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.
Donna says
Love it. Easy to do. Tender ribs.
Melanie says
Love this recipe. I would say, I probably only use half the amount of rub and I always have to cook 2 racks for about 5 hours (not sure if 1 vs 2 racks of ribs in the oven makes a difference). Otherwise delish, a family favorite!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Melanie! So glad you love them!
Liz says
Delicious ribs, we excluded sugar as my husband can’t have sugar, and the ribs turned out really good. We enjoyed it and plan to make it again next weekend,
Sharron Farnell says
I have to help my husband with his eating habits because of various health issues. He has been very accepting of my switch to Paleo,
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Sharron! I hope you find more of my recipes that he enjoys. 🙂
Carol says
Can you confirm if this is cooked at 275C or 275F? Thanks
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Carol- Fahrenheit
Squeaky Bear says
I have never made ribs before, they have always seemed so complicated. So, I went for it and tried with this rub recipe. I can't believe how easy they are! I did cover them for the 3 hours and I then broiled them for a few minutes with a bit of sauce. I am hoping ribs are still on sale this week. 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, I'm so glad you like them!
April says
My family of 6 devoured these ribs! Thanks so much for the yummy recipe. We are half way through a family whole 30 and this was just what we needed to get out of a rut. ❤️
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying them, April and I'm so glad your family enjoyed them!
Corinne says
Hi there!! I’m making these ribs right now and have made the sauce as well. At what point do you put the sauce on the ribs??
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Corinne- sorry to be getting back now. I'm not always able to answer immediately. I'd say put it on the last 30 minutes of baking. Or before putting them on the grill if you're doing that. Hope you enjoyed!
sharon george says
I like the rub; my cayenne is 90,000 Scoville Units, so I cut that down to 1/4. My rack was about 3/4 lb., so used 1/4 of rub recipe; it was a bit dry, so I put some homemade plum sauce on and heated just long enough to warm. Should I have shortened the cooking time for a smaller rack? I will likely make this again, but I will wrap ribs in parchment for first 2 hrs, then uncover for a bit of crispy finish. Enjoy your recipes and thank you for all your hard work! Your rub is worth the 5 rating.
sharon george says
Also, my very old oven may be a bit hot.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Sharon! I'm glad you like the rub and I think wrapping them sounds like a good plan. You're welcome- thanks for the support 🙂
Veronica says
Hi! I'm unsure if I should bake using the convection oven setting or just normal bake? Are there any adjustments to time &/or temperatures?
Jessica DeMay says
I use just normal. I'm not sure the adjustments. Hope you enjoy!