Get ready to level up your rib game with these 18 spicy rib rub recipes that will transport your taste buds to the heart of smoky goodness. From classic Memphis-style dry rubs to sweet and smoky brown sugar glazes, we’ve got you covered with a range of flavors that will make your ribs the star of any backyard BBQ or family gathering.
Whether you’re a fan of bold spices, rich herbs, or tangy citrus, there’s something on this list for everyone. And the best part? Each recipe is designed to bring out the natural flavor of your ribs, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the fruits of your labor with friends and family.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of rib rubs and sharing our favorite recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So grab a plate, fire up the grill, and get ready to sink your teeth into some seriously delicious ribs!
Classic Memphis Dry Rub Ribs
Get ready to taste the magic of Memphis with this iconic dry rub recipe that yields tender, flavorful ribs with a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chili powder
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and place on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
4. Sprinkle dry rub evenly over both racks of ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Bake for 2 hours, then remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Sweet and Smoky Brown Sugar Rib Rub
Transform your ribs with this sweet and smoky rub that combines the richness of brown sugar with the depth of smoked spices.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over your ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
4. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
5. Cook the ribs for 2-1/2 hours, or until they are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Cajun Spice Rib Rub with Paprika and Cayenne
Add a bold kick to your ribs with this spicy Cajun-inspired rub, featuring smoky paprika and a hint of fiery cayenne pepper.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over your ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
3. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the spices to absorb.
4. Preheat your grill or oven to cook the ribs according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time:
– Grilling: 2-3 hours
– Oven-roasting: 1-2 hours
Texas-Style Coffee-Rubbed Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the bold flavors of Texas-style coffee-rubbed ribs, where the richness of coffee and spices come together to create a mouthwatering delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons instant coffee powder
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, coffee powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Rub the coffee mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear ribs until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Transfer ribs to a baking dish and bake for 2 hours or until tender and falling off the bone.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Garlic Herb Rib Rub with Rosemary and Thyme
Elevate your BBQ game with this aromatic rub that combines the pungency of garlic, the earthiness of rosemary, and the subtlety of thyme. Perfect for slathering onto pork ribs before a low-and-slow cook.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Rub the mixture all over your pork ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
3. Let the rub sit on the ribs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
4. Cook the ribs according to your preferred method (e.g., grill, smoker, or oven).
5. Cooking time: 2-3 hours, depending on the heat and desired level of tenderness.
Korean Gochujang Glazed Rib Rub
Get ready to elevate your rib game with this sweet and spicy Korean-inspired glaze, featuring gochujang as the star ingredient. This sticky and savory rub is perfect for slathering on ribs before a backyard BBQ or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup gochujang
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
3. Add sesame oil and black pepper; whisk until combined.
4. Apply the glaze to your favorite ribs (beef, pork, or lamb) about 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the meat is tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
Jamaican Jerk Spice Rib Rub
Elevate your barbecue game with this aromatic rub that combines the bold flavors of Jamaica. Perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pork before a low-and-slow cook.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (such as Walkers Wood or homemade blend)
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the mixture all over your chosen protein (ribs, chicken, or pork), making sure to coat evenly.
3. Let the rub sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before cooking.
Cooking Time:
– Ribs: 4-5 hours at 225°F (110°C) in a smoker or slow cooker
– Chicken or Pork: 2-3 hours at 325°F (165°C) in the oven or on the grill
Mustard-Based Carolina Rib Rub
Get ready to take your BBQ game to the next level with this tangy and savory Mustard-Based Carolina Rib Rub! This unique blend combines the classic flavors of mustard, brown sugar, and spices to create a mouthwatering glaze for your ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Apply the rub evenly to both sides of your ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
3. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling or smoking.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled: 4-6 hours
– Smoked: 8-10 hours
Maple Bourbon Rib Rub with a Hint of Cinnamon
Elevate your BBQ game with this sweet and savory rib rub, featuring the perfect balance of maple syrup, bourbon, and warm cinnamon. This aromatic blend will leave your ribs tender, flavorful, and irresistible.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, maple syrup, and bourbon (if using). Mix until well combined.
2. Add the cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until uniform.
3. Rub the mixture all over your favorite ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling or baking as desired.
