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:
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
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.
Moe says
Hi all, I am not sure what I did wrong but I found the rub to be almost inedibly salty. Is there a misprint? Should this read 1.5 teaspoons of real salt? Thanks for the help and I appreciate the recipe.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Moe- thank you for trying my recipe! I'm sorry it came out too salt for you. No-it's not a typo, but everyone is different and you can just reduce it next time. I do appreciate the feedback.
tanya says
Do you think these ribs could cook in the crock pot instead?
Jenn says
I tried this recipe with my butcher box ribs last week and will admit, I was very hesitant thinking they would be dry and/or flavorless. I will never make ribs any other way, every again. they were perfect. They had the most perfect crust and were so tender and juice inside. Love, love, love and have recommended this recipe to others, since. THANK YOU!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Jenn! I'm so glad it exceeded your expectations! 🙂 Thanks for trying my recipe and for the great feedback!
Mel says
Awesome recipe. Used swerve instead of sugar. Just perfect and so easy.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Mel! I'm so glad you tried my recipe and liked it 🙂
dil says
Excellent rub, the best I've tried so far! 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it!
Carolyn says
Can you tell me if you use two racks of ribs (approximately 2.5 lbs each) if I would need to double the cooking time?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Carolyn- no you don't. The cooking time will stay the same. Hope you enjoy!
Blake says
This rub was amazing! My wife is on whole30 so finding a good rub is hard. To add just a tad more heat we added just a little chipotle powder. Will definitely be doing this again!!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying my recipe, Blake! I'm so glad you and your wife enjoyed it. That chipotle powder sounds like a great addition. Thanks for the great feedback 🙂
Tanya says
Made these a few weeks ago and they were excellent. Was going to make then again for company and my husband accidentally bought beef back ribs. Do you know if the recipe will work for those?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Tanya- I think it will work just fine with beef back ribs. Enjoy!
Jessica Crecco says
Made these tonight and they were delicious. On day 18 of the Whole 30 and these hit the spot.
Jessica DeMay says
Awesome! Thanks for trying my recipe, Jessica! So glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Farrah Geroso says
I'm planning on making these this weekend. Thanks for the great recipe. I will also make your BBQ sauce to go with it. I had a question. I am using St. Louis style spare ribs instead. Do I need to change the temperature or cooking method? Should I cover them?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Farrah- I think it will work great with St. Louis stye ribs. I don't think you'll need to change anything and don't worry about covering them. I hope you enjoy them! 🙂