Get ready to fire up your grill and add some serious heat to your ribs with these 18 spicy rib rub recipes! Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just looking for a new twist on a classic dish, we’ve got you covered. From sweet and smoky to bold and adventurous, each of these rubs is designed to bring out the best in your pork ribs.
Classic Smoky BBQ Rib Rub is a tried-and-true favorite, while Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Rub adds a hint of warmth from brown sugar and cayenne pepper. For something completely different, try Coffee-Infused Rib Rub, which combines the deep flavors of coffee with a spicy kick. And that’s just the beginning – we’ve got 15 more rubs to explore in this article!
Classic Smoky BBQ Rib Rub
This savory rib rub combines smoky spices with a hint of sweetness to create the perfect blend for your next BBQ gathering. With this recipe, you’ll be able to achieve tender, flavorful ribs that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Apply the rub evenly to both sides of your ribs, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
4. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
5. Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Rub
Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Rub Recipe
This sweet and spicy brown sugar rub adds a bold flavor boost to your favorite meats or vegetables, perfect for grilled or roasted dishes. With its tangy heat, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
2. Taste the rub and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled meats: 10-15 minutes per side
– Roasted vegetables: 20-25 minutes, or until tender
Coffee-Infused Rib Rub
Elevate your barbecue game with this unique and aromatic coffee-infused rib rub. The perfect blend of rich, bold flavors will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons ground coffee
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, and ground coffee until well combined.
2. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture and stir until uniform.
3. Store the rub in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time:
– Apply the rub liberally to your favorite rib recipe (e.g., pork ribs) and cook according to your preferred method (e.g., slow cooker, grill, or oven). Let the magic happen!
Garlic Herb Rib Rub
Elevate your grilled ribs with this aromatic rub that combines the pungency of garlic and herbs, perfectly balanced for a finger-lickin’ good time!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, parsley, thyme, and paprika until well combined.
3. Season the ribs with salt to taste.
4. Generously apply the rub all over the ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 2-3 hours or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Memphis-Style Dry Rub
This classic dry rub recipe is a staple of Memphis-style barbecue, with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that complement a wide range of meats. Whether you’re cooking up some ribs, chicken, or pork chops, this dry rub will add depth and complexity to your dish.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup paprika
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 tablespoons garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until uniform in color and texture.
3. If desired, add the cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None required – simply sprinkle the dry rub on your meat of choice before grilling or cooking!
Jamaican Jerk Rib Rub
Add a little Caribbean flair to your ribs with this flavorful rub that combines the bold spices of Jamaica.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt, to taste
– Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne pepper.
2. Mix well until the spices are evenly blended.
3. Add salt and black pepper to taste; mix again.
4. Rub the mixture all over your ribs (pork or beef), making sure to coat them evenly.
5. Let the rub sit on the ribs for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled: 2-3 hours
– Baked: 1-2 hours
Texas-Style Beef Rib Rub
Get ready to bring out the bold flavors of Texas with this simple yet potent rib rub recipe. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, this blend of spices and herbs will elevate your beef ribs to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chili powder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Rub the mixture all over beef ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
3. Let the ribs sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature.
5. Cook ribs according to your preference (grilling time: 10-15 minutes per side; baking time: 20-25 minutes).
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Applewood Smoked Rib Rub
This sweet and savory rib rub combines the warmth of applewood smoke with a hint of spice to elevate your slow-cooked ribs to new heights. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy winter gathering, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 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
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Mix well to create the rib rub.
3. Rub the mixture evenly onto your favorite cut of ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
5. Cook ribs according to your preferred method (slow cooker, grill, or oven).
6. Cooking time: 2-3 hours.
Mustard-Based Carolina Rib Rub
Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors of the Carolinas! This mustard-based rib rub is a game-changer for your next barbecue or cookout.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup yellow mustard (Duke’s or similar)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
2. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Apply the rub generously to your favorite rib recipe (pork or beef work equally well).
4. Let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Cook the ribs according to your preferred method (grilling, smoking, or baking).
Cooking Time: About 2-3 hours for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs.
Cajun Blackened Rib Rub
Add a bold and flavorful twist to your ribs with this Cajun-inspired blackened rib rub recipe. This blend of spices will give you a rich, smoky flavor that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the brown sugar and stir until well combined.
4. Apply the rub evenly to both sides of your ribs.
5. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 2-1/2 hours, or until tender.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Maple Bourbon Rib Rub
Elevate your rib game with this sweet and savory Maple Bourbon Rib Rub recipe, perfect for a backyard BBQ or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon whiskey (if using), chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
2. Sprinkle the rib rub evenly over 2-3 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds total).
3. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the rub to penetrate.
4. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
5. Cook the ribs according to your preferred method: grilling (10-12 minutes per side) or baking (20-25 minutes).
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes total
Asian Five-Spice Rib Rub
Transform your ribs into a flavorful fusion of Asian spices with this simple and aromatic rub.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon five-spice powder (see note)
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, five-spice powder, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Apply the rub evenly to both sides of your ribs (about 1-2 tablespoons per side).
4. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
5. Grill or cook your ribs according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
Note: Five-spice powder is a blend of five spices commonly used in Chinese cooking, including cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. You can also make your own blend using these individual spices.
Smoked Paprika and Chili Rib Rub
Elevate your barbecue game with this bold and aromatic rub, perfect for slathering on ribs before a low-and-slow cook.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Add salt to taste, if desired.
3. Rub the mixture all over your ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Let the rub sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before cooking.
Cooking Time: Low-and-slow cook your ribs in a smoker or oven at 275°F (135°C) for 2-3 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
Honey Chipotle Rib Rub
Elevate your barbecue game with this sweet and smoky rib rub that combines the richness of honey with the bold heat of chipotles. Perfect for slathering on pork ribs, chicken, or even pork chops before a low-and-slow cook.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, and salt.
2. Add the honey, chili powder, and chipotle peppers to the bowl and stir until well combined.
3. Add the garlic powder and stir again.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: Apply the rub to your chosen protein about 30 minutes before cooking. Cook low and slow over indirect heat, such as with a smoker or covered grill, until desired doneness is reached.
Lemon Pepper Rib Rub
Elevate your BBQ game with this bright and citrusy rib rub that combines the warmth of black pepper with the zesty punch of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Season the ribs with salt to taste.
3. Generously apply the Lemon Pepper Rib Rub all over the ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the rub to absorb.
5. Fire up your grill or smoker to desired heat and cook the ribs according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time:
– Low and slow cooking: 4-6 hours
– Grilling: 2-3 hours
Korean Gochujang Rib Rub
This sweet and spicy rib rub combines the bold flavors of gochujang with a hint of brown sugar, perfect for slathering on ribs before grilling or baking.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together gochujang, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Rub the 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 flavors to penetrate.
4. Grill or bake the ribs according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time:
– Grilling: 10-15 minutes per side, or until tender
– Baking: 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until tender
Pineapple Teriyaki Rib Rub
Elevate your BBQ game with this sweet and savory rub that combines the flavors of pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Perfect for slathering on ribs before a summer cookout or as a marinade for chicken or pork.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic powder, and ginger.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Add black pepper to taste.
4. Rub the mixture all over your ribs (or chicken/pork of choice), making sure to coat evenly.
5. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Cook as desired: grill, bake, or slow cook.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours or until meat is tender and caramelized.
Ancho Chili and Cocoa Rib Rub
Elevate your BBQ game with this unique blend of ancho chili, cocoa powder, and spices that adds depth and complexity to your ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
– 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, cocoa powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture evenly onto both sides of the ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Place ribs on grill or smoker and cook for 2-3 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill with these 18