Fireworks, family, and finger-lickin’ good food — July 4th is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and serve a meal that screams summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or keeping it low-key with close friends, these BBQ Baby Back Ribs and tasty snack ideas will have everyone asking for seconds! This Independence Day, celebrate not just with food but with conscious eating habits encouraged by functional medicine Burbank, where nutritional balance meets community fun.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks baby back pork ribs
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions:
- Preheat ovento 300°F (150°C).
- Prep the ribs: Remove the thin membrane on the bone side for tenderness.
- Dry rub: Mix all the spices and rub generously over both sides of the ribs.
- Wrap & bake: Wrap ribs in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
- Grill finish: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Brush ribs with BBQ sauce and grill for 5–10 minutes, flipping once and basting until caramelized and lightly charred.
- Rest & serve: Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with extra sauce!
🔥 Pro Tip: For smoky flavor, add hickory wood chips to your grill or use a smoker instead of the oven. without compromising wellness.
Pair your ribs with crunchy veggie skewers, grilled peaches, or avocado corn salad to keep the feast both festive and balanced. These sides align beautifully with healthy recipes that support gut health, immunity, and overall vitality — the core of smart seasonal eating.
At Functional Medicine Los Angeles, we believe celebrations and wellness can go hand in hand. With a focus on root-cause healing, our approach encourages holiday traditions that nourish both body and spirit.