These Paleo Oven Baked Ribs are so easy, flavorful, and tender! Low and slow cooking in the oven is the key to amazing ribs every time. Gluten free, dairy free, with a Whole30 option.
Just in time for summer- the perfect rib recipe that is delicious, easy, and healthy! While coming up with this recipe, I looked up tons of other recipes and was shocked that most rubs contain a lot of sugar- like ½ cup! A little sweetness makes sense to balance the smoke and spice, but I wanted to reduce it. I used Bobby Flay's rub as a guideline because he knows what he's doing when it comes to barbecue, making a couple small changes to make it paleo, while still keeping all the flavor that pairs perfectly with the ribs.
I made these twice- the first time rubbing them down the day before and letting them marinate overnight. The second time I rubbed them down right before baking them- and the difference? Not much. So there's no need to make them the day ahead, but you can if you want. A lot of times I like to do the prep work a day in advance. You could even make a big batch of the dry rub to keep on hand so you don't have to mix it up every time.
Low and slow for tender ribs
The three hours in the oven is what makes them so tender and good. Low and slow is the best method for ribs. They have just the right balance of smoke and salt that cooks into the meat giving it deep flavor. They are fully cooked when they go on the grill- so that's just for char and flavor.
These are easily made to be Whole30 compliant, just leave the small amount of coconut sugar out of the dry rub. I think they are perfect as-is, but if you want to use a barbecue sauce for them, here is my Paleo Whole30 barbecue sauce that can be made while they bake. It's quick and delicious!
Removing the membrane
One important tip that I think makes a big difference is to make sure you remove the membrane on the back side of the ribs. Here is a little visual on removing the membrane on the ribs.
You will love these paleo oven baked ribs because they are easy and flavorful. Just a little hands-on time for some incredible ribs! Don't be intimidated by that ingredient list- it's mostly just spices that you have on hand.
Here are some more grilling recipes to try:
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Paleo Oven Baked Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar leave out for Whole30
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 rack baby back ribs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275° and line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine coconut sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Real Salt. Mix well.
- Dry the ribs off and peel the membrane off the back side. Rub down with the dry rub mixture on both sides, rubbing it in throughly.
- Place on sheet tray and bake for 3 hours, uncovered.
- Grill on high heat for 3 minutes a side, just to give them a char.
Kara says
Made these for dinner tonight and they were amazing! I love that I can stay on Whole30 and still eat delicious food. My husband loved them too. Thanks for posting!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Kara! Thanks for trying my recipe! I'm so glad you and your husband enjoyed them! Also- so sorry it took so long for me to reply. Somehow your comment got lost and I just saw it!
Katie Lee says
My hubby and I have been on a low-carb diet since New Years. What a treat to find this rub recipe! We absolutely loved it! We didn't grill them at the end, but my husband seared them and oooooh wow! You did good, kid! Thanks so very much!!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Katie! I'm so glad you and your husband like them! Thanks for trying my recipe 🙂
Cassaundra says
I made these tonight and they are amazing! Flavorful and tender, you couldn't ask for more 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Cassaundra! So glad you love them! Thanks for the great feedback 🙂
JeDa says
I halved the rub and it was enough to cover a 2-lb rack. I thought it was way too salty, but my husband devoured it, so I will keep the recipe but probably cut back most of the salt. It was my first attempt at ribs, though, so I'll call it a success!
JeDa says
I just noticed the "Real Salt" is larger grain, so maybe that made the difference, i just had regular fine grain salt.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying my recipe, JeDa! I'm sorry it was too salty- yes, I always use the large grain Real Salt. I'm glad you're keeping the recipe and adjusting to your personal preference. 🙂
Pamela Garcia says
This was my first rub...and it was great!! Love this recipe. I was out of garlic powder so I cut back on the salt and added garlic salt as a substitute. It still taste great and my non paleo eaters loved the ribs! Will def use again!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Pamela! I'm so glad to hear you love it and will make it again! Thanks for trying my recipe 🙂
Hamish says
Had this tonight and really enjoyed them. I had two small racks about a pound each. I also cut back on the chili and cayenne by about half as I'm not into heat in a big way.
I didn't use all the rub, maybe 3/4 as I felt it would be too thick on the ribs.
I loved them and will make again although next time I'll reduce the salt by 1/3 and perhaps only use half the end mixture on a similar amount of ribs - will let you know.
Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Hamish! Thank you for trying my recipe and for the great feedback 🙂
Joanne C Tenhoeve says
I added a bit more coconut ugar and used less salt and this was THE best rub I've ever made for ribs! 5 stars!
Jessica DeMay says
That's awesome to hear, Joanne! Thanks for trying it- I'm so glad you love it!
Amanda says
I'm making these today! I'm assuming I bake these uncovered?
Jessica DeMay says
Yes- uncovered. I hope you enjoy them, Amanda!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I'm always looking for new rib recipes Jessica! This one is on my list! Sounds delicious!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Mary Ann!
sibel says
I can get the smell of those juicy, tender ribs! Sauce sounds awesome. Pinned.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks so much, Sibel!