Prepare to lick those fingers clean after digging into these crave-worthy paleo ribs! Coated with an easy-to-make spice rub, slow cooked until fall off the bone tender, and then slathered in an easy-to-make (and refined sugar-free!) chocolate BBQ sauce. Finish them off with a quick grill or broil, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a savory-sweet, sticky exterior.
Ingredients
1rackbaby back ribs (about 2 lb), also called pork back ribs
Paleo Rib Rub
2tablespoonsEACH: coconut sugar, chili powder, and smoked paprika
1teaspoongarlic powder and sea salt
½ teaspoonblack pepper
Paleo BBQ Sauce
½ cuptomato sauce
¼ cupcollagen, see notes
¼ cupcoconut sugar
1tablespoonapple cider vinegar
1teaspoonEACH: chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder
½ teaspoonsea salt
Optional: 6 drops of liquid smoke
2tablespoonschopped dark chocolate
Instructions
Remove the thin, papery skin from the back of the ribs. Once you get it started, it should pull off in one piece. Some butchers will do this for you. If you have a small BBQ, cut the rack of ribs in half.
1 rack baby back ribs (about 2 lb)
Mix the rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the rub over the meaty side of the ribs and pat it down so that it is well covered.
2 tablespoons EACH: coconut sugar, chili powder, and smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pop the ribs into your crockpot and cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
Add the tomato sauce, collagen, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and (if using) the liquid smoke to a small pan over medium-high heat. Whisk the ingredients together and bring it to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate, and whisk it into the BBQ sauce.
½ cup tomato sauce, ¼ cup collagen, ¼ cup coconut sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon EACH: chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt, Optional: 6 drops of liquid smoke, 2 tablespoons chopped dark chocolate
To Grill the ribs
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Take the ribs out of the crockpot and baste them generously in the chocolate BBQ sauce. Grill for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
To Bake the Ribs
Preheat your oven to broil. Take the ribs out of the crockpot and place them on a baking sheet. Baste them generously with the chocolate BBQ sauce then broil for 3-5 minutes on each side.
Notes
We use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in this recipe. It doesn't add any flavor, but it does make the BBQ sauce feel richer and adds extra nutrients. If you're using a different brand, test it first to make sure it dissolves in hot water and doesn't gel. You can omit it, if you'd like.