ribs?

Most butcher shops will carry turkey ribs. If you are able to find some, your next step is deciding how much to buy. A whole turkey usually weighs between 10 and 25 pounds (4-11 kilograms). However, most butchers won’t cut less than a half of that because it requires more work on their part to do so.

I recommend buying the largest size you can afford or store easily in your freezer until needed. It’s not uncommon for people who have never cooked them before to purchase smaller slabs because they don’t know what they’ll do with several pounds of turkey ribs at once. This is where you need to be careful – if you cook too many at one time, the meal might become boring after a while.

When you go to the butcher shop, ask them for a cut of ribs that weighs about 1 and a half pounds (700-900 grams). They should be able to give you something like this:

Turkey Ribs Overview

Slab Length: 10 – 15 inches (25 – 38 centimeter) 

If you can’t find turkey ribs at your local butcher shop or supermarket, there’s always the option of buying them online. However, keep in mind that shipping can get expensive, especially if you have to buy big slabs. It’ll cost the same amount to ship one slab as it would five or six slabs, so think about it before placing an order! There are several stores out there turkey ribs for sale. One of those stores is Butcher-Packer, a store with high-quality meats at a good price.

How To Prepare The Turkey Ribs?

Now that you have your ribs, the next step is to prepare them for cooking. Whether you’re grilling or smoking them, there’s a couple of things to keep in mind:

Remove The Membrane:

This is essential to ensure the meat remains moist and tender throughout cooking. The membrane – also known as “the silver skin” – can be tough and chewy when cooked, so it’s best to remove it early on.

Slice Off Excess Fat:

Excess fat can cause flare-ups during grilling or smoking, which will affect the flavor of your meal. It’s easier to slice off the fat now than after cooking – so don’t forget! It’ll save you some stress and burnt fingers if nothing else.

Remove The Flap Of Meat On Top:

The piece of meat attached to the top end of the ribs is known as “the apron”. It’s usually chewy and fatty so it might be wise to remove it before cooking. It should come off easily once you lift up the membrane with your fingers or a knife.

Cut Slabs In Half:

If you have two slabs, cut one slab in half lengthwise so you have three sections. If you have four slabs then cut them into quarters instead. This will speed up cooking time and ensure that each rib is just right after grilling or smoking. You can cook all sections at once if desired, but smaller pieces are easier to manage during the cooking process – especially if you are just starting out.

Season The Ribs:

No matter what cooking method you’re using, seasoning is essential to bring out the natural flavor of the meat. You can use any kind of dry rub or seasonings that you like – just coat each side generously. The only exception might be marinaded because they’ll remove some of the dry rub or seasonings later on during cooking (or make them fall off entirely).  

Note: Don’t forget the inside! Many people don’t bother seasoning it but this can prove costly if your meal ends up tasting bland.

Preparing To Cook Turkey Ribs

Now that your ribs are ready for cooking, there are a few options available to you. You can choose one of the following:

Option 1: Charcoal Grill

Cook the ribs on a charcoal grill by placing them onto the grate and cooking directly over medium heat. Don’t place the ribs right above the coals, as this might cause flare-ups. Instead, arrange them around or above direct heat so they cook evenly from all sides.

Option 2: Gas Grill

If you have a gas grill, follow these steps:

1) Turn all burners to high and preheat for 10 minutes.

2) Reduce one burner to medium or low – whichever setting you want your ribs to cook on – then place the slabs of ribs onto that section of your grill. We recommend doing it in batches because cooking too many at once will decrease the overall temperature inside your grill which is important for succulent meat.

3) Close the lid and cook for roughly one hour or until tender.

Option 3: Propane Smoker

For those of you who have a propane smoker, the steps are easy: 

Place your ribs inside your smoker and set it on low heat (about 220 degrees F). Let the ribs smoke for three hours then raise the temperature to about 240 degrees F. You’ll need to check them every 30 minutes after that point – just remember that every time you open up your smoker, all heat is lost so try not to do it too much. Ideally, you want to keep the temperature between 230-250 F during grilling or smoking. When properly cooked, turkey ribs should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F at their thickest part. 

When the ribs are finished cooking, remove them from your grill or smoker and allow them to cool for 10 minutes or so. You can then serve immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days. 

How Do I Make Turkey BBQ Rub?

The Ingredients For Turkey BBQ Rub:

– 1 tablespoon chili powder.

– ½ teaspoon cumin.

– ½ teaspoon salt or to taste.

