Rib Rub Recipe – Try this quick and easy rib rub recipe made in just minutes! Using only five ingredients- this BBQ-flavored rub is salty and sweet with just the right amount of heat. Prepare a rack of ribs with the rub overnight and enjoy perfectly seasoned and tender ribs the next day.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Chili Powder: American chili powder, made of dried chilies and herbs, lends a savory component to the rib rub.
- Cayenne Pepper: Add heat that doesn’t overwhelm with cayenne.
- Brown Sugar: Add sugar to the rub to enhance the flavor, encourage caramelization, and cut the bitterness of the other spices.
- Salt + Pepper
HOW TO MAKE OUR RIB RUB RECIPE
Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl; stir to combine.
Store the spice blend in an airtight container.
PREPARATION TIPS
- Leave rib rub on the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best!
- Start with fresh spices – this makes all the difference; spices lose their flavor over time, especially ground spices.
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SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Beef Ribs
- Pork Ribs
- Country-Style Ribs
- Pork Chops
- Grilled Chicken
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- STORAGE – Add leftover or pre-made rib rub to an airtight container. It will keep in your pantry or cabinet for up to 6 months.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should you put a rub on ribs?
Rubbing the ribs in advance will create a thicker bark and provide a tangier flavor to compliment the BBQ sauce or glaze you coat the ribs with afterward.
How long should rub be on ribs before cooking?
Leave the rib rub on for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best!
What do you put on ribs before rubbing?
I usually prepare ribs with a dry rub, but many home cooks use a technique called slathering first; this involves thinly layering ingredients like mustard, olive oil, or even mayo to act as a binder for the rub.
Can I make this rub low-carb or keto?
You sure can! Use Swerve or Golden Monk fruit in place of the brown sugar.
YOU SHOULD ALSO TRY:
Rib Rub Recipe
Equipment
- Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons American chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
- ½ teaspoon cayenne, ground
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl; stir to combine.
- Store the spice blend in an airtight container.
Notes
- Leave rib rub on the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best!
- Start with fresh spices – this makes all the difference; spices lose their flavor over time, especially ground spices.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Shariq
Sunday 16th of October 2022
This is the best homemade rub I have tried. I think it tastes way better than store-bought options and you can control what goes into it. It tasted great with everything I tried, especially ribs, steak, and grilled chicken.