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.
Emily says
I’ve used a lot of rib recipes and this by far wins. I absolutely love this recipe and how healthy they are! Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Emily! Thanks for trying them and I'm so glad you like them!
Barb Klein says
Quick, easy, and very tasty! I usually make my own rubs, and most of the time I use several recipes and kind of blend them based on our preferences. This recipe is good without any changes! I will say that I do not use sugar. We don't miss the sugar at all and the ribs are fantastic! Thank you for the recipe.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Barb! Thanks for trying them and I'm so glad you like the rub.
Melissa says
Amazing ribs! They are fall off the bone yummy!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Melissa! I'm so glad you like them!
Christine says
If parchment paper is not available, still fine to just lay on the baking sheet?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Christine- yes, you may want to grease it a little. Hope you enjoy!
Elizabeth says
Just want to say I’ve made these ribs. Probably 8 times now. My family loves them . Me and hubby are Keto so I skip the sugar. I feel like I have a treasure recipe that I’ll use for life! Thank you. Do you have any instructions for higher heat less time?
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying them, Elizabeth! I'm so glad you and your family love them! No, the low and slow is what makes them so tender. Higher heat for a short time and they would be tough. I'm sorry!
Carol says
I like anything and everything Paleo. This recipe looks great and can't wait to try tomorrow for a belated Memorial Day BBQ. I could not get racks of ribs just loose pork ribs. I'm assuming the dry rub works on any meats. Will the cooking time be the same even though it's not a rack?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Carol- I'm sorry if this is too late! It will work on all meat. I'm thinking you mean country ribs? I don't know an exact cook time, but I found one recipe that says cook them for 1-1 1/2 hours at 325°. Hope that helps!
Carol says
No worries. I baked at 275 for 3 hours and the meat will still very tender and falling off the bone. Everyone loved the ribs. I only used half the salt because another comment stated that it was too salty. Next time I will use the specified amount as I did not think it was salty enough. Still, the rub was quite tasty.
Amanda says
Can’t wait to try these tonight! The rub smelled awesome and everyone’s comments make us excited for dinner!! Just put them in the oven. Thankful to find one that i can omit sugar!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Amanda! I hope you love them!
Lisa says
These were delicious - best dry rub we’ve ever had! And I’m on Whole30 so I omitted the sugar and it was still perfection. Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Lisa! Thanks for trying them and I'm so glad you like the rub!
Liz K says
I know this is an old post but I just had to come say this is my first attempt at a dry rub and it was amazing!!! I only had chipotle chile seasoning so I used that with garlic powder and black pepper. My sea salt was finely ground so I used less. Tastes fantastic and so moist without sugar! Thanks again!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Liz! I love when readers comment on my recipes, no matter how old it is. So thank you for taking the time! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂
Emily says
OH ME OH MY! This recipe rocked my household tonight for Super Bowl supper. The rub was perfect and the BBQ sauce was perfectly tangy and smoky (I added in a teaspoon of Liquid Smoke and a tablespoon of pure maple syrup). Thank you so much for a clean rib recipe! I absolutely live BBQ, but most rubs and sauces have sugar added. This will keep me on track and satisfy my craving! I have a question: How longvwill the sauce keep in the fridge? It made SO much. Can I freeze it?
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Emily! Thanks for trying it! Sorry I'm just getting back to you, but the sauce should still be fine. It lasts about a month in the fridge. I do think it will freeze good, too.