– ½ teaspoon onion powder.

– 2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional).

Equipment:

– Mixing bowl.

– Clean work surface.

– Pastry brush (optional).

– Rub the turkey evenly with the BBQ rub.  

Step-By-Step Instruction For Turkey BBQ Rub:

Step 1: Combine all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well distributed throughout the turkey.

Step 3: If using, evenly apply over both sides of turkey either by brushing with a pastry brush or your hands (if wearing gloves).

Step 4: Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 5: When ready; cook on medium heat at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes per pound until the desired doneness is achieved (165 degrees F if you’re measuring the thickest part of the breast).

Step 6: Remove from grill and allow to rest 10–15 minutes before carving. Enjoy your meal! 

How Do I Grill Turkey Ribs?

Ingredients

– 2 racks of ribs

– Your favorite dry rub or seasoning

– Olive oil to coat the grill.

Directions:

1) Prepare your grill by heating it up and brushing the grates with a little bit of oil.

2) Apply dry rub or seasoning to both sides of ribs and let them sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. 

3) Grill Your Ribs – To grill, place ribs on the unheated part of the hot grill (indirect heat). Close lid and cook for 1 hour at 350 degrees F. After an hour, brush ribs with BBQ sauce if you’re using any and move them directly over medium coals (over direct heat). Cook for another 15 minutes, basting occasionally until browned and tender. Remove from heat and serve immediately with desired sides. 

How Do I Smoke Turkey Ribs?

Ingredients: 

– 2 racks of ribs.

– Your favorite dry rub or seasoning.

– 1 cup apple juice (optional).

Equipment:

– Aluminum Wrap (optional).

– 1 aluminum pan (optional).

– 1 foil baking sheet (optional).

Instructions:

Step 1: Fire up the smoker and add your choice of wood chips, chunks, or pellets. You can get these at any big box store or online for not much money.

Step 2: Once the temperature is somewhere between 225-250 F, it’s time to put your turkey ribs on! Just place them directly onto the grates and close the lid. (If you’re using a charcoal grill then follow this step and go to step 4)

Step 3: Set a timer for an hour and check back in every 30 minutes until the meat starts pulling away from the bone easily (around 180 F internal temperature). If your ribs are cooking too quickly, reduce your heat; if they aren’t cooking at all, raise it slightly.

Step 4: Once the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, remove it from the grill and set it aside to rest for 10 minutes or so. Then slice into individual portions and serve!

Enjoy your meal! 

What Are Some Tips For Cooking Delicious Meals With Turkey Ribs?

1) The most important tip for cooking delicious meals with Turkey ribs is to master the art of patience.  You must learn that food tastes better when you take your time cooking it. 

2) Find a favorite dry rub or marinade and use it on your turkey ribs every time you cook them. 

3) Don’t allow yourself to go too long without eating ribs because they are best when prepared fresh out of the smoker or oven. 

4) After removing your turkey ribs from heat, give them some time to rest before serving so all of their juices can settle inside the meat and not drip onto your plate. 

5) Remember that your turkey ribs are done cooking when the meat starts pulling away from the bone easily. 

6) For extra flavor, consider basting your ribs with BBQ sauce or glaze throughout the cooking process. 

7) Keep an eye on your grill temperature because it can make a huge difference between delicious and burnt turkey ribs.

Turkey Ribs Vs Turkey Tips: Similarities & Differences

Similarities:

– Both turkey ribs and turkey tips are cut from the lower portion of a Turkey’s breast. 

– They’re both great on the grill or slow-roasted in the oven. 

Differences:

Turkey Ribs:

– The meat on ribs is typically more tender than that on tips due to how they’re cut and where they come from on an animal’s body. As such, ribs can be enjoyed completely “as is” without any real cutting required whereas some people prefer to further simplify tips by cooking them longer so they will fall off of their bone.

– Are sold individually on the bone. 

– Have lots of meat between the ribs. 

– Are usually cut down the middle, lengthwise before cooking. 

Turkey Tips:

– Ribs cost slightly more for this same reason as well as because they generally weigh about half a pound each which equates to more money per pound of food sold at a restaurant.

– Are sold in packages by weight. 

– Come off in small nuggets that are great for dipping or adding to recipes like soups, stews, salads, casseroles, etc. 

Time For Cooking: 

– Turkey ribs cook a lot faster than turkey tips because of all the meat between the ribs. 

– Turkey ribs often take 4-5 hours while turkey tips only take about 2 hours. 

