While I typically reach for sweet and spicy rib rub recipes to season mouthwatering ribs, whip up this delicious mustard rib rub for fall-off-the-bone beef or pork ribs infused with flavor. Once you’ve made ribs in the oven, grill, or Instant Pot – choose from our list of side dishes for when you’re wondering what to serve with ribs.
What Does Rubbing Mustard on Ribs do?
Incorporating mustard into your rib rub allows the vinegar in mustard to tenderize the meat, gently breaking down the fibers without overpowering the overall flavor of the rub. It also acts as a binder for the flavorful dry spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mustard: Yellow mustard adds subtle flavor and helps the rub stick to the ribs. Use Djion mustard if you prefer a more tangy aftertaste.
- Spices: Elevate the mustard rib rub with warm ancho chili powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and coarsely ground black pepper.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar enhances the flavor and encourages caramelization on the ribs as they cook. It also helps to cut the bitterness of some of the other spices. You can also replace brown sugar with honey.
How to Apply Mustard Rib Rub
Begin by coating the ribs with a thin layer of yellow mustard on both sides. Then, generously sprinkle the spices and brown sugar mixture onto the mustard-coated ribs. Spread the seasoning evenly, and let the ribs rest with the rub for a few hours in the fridge for the best results.
How to Make Mustard Rib Rub
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add the spices and brown sugar to a small bowl and stir to combine. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane. Then, coat them with a thin layer of yellow mustard on both sides.
Step 3: Sprinkle the reserved spice mixture over the ribs, spreading the rub evenly on both sides.
Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and let them rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or overnight.
Expert Tips
- Start with fresh spices – this makes all the difference since spices lose their flavor over time, especially ground spices.
- Leave the mustard rib rub on the ribs for 1-2 hours or overnight.
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Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways to put our deliciously flavorful mustard rib rub to good use:
- Oven Baked Beef Ribs, Instant Pot Beef Ribs
- Pork Ribs
- Country-Style Ribs
- Smoked Ribs
- Pork Chops
- Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
What to do With the Leftovers
- Storage – Transfer leftover dry rib rub to an airtight container. It will keep in your pantry or cabinet for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to put mustard on ribs?
Apply a thin layer of yellow mustard to the ribs before adding the dry rub, as it helps the spices stick to the ribs for maximum flavor.
However, there is a select group of BBQ pit masters, including Melissa Cookston, who swear by coating the ribs in dry rub before adding mustard (or binder of choice) before finishing the ribs with turbinado sugar, brown sugar, or honey for tasty caramelization.
What kind of mustard for rib rub?
Yellow mustard is my go-to for rib rub with mustard, but Dijon mustard add tangy flavor, so it comes down to preference.
What are some alternative to mustard?
Consider using Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, or mayonnaise as an alternative to mustard in a rib rub.
More Spice Blend Recipes:
Mustard Rib Rub
- Small Bowl
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 1 rack ribs, membrane removed
- 2½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons ancho chili powder
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2½ teaspoons black pepper, coarse ground
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- Add the spices and brown sugar to a small bowl and stir them to combine. Set it aside.
- Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane. Then, coat them with a thin layer of yellow mustard on both sides.
- Sprinkle the reserved spice mixture over the ribs, spreading the rub evenly on both sides.
- Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and let them rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Start with fresh spices – this makes all the difference since spices lose their flavor over time, especially ground spices.
- Leave the mustard rib rub on the ribs for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.