Whole30 Classic BBQ Pork Ribs

Savor the smoky, tender perfection of Whole30 Classic BBQ Pork Ribs—a mouthwatering dish that combines bold flavors with a healthier twist. These fall-off-the-bone pork ribs are coated in a delectable homemade dry rub featuring smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for just the right amount of heat. They're baked low and slow until irresistibly tender, then slathered with a tangy, Whole30-compliant BBQ sauce crafted from coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and tomato paste. Perfect for backyard barbecues or cozy family dinners, this recipe is paleo-friendly, sugar-free, and bursting with barbecue flavor. Pair with your favorite veggie sides for an unforgettable meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 pounds pork ribs
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.25 cup coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 cup tomato paste
• 0.25 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 0.5 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Step 2

Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and then pulling it off. This will help the rub penetrate the meat better.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together sea salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.

Step 4

Rub the dry seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat with your fingers.

Step 5

Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and cover them with another sheet of foil to make a sealed packet.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 hours, until the meat is tender and begins to pull away from the bones.

Step 7

While the ribs are baking, prepare the sauce by combining the coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, unsweetened apple juice, ground mustard, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 8

Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 9

Remove the ribs from the oven and increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Step 10

Carefully remove the top foil and brush the ribs generously with the prepared BBQ sauce.

Step 11

Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20 minutes, basting with more sauce halfway through, until the sauce sets and becomes slightly caramelized.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 13

Serve warm with additional sauce on the side if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1788.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4249.8

Total Fat 320.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 118.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 1279.1mg	0%
Sodium 6925.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 53.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g	0%
Total Sugars 34.7g
Protein 285.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 403.5mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 4671.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.0%

Protein: 26.9%

Carbs: 5.1%