Flavor:

– Turkey tips have a more mild flavor and work well in dishes with more strong flavors like BBQ sauce, marinades, etc. 

– Turkey ribs have a stronger jerky flavor that can complement certain dishes without an overpowering taste. 

Conclusion: Although both are great options for summertime grilling, each one has its own differences that make it better suited to different types of meals and uses. If you’re looking for a meal with lots of meat then go for your favorite cut of rib meat on the bone. If you’re looking for a meal that can have its flavors complemented by lots of different sauces and marinades, then try turkey tips. 

What To Consider When Buying Turkey Ribs?

When you’re looking for turkey ribs, there are a few things you want to consider:

Size & Uniformity – You want to make sure that the turkey ribs you buy are about the same size so they will cook evenly. Some places may have turkey ribs of different sizes, so ask if there are any bigger or smaller ones available.

Price – Turkey is more expensive than pork but the price of turkey ribs varies according to where you get them from and what time of year it is. Thanksgiving time usually draws in higher demand for these products, so prices may be a little inflated around Thanksgiving time once stores start selling out. Always look at your local grocery store circulars to see who has the best deals on poultry items!

Doneness Preferences – People have strong preferences on how done their meat should be when it’s finished cooking, so you may want to consider that when looking at the weight of meat on each turkey rib. If you like your ribs well done then pick thicker ones but if you get scared easily by seeing red juices running out, get thinner ones.

Necks & Giblets – Ask your butcher about these two things because they are usually thrown in for free with poultry products. You can actually cook the necks and giblets along with the turkey ribs for extra flavor or feed them to your dog!

The Nutrition Value – Turkey is a lot leaner than pork on average, but due to the way turkey ribs are cut (slicing and not exposing the full length of meat on each rib), they can actually end up with more calories. They definitely have less fat and cholesterol than pork ribs, though!

To Sum It Up:

Turkey is a delicious alternative to spareribs and we all know that turkey is much healthier for us. Turkey ribs are cheaper per pound than whole turkeys so why not treat yourself with these delicious ribs this Thanksgiving season? Cooking them is just as easy as cooking spareribs or any other type of beef or lamb ribs so why not give it a try? Try it today!

FAQs About Turkey Ribs

How Much Turkey Breast Per Individual?

A lot of people like to use turkey for Thanksgiving and this is the only time when they cook it. That’s one way to do it, but why not try something different? This Thanksgiving surprise your family with ribs instead of turkey. They will never know what hit them because these ribs are very tender and delicious.

The best thing about cooking turkey ribs is that you can make a meal out of just two or three ribs per person and be totally satisfied, whereas if you were eating pork spareribs you may need six to eight ribs per person to feel full.

Turkey breast has about 130 calories in each 3 oz. serving whereas spareribs have around 330 calories in the same size serving so turkey is definitely much leaner than pork ribs.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Turkey Ribs?

It takes about 3 to 4 hours on average to cook turkey ribs, but oven cooking times may vary depending on the size of your ribs. A good rule of thumb for this meat is that lower heat yields more tender results.

When Smoking Turkey Ribs, What Temperature Do You Use?

The USDA recommends smoking turkey ribs at 160°F or for 7 to 9 hours. This temperature is best achieved using an offset smoker, but you can also use charcoal, electric, or gas grill. Do not use a standard kitchen oven because it doesn’t go low enough to yield the same results as cooking these delicacies over indirect heat.

However, you should always take the internal temperature of this cut to make sure it doesn’t go above 165°F because you don’t want to risk making yourself sick. Always use a meat thermometer to check how ready your turkey ribs are!

What Can You Do With Leftover Turkey Ribs?

Leftover turkey ribs can be used for other dishes like deviled eggs, soup, or sandwiches. You can also freeze them and reheat them later on when you’re craving this delicious meat again (they taste great with cranberry sauce!) If you happen to have any leftover giblets and necks, make some yummy giblet gravy out of it!

Turkey Ribs Come From Which Part Of The Turkey?

Turkey ribs are found on the underside of the breast, which comes from either a whole turkey or an already deboned cut. Make sure you ask your butcher how they’re prepared before buying them if this is your first time cooking these delicacies!

Never wash off turkey ribs with water because doing so will make it harder for you to control the temperature when cooking. A brine solution can be created by adding common spices like you would use for dry rubs to water and letting it soak overnight in the refrigerator. This helps draw out some of the excess moisture and ensures that your meat will come out juicy and delicious!