Cooking Time:
– Grill: 2-3 hours at medium heat
– Bake: 1-2 hours at 300°F (150°C)
Smoked Paprika and Chipotle Rib Rub
Get ready to elevate your BBQ game with this bold and smoky rib rub! This blend of smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, and spices adds a depth of flavor that will leave your ribs falling off the bone.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Rub the mixture all over your ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Let the rub sit on the ribs for at least 30 minutes before grilling or smoking.
Cooking Time:
– Grilling: 2-3 hours at medium-high heat
– Smoking: 4-5 hours at 225°F
Lemon Pepper Rib Rub with Garlic
Add a bright and savory flavor to your ribs with this citrusy rub. This recipe is perfect for grilling or baking, and can be used on pork ribs or chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons black pepper
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, lemon zest, garlic, paprika, and salt until well combined.
2. Apply the rub evenly to your ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
3. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling or baking.
Cooking Time:
– Grilling: 2-3 hours at medium-high heat
– Baking: 1-2 hours at 350°F
Honey Sriracha Rib Rub for a Sweet Heat
Elevate your BBQ game with this sweet and spicy rub that adds depth and complexity to your ribs. Perfect for those who crave a little heat without overpowering the natural flavors of the meat.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, and sriracha sauce. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Apply the rub evenly to your ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Cook the ribs according to your preferred method (grilling, smoking, or oven roasting).
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Ancho Chili and Cocoa Powder Rib Rub
Elevate your rib game with this unique blend of warm spices and rich flavors. This rub is perfect for slathering on ribs before a low-and-slow cook in the smoker or oven.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
– 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine ancho chili powder, cocoa powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix until well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Rub the mixture all over your ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
4. Let the rub sit for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– Smoke or bake at 225°F (110°C) for 2-3 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
Asian Five-Spice Rib Rub with Ginger
Elevate your grilled meats with this aromatic and flavorful rub, infused with the warmth of ginger.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, five-spice powder, grated ginger, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until a uniform paste forms.
3. Apply the rub evenly to your desired cut of meat (e.g., pork ribs, beef brisket, or chicken).
4. Allow the meat to sit for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling or cooking as desired.
Cooking Time:
– For grilled meats, cook at medium-high heat for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
– For oven-roasted meats, preheat to 325°F (165°C) and roast for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Pineapple Teriyaki Rib Rub
Add a sweet and tangy twist to your ribs with this unique teriyaki-inspired rub, featuring the flavors of pineapple and soy sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues or backyard gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Stir in pineapple juice until well combined.
3. Apply the rub evenly to ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Let the ribs sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before grilling or baking.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled ribs: 1-2 hours over medium-low heat
– Baked ribs: 45-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Tandoori-Inspired Yogurt Rib Rub
Elevate your rib game with this unique and aromatic rub, inspired by the flavors of traditional Indian tandoori cooking. This yogurt-based blend adds a tangy and creamy dimension to your ribs, perfect for grilled or baked applications.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lime juice, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, and garam masala until smooth.
2. Add salt to taste, then stir in the cayenne pepper if using.
3. Rub the mixture evenly onto both sides of your ribs (or other desired protein).
4. Allow the rub to sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled ribs: 2-3 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
– Baked ribs: 45-60 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Applewood Smoked Salt Rib Rub
Transform your ribs into tender, flavorful masterpieces with this easy-to-make rub.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked salt (like Applewood Smoked Salt)
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Apply the rub evenly to both sides of your ribs, making sure to cover all surfaces.
3. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb.
4. Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F (110°C).
5. Cook the ribs for 4-6 hours, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
BBQ Espresso Rib Rub for Bold Flavor
Elevate your ribs game with this bold and savory rub, featuring the rich flavors of espresso and a hint of smokiness. Perfect for those who like a little kick in their barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chili powder
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons ground coffee (espresso or regular)
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground coffee, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Apply the rub evenly to both sides of your ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a silicone mat.
5. Bake for 2-1/2 hours, or until the ribs are tender and caramelized.
6. Finish with your favorite BBQ sauce and serve.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Summary
Looking to elevate your BBQ game? We’ve got you covered! Check out these 18 spicy rib rub recipes, each one a flavorful combination that’s sure to please. From classic Memphis dry rubs to sweet and smoky brown sugar rubs, there’s something for every palate. Discover unique flavor combinations like Korean gochujang glazed, Jamaican jerk spice, and Asian five-spice with ginger. Whether you’re a BBQ newbie or a seasoned pro, these recipes will help you achieve that perfect smoky goodness.
