Carnivore-Friendly Butter Garlic Ribs Recipe
These butter garlic ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with rich, savory flavor, making them a perfect fit for the carnivore diet. The combination of butter and garlic adds a delightful taste without any plant-based ingredients like honey or sugars. Let’s dive into how you can prepare these carnivore-approved ribs!
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 2-3 lbs)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (preferably grass-fed butter for extra flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or crushed, optional depending on your strictness with the carnivore diet)
- Salt (to taste, use sea salt or pink Himalayan salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional, depending on your strictness)
- 1-2 tbsp beef tallow (for extra richness, optional)
- Herbs and spices (optional: you can use a small amount of thyme, rosemary, or other carnivore-friendly seasonings, but traditional carnivore followers may prefer to keep it simple with just salt and pepper)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). Low and slow cooking is key to making ribs that are tender and fall-off-the-bone perfect.
- Prepare the Ribs: If you haven’t already, remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This membrane can be tough and chewy, so it’s best to peel it off. To do so, gently slide a knife under the membrane at one corner of the rack and pull it off using a paper towel for a better grip.
Once the ribs are prepped, rub both sides generously with salt. Optionally, you can sprinkle a little pepper as well, but if you prefer a more traditional carnivore approach, you can skip the pepper.
- Wrap the Ribs: Lay the ribs flat on a large sheet of aluminum foil. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil, ensuring there are no gaps. This will help lock in moisture and keep the ribs juicy as they cook.
- Slow Cook the Ribs: Place the wrapped ribs in the oven on a baking sheet and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they are tender. The low temperature will help break down the connective tissue, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- Prepare the Butter Garlic Sauce: While the ribs are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. If you’re using beef tallow for extra richness, add it to the butter and let it melt together.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic (if using) and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. You want it to be soft and aromatic, not crispy. Once the garlic is done, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
- Finish the Ribs: After 2.5 to 3 hours, remove the ribs from the oven. Carefully unwrap them from the foil. Be cautious, as there will be hot steam trapped inside the foil.
Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, place the ribs on the hot grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the surface of the ribs gets a nice caramelized crust.
If using a skillet, you can sear the ribs for a few minutes on each side to achieve the same crispy texture.
- Coat the Ribs with Butter Garlic Sauce: Once the ribs are seared to your liking, brush the garlic butter sauce generously over the ribs. Let the butter soak into the meat, adding richness and flavor. You can either serve the ribs as they are or brush them with an extra layer of butter just before serving for an even more decadent finish.
- Serve: Slice the ribs between the bones, and they’re ready to serve. You can enjoy them as-is, or add a final sprinkle of salt if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
These butter garlic ribs are naturally indulgent and full of flavor on their own. Serve them alongside a simple carnivore-approved side, like beef tallow-roasted bone marrow or a few slices of bacon for an extra touch of richness.
If you’re craving variety, deviled eggs or a small serving of cheese (if you include dairy in your carnivore diet) would complement the meal perfectly.
Why This Recipe Works for the Carnivore Diet:
- Meat-focused: The base of the recipe is all about the ribs, making it a true carnivore dish.
- Animal fats: The use of butter and optional beef tallow ensures that the fats come from animal sources, keeping it in line with carnivore principles.
- No plant-based ingredients: The only optional plant-based ingredient is garlic, which some stricter carnivore followers may avoid, but others may include it in moderation for flavor.
Final Thoughts:
This butter garlic ribs recipe is an incredibly satisfying and rich meal that is perfect for those following the carnivore diet. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to become a favorite in your carnivore meal rotation.