Are Turkey Ribs Pre Cooked?

No, turkey ribs are not pre-cooked. Since they’re actually just the meatiest part of the rib cage, you need to cook them low and slow just like with pork ribs or beef short ribs for that matter.

Are Turkey Ribs Good?

I can’t say I’ve ever had a bad meal with turkey ribs. They taste great and they’re easy to make, providing you don’t overcook them or turn them into jerky. The best way of cooking them is smoking because this allows for the meat to absorb enough smoke while slowly extracting excess moisture at the same time. If you try to cook it on high heat, not only will it dry up but also burn your skin if it’s exposed for too long!

When cooking turkey ribs on an offset smoker, use aluminum foil and seal off both ends of the cooker so that no heat escapes during the process and keeps the temperature even and consistent throughout. This helps improve results and gives you more control over how well your meat turns out.

Are Turkey Ribs Dark Meat?

Dark meat refers to any meat that comes from the thighs, legs and flanks of an animal. Chicken drumsticks are dark meat, so are turkey thighs or duck legs for example.

Turkey ribs are all-white meat because they come only from the breast part of the bird. This is why they’re naturally more expensive – not many people buy them because they don’t know what to do with them!

For this reason, fresh turkey ribs can be a nice change of pace if you’ve been cooking chicken almost exclusively for a long time now. The subtle differences in flavor between dark and white meat make it worth trying out once you become comfortable with handling these babies on your smoker!

What Dishes Are Made From Turkey Ribs?

Turkey ribs can be turned into almost any dish. You can make all kinds of stuff like soups, stews, chilis or even pull them apart for BBQ sandwiches! The world of turkey ribs recipes is virtually endless and they’re definitely worth trying out.

– Chilis are definitely a must-try because you can make it right in your smoker without too much effort.

– Stews are also very popular with turkey ribs because the meat will fall off the bone after cooking for hours at a low temperature.

– If you’re up to braising them, try this recipe out. It requires little effort and only needs about an hour or two of prep time before slow cooking.

– Soups are simple to make portable by using small mobile cooking vessels. You’ll need to use foil though if you don’t want to ruin your cooker!

Using sous vide is another option that I recommend trying out if you have one. The great thing about cooking turkey ribs with sous vide is that they turn out just as if you had smoked them all day long. The only difference is that they don’t have a heavy smoky flavor, but the meat will be just as tender and juicy!

How Do You Cut Turkey Ribs?

Turkey ribs are relatively easy to cut because they come in one, long strip. If you buy them frozen, make sure that the ribs are separated before you start cutting!

Place your turkey slab on a cutting board with the wide part facing down. Use a sharp knife and score the meat in an “X” shape across the bones so that you can easily separate them later when it’s time to cook.

Then, slice each of these pieces horizontally across the bones so that two pieces remain. These pieces will be used for making smaller dishes or even individual servings!

At this point, if any of these strips have very thin bones sticking out, remove them by placing your hand underneath and pulling upwards until it comes off completely. The same applies to excess fat, so do your best to cut this off too.

Lastly, slice the wide part of the turkey slab into small cubes or strips so that they are easy to handle when cooking. You can even ask your butcher to help you out if you don’t feel like doing it yourself!

What Is Turkey Tip?

Turkey tips are sometimes called turkey drumettes. They are the meaty part of the wing, located at the base of each “drumette” or upper arm of the bird. Turkey tips usually contain three to four bones per piece and feature a substantial amount of tasty dark meat attached to a relatively small bone.

These come with two different types:

– Tips that have been cut into individual bones (usually sold in bags containing about 3/4 lb. per bag). These must be cooked whole because they often still contain cartilage between them which should not be eaten;

– The other type has already been cut apart, separating each section of cartilage from its adjoining bone (these must also be cooked whole). Butchers who make these cuts typically cut them into serving pieces which contain a combination of 2-3 bones per piece

The Origin Of Turkey Tips:

Originally, turkey tips were a byproduct of the poultry industry. They were simply removed from the carcass and mostly discarded due to their small size and low demand. However, with the increased popularity of the “turkey drumstick”, turkey tips are now being requested more by consumers.

Many companies have started producing these for this reason. The success in selling them has to lead many supermarkets to begin carrying them. They are also very popular at church or other organization cookouts where they can be purchased inexpensively because there is no skin attached and only a small amount of meat per package is required to make a substantial meal for several people.

