This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Whole30 BBQ RibsA good Whole30 barbecue sauce has been something on my “to-do” list for a while now and I made it a “must-do” before the 4th of July so that you guys could enjoy some seriously good Whole30 BBQ Ribs this year! I cannot believe how good these suckers turned out, and if your guests will LOVE these whether they are Whole30 or not! 

The first time I attempted a BBQ sauce, it turned out pretty good but man, it was way too many ingredients and I realized… heck, I think I could break this down quite a bit to make it easy to make and just as yummy. That I did. This sauce couldn’t be easier to whip up and it makes the ribs have a fantastic sweet, sticky, and a little smokey flavor. Whole30 BBQ Ribs

I absolutely cannot wait for you all to start making these Whole30 BBQ Ribs in your own kitchens and let me know your thoughts! My husband was seriously doubting me as I was going through the process of making these and when he tasted them his response was, “Wow, you really aren’t kidding around with these.” Then he proceeded to eat 7 ribs in about 7 seconds flat! Success!

I hope you all have a fabulous 4th of July surrounded by those you love most!! 

Side note: if you are just wanting a Whole30 BBQ sauce for dipping anything, this sauce will be great, but it really needs to cook for a minute to let the flavors mend. Once blended, add sauce to a saucepan, and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Add a little chicken stock to get the sauce thinner, if desired. For a dish like this that is going on the grill, the sauce caramelizes on the grill, so no need to cook the sauce beforehand.

Whole30 BBQ Ribs
Serves 4
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
3 hr
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
3 hr
For the BBQ Sauce
  1. 6oz. tomato paste
  2. 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 tbsp. yellow mustard
  5. 1 tbsp. coconut aminos
  6. 2 tbsp. distilled white vinegar (ACV is okay, too)
  7. 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
  8. kosher salt, to taste
  9. black pepper, to taste
For the Ribs
  1. 1 rack of baby back ribs
  2. kosher salt, to taste
  3. black pepper, to taste
  4. 1 tbsp. paprika
  5. 1 tsp. garlic powder
  6. 1 tsp. onion powder
  7. 1 tbsp. ground cumin
  8. aluminum foil
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 275.
  2. Turn the ribs meat-side down and use a paring knife to scrape off an edge of the membrane. Grab hold of the membrane with a piece of paper towel and slowly peel it back until it is all removed.
  3. Place all of the seasonings in a bowl (except for the salt and pepper) and toss to combine.
  4. Season the rack all over with salt and pepper, to taste. Then rub the spice mixture all over until it is evenly coated.
  5. Wrap the rack tightly with foil, place in oven and bake for 2- 2.5 hours, depending on the thickness of your ribs. They should be fall apart tender.
  6. Meanwhile, while the ribs are cooking: combine all of the BBQ sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
  7. Remove ribs from oven and uncover. Coat them all over with the bbq sauce and finish on a grill over high heat for about 5 minutes per side to let the sauce get nice and caramelized.
  8. Before serving, brush with more BBQ sauce. Serve and enjoy!
The Defined Dish https://thedefineddish.com/

Welcome! I’m Alex.

I’m a food lover sharing healthy, simple, delicious, recipes from my kitchen to yours. Here you’ll find lots of Whole30, lots of healthy, and a little indulgence here and there because…it’s all about balance y’all!

Get to know Alex

Similar recipes

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

13 Comments

  1. Alex – We just LOVE this delicious recipe and how delicious it is using the oven! However could you recommend how it would translate to our new charcoal grill? Thanks so much!

    Reply

    1. I would still slow cook it in the oven, and just char it on the outsides once it is tender for best results.

      Reply

  3. Awesome method to cook ribs. Mine came out juicy, tender, and fell off the bone when you took a bite. Two people said they were the best cooked ribs they’ve ever had. I highly recommend the method and dry rub! Not so much the sauce. It was so extremely acidic that it was basically inedible. We wiped the ribs off. If you’re paleo, maybe try adding honey. That could probably balance out the vinegar flavor.

    Reply

  5. Hi Alex! How long do you think the BBQ sauce will keep if I store it in a Weck jar in the fridge? I’m starting my first Whole30 soon and would love to make some of this sauce ahead of time!

    Reply

  8. Hi Alex! This sounds delicious. If you’re not going to grill them (I don’t own one) , his would suggest finishing them?

    Reply

    1. I would turn the oven up to 450 or 475, coat them in the sauce and let roast, uncovered, until the sauce carmelizes and crisps up! Shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes 🙂

      Reply