Keto oven-baked pork ribs are an easy, flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy ribs without a grill or smoker. Baking in the oven produces consistent results—cook a little longer for fall-off-the-bone ribs or slightly less for ribs with more bite. Use any sugar-free or keto-friendly sauce or glaze to keep this dish low carb. 
Baked Pork Ribs Recipe
This simple oven method gives reliably delicious results. The recipe works well with St. Louis cut spare ribs or baby back ribs. Adjust cooking time depending on whether you want ribs that hold together or ribs that fall from the bone. Choose a sugar-free or keto-friendly barbecue sauce for glazing to keep carbs low.
Tips on Removing the Membrane
Removing the membrane (silverskin) from the bone side of the ribs helps them become more tender. Some pork racks come with the membrane already removed; if not, follow these steps:
- Place the rack bone-side up and slide a knife under the membrane near one end.
- Gently loosen and lift the membrane until it begins to separate from the bones.
- Grip the edge with a dry paper towel and pull the membrane off in one piece if possible.
- If it tears, remove the membrane in smaller sections until the bone side is clean.
How to Make Keto, Low Carb Baked Ribs
Keep this dish low carb by choosing low-sugar or sugar-free sauces and by swapping sweet cooking liquids for broth.
- Use chicken or beef broth to baste the ribs while they bake. Apple juice is often used in other recipes, but broth keeps the carb count down and adds savory flavor.
- Brush the ribs with a sugar-free or keto-friendly barbecue sauce before finishing in the oven. There are many commercial and homemade options that work well—pick one that suits your taste for sweetness and heat.
Low-Carb BBQ Sauce Options
Choose any sugar-free or low-sugar barbecue sauce for glazing. Use the amount called for in the recipe and add extra for serving if desired.
G. Hughes Smokehouse Sugar Free BBQ Sauce — available in several flavors and sweetened with sucralose.
Guy’s Award Winning BBQ Sauce — sugar-free with a bit of heat, a good option for savory-glazed ribs.
Rufus Teague Sugar Free BBQ Sauce — thick and rich, often sweetened with stevia and great for glazing.
Low-Carb Baked BBQ Pork Ribs
6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. rack St. Louis cut spare ribs, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 Tablespoon sea salt, or to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (240 ml) broth (chicken or beef)
- 1 cup (240 ml) sugar-free BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If present, remove the silver skin from the bone side of the ribs.
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Cut the rack in half if needed and place ribs meaty side up in a 9×11-inch baking dish (or similar). Pour the broth over the ribs, season both sides with salt and pepper, and cover tightly with foil.
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Bake covered for 2 hours. Remove from oven, discard foil, and brush both sides of the ribs with the sugar-free BBQ sauce. Return to oven uncovered and bake another 30–45 minutes until sauce sets and ribs are cooked to your preference.
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Remove ribs from oven, brush with a little more sauce, then slice and serve. For extra crust, broil briefly as described below before slicing.
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Optional for extra crust: Set oven to broil and position rack about 6 inches (15 cm) from the element. Brush ribs with glaze and broil 1–3 minutes until edges are slightly singed—watch closely to prevent burning. Slice and serve.
Notes
Removing the silver skin: After lifting an edge with a knife, use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off cleanly.
Foil boats for easier cleanup: Create two foil “boats” by doubling heavy-duty foil sheets large enough to enclose each rib section. Place ribs meaty side up in the boats, pour 1/2 cup broth into each, seal the foil, and place on a baking sheet. Bake as directed, opening the foil for the final uncovered bake to allow sauce to set.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Carbohydrates: 3 g,
Protein: 24 g,
Fat: 35 g
Enjoy more low-carb pork recipes and other keto-friendly dishes.