This cut tastes great when smoked or grilled since it cooks quickly and absorbs smoke flavors well without becoming too tough or dry during the process. Other ways to cook turkey tips include pan-frying, deep fat frying, pressure cooking, braising, stewing, stir-frying.

Are Rib Tips Good For Health Of Humans?

Turkey rib tip is a nutrient-rich source of protein, providing almost one-third of the daily value in every 100-gram serving. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as selenium, phosphorus, B vitamins, and iron.

Health benefits: It contains many health-benefiting nutrients like Vitamin B12(54 percent), Niacin (43 percent), and Iron (26 percent).

Iron in turkey rib tips helps your body carry oxygen from your lungs to your cells. This makes it easy for you to breathe and promotes better energy levels throughout the day. It also builds red blood cells that help prevent fatigue during exercise or work. Niacin is well known for its positive effect on cholesterol levels in the body by increasing HDL (“good cholesterol”) and lowering LDL (“bad” cholesterol).

Increases Energy: Niacin helps to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in food for energy. For a healthier body and a better chance at burning fat by cutting calories, adding turkey rib tips to your diet can be beneficial.

Helps Your Heart: Quercetin is a heart-healthy nutrient that can help control blood pressure and keep arteries healthy by preventing the build-up of fatty deposits on artery walls. Turkey rib tips are an abundant source of quercetin! Quercetin also acts as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties which also makes turkey tip great for improving your cardiovascular health!

Promotes Healthy Joints: Glucosamine sulfate is a building block of cartilage and is essential for the formation and repair of healthy joints. Glucosamine helps to reduce pain and inflammation in your body by breaking down proteins that cause joint stiffness and discomfort.

Natural Antioxidant: Turkey tips are a great source of vitamin E, it’s a powerful antioxidant that plays role in protecting cells from free radical damage. It also stimulates skin tissues growth to keep skin smooth and young-looking.

Boosts Immunity: Selenium works as an antioxidant that fights against cell damage caused by free radicals and thus protects your body from diseases like cancer and heart disease. It also boosts the immune system to fight infections, colds, flu, etc.

What Part Of The Turkey Do You Use For Turkey Tips?

Any part of the turkey can be used to make this dish. There are several options that you can choose from including the breast, leg, thigh, wing, or even drumstick.

How Do You Cook Turkey Tips?

The cooking method for turkey tips is very similar to chicken wings. No matter what cooking style you use, it will always turn out great! It may take a little bit longer if done in an oven as opposed to grilling or baking them on a barbecue pit. However, they still come out really good, either way, you cook them. Try them grilled with BBQ sauce and garlic powder or baked with your favorite spices for a healthy version of wild game appetizers that will have everyone asking more!

How Long Does it Take To Smoke Turkey Ribs? 

Total time needed will depend on your smoker, but plan around four hours for half racks and five hours for full ones. This should give you tender ribs with perfectly crispy edges! If you’re using a gas grill then cooking times will vary between one and two hours depending on how hot your grill is set. Check out this excellent article that discusses smoking turkey parts. It also mentions backyard smoking which is another great way to cook turkey ribs.

What Do You Serve with Turkey Ribs?

The most important part of cooking turkey ribs is deciding what to serve with it. This will not only give your meal additional flavor but also establish the main element by which you are judged. For example, if the meat was delicious but the sides were bland then overall opinion about your meal would be unfavorable even if they didn’t realize that one factor outweighed the other. 

Remember that just because something is good does not mean that it goes well together – this means that some foods should never be combined no matter how good they sound together on paper (e.g., spaghetti and orange juice). Here are some helpful suggestions:

– French fries or onion rings (depending on your level of patience!).

– Coleslaw or other tangy salad. 

– Super creamy mac and cheese or even better, Baked Mac And Cheese! 

– Cornbread that’s been prepared beforehand then reheated until crispy for about 20 minutes in the oven. 

Conclusion On Turkey Ribs

In summary, turkey ribs are a great alternative to traditional pork or beef ribs. They’re delicious, versatile, and healthy! Also, it is important to cook the turkey ribs for a sufficient amount of time and allow them to rest. With these tips in mind, you can create your own delicious turkey rib recipe! Lastly, we hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post about Turkey ribs. Give us a call if you have any questions or would like to place an order for some delicious holiday meals!

If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty meal that will feed a crowd, look no further than Turkey ribs. This underrated dish is packed with flavor and can easily be cooked on the grill or in the oven. So fire up the grill (or turn on the oven) and get ready to enjoy some of the best ribs you’ve ever had!