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.
Megan Hayenga says
what is the nutritional info of this wonderful dish?
also, when i made it, the oven made it absolutely wonderful but once i out it on the grill, all the spices burned and all i could taste was the char, the rest of the family loved it. did i do something wrong?
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying them, Megan! I don't calculate nutritional info, you can use a site like My Fitness Pal if you need to know. Maybe the grill was too hot? I'm sorry about that.
catherine says
made this recipe several times its now a family favorite!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Catherine! So glad they're enjoyed!
Tony L. says
Delicious. Only use exactly half the spices for a rack, but very good. My three year old loves them, too.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying them, Tony! So glad you and your three year old like them 🙂
Renae K says
Two yum thumbs up! Perfect blend of spices with a little kick. Use it as a dry rub for a lot of things.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Renae! I'm so glad you like it!
Aly says
Outstanding recipe. Thank you so much!!.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Aly! So glad you like them!
Dorie Tschudy says
Excellent! I've made this several times and the family love the ribs.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Dorie! I'm so glad you and the family like it!
Nicholas says
Love this recipe. I usually have to broil mine in the oven since I don't currently have a grill. Still tastes fine, though.
Jeanne says
This recipe was delicious!! I can’t have sugar so replaced sugar with 1/8 tsp of pure stevia powder and omitted black pepper due to allergy. The combination of all the spices was just right. They came out so tender and moist.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Jeanne! I'm so glad you like them!
Sherry says
Tender and amazing flavor and oh so EASY.
Amber Kay says
This recipe is amazing!! Definitely a family favorite!!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Amber! So glad everyone likes them!