Ultimate Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub for Ribs
Elevate your barbecue game with this Ultimate Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub for Ribs recipe. This mouthwatering blend of spices creates a perfect balance between sweet and savory, ensuring your baby back ribs are packed with flavor. Ideal for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners, this rub is easy to make and easy to love. Allow your seasoned ribs to sit and absorb all the deliciousness before baking or grilling to perfection. Whether you serve them with barbecue sauce or enjoy them dry, these ribs are sure to be a hit at your table!
4
Servings
450
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown sugar
8 tablespoons (packed)
kosher salt
1 tablespoon
chili powder
1 tablespoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon
onion powder
1 teaspoon
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
baby back ribs
5-6 lbs
barbecue sauce
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together brown sugar, kosher salt, chili powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined.
2
Generously rub the spice mixture over both sides of the baby back ribs, ensuring an even coat.
3
Wrap the seasoned ribs in plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Place the ribs in a covered baking dish and bake for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
5
Once baked, remove the ribs from the oven. You can either refrigerate them until you're ready to grill or proceed to the next step.
6
For grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the ribs on the grill and brush your favorite barbecue sauce generously over them.
7
Grill the ribs for 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally and brushing with more sauce, until they are heated through and have nice grill marks.
8
Remove the ribs from the grill, let them rest for a few minutes, slice, and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
70g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Ultimate Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub?
This dry rub creates a perfect balance between sweet and savory with a spicy kick, thanks to the combination of brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
What type of ribs are best for this dry rub recipe?
The recipe is specifically designed for 5-6 lbs of baby back ribs.
How long should I marinate the ribs with the rub?
For the best flavor penetration, marinate the seasoned ribs in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
At what temperature should the oven be set for baking the ribs?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C) to bake the ribs.
How long do the ribs need to bake in the oven?
The ribs should bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Can I grill these ribs after baking?
Yes, after baking, you can grill the ribs on medium heat for 5-10 minutes while brushing with barbecue sauce for added flavor and grill marks.
What are the primary sweetening ingredients in the rub?
The primary sweetener used in this dry rub is 8 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
The heat comes from a combination of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper.
Is Old Bay seasoning used in this rib rub?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning for added depth of flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of these ribs?
There are 19 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this rib recipe?
The fat content is approximately 5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 70g of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the brown sugar and barbecue sauce.
Do I need to wrap the ribs during the marinating process?
Yes, you should wrap the seasoned ribs in plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator.
Should the baking dish be covered or uncovered?
The ribs should be placed in a covered baking dish during the 2.5 to 3-hour baking process.
Can I prepare the ribs ahead of time?
Yes, once baked, you can refrigerate the ribs until you are ready to grill and serve them.
What type of salt is recommended for the rub?
The recipe calls specifically for 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
Are there herbs included in the dry rub?
Yes, the rub includes 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Does the rub contain onion or garlic?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder.
Is the black pepper used whole or ground?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How do I finish the ribs on the grill?
Brush your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs and grill for 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Should I let the ribs rest before serving?
Yes, after removing them from the grill, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Is this recipe suitable for summer cookouts?
Absolutely, these ribs are ideal for summer cookouts and outdoor cooking.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the spices, meat, and sauce.
Can I serve these ribs without barbecue sauce?
Yes, the description notes you can enjoy them dry or with extra sauce on the side.
Is this recipe categorized under a specific meat type?
Yes, it is categorized under Pork.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
What is the suggested amount of baby back ribs?
The recipe suggests using 5-6 lbs of baby back ribs.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a moderate spicy kick.