This is one where the sauce makes the meal!
For those that follow me on insta (you should, I’m delightful 😉 and I share all sorts of fun foodie and non-foodie things I do throughout the week), you know that this past week I participated in a master chef style virtual cook-off challenge.
It was so much fun!
Six bloggers (including myself) were given three random ingredients. Then we each came up with a unique recipe that uses all three ingredients.
The ingredients we had to use were:
Seeing all the recipes everyone came up with has been so cool! It was so fun seeing how creative everyone got with their recipes. If you want all the recipes we all came up with, here’s the link for the FREE download.
Or you can check out each of these super talented ladies and the recipes they created on each of their insta pages:
Jessica @jlevinsonrd
Amanda @eatatourtable
Theresa @tea_time_with_tree
Krista @destination.delish
Rama @wannabeechef
The recipe I came up with combines all three of the secret ingredients into a super versatile paleo and whole30 friendly BBQ sauce that works both as a marinade, dip or salad dressing.
Generally I am not a fan of most store bought BBQ sauces. I find them a bit too sweet and the flavour is a bit too sweet and sour for me. But this sauce is life! And its totally sugar free so you can enjoy it without any of the guilt.
The most delicious and easy paleo bbq ribs 
Sneak peak of the chicken wing version (coming next week)
And it does not have to go on ribs or chicken wings, those were just the vessels I chose to get the sauce to my mouth, it is a great marinade for any protein. Or even try it as a salad dressing!
Stay tuned for the chicken wing version of this recipe next week!
But first. These ribs!
Paleo Ginger Blueberry BBQ Sauce (on Ribs)
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 lbs Short ribs cut thin
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp pickle brine (or apple cider vinegar)
For Dry Rub:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Ginger Blueberry BBQ Sauce (makes about 1 cup of sauce):
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 inch fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp pickle brine (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 date -seed removed (optional – for extra sweetness)
Instructions
Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat oven to 400*F (204*C).
- Line a deep baking sheet with foil. Making sure the foil reaches up the sides.
- In a small bowl mix the dry rub ingredients together.
- Place the ribs in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Sprinkle half the dry rub over top. Then flip over. Sprinkle the other half of the dry rub on the other side. Pour the water and pickle brine (or apple cider vinegar) into the dish (careful not to disturb the dry rub).
- Cover the baking sheet with foil and make sure the edges are sealed. Bake in the oven for 25-30 mins.
Make the Sauce:
- While the ribs are cooking, mix all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then cook on medium low till the blueberries start to burst (about 5-7 mins).
- Use an immersion blender (or some other blender) to blend the sauce till smooth (be careful it is hot!). Set aside.
Finish the Ribs:
- When the ribs come out of the oven, remove the foil on top and use a marinade brush to rub the BBQ sauce over the ribs. Place back in the oven and broil for 3-5 mins till golden brown and caramelized on top.
- Serve warm, with a salad and some more BBQ sauce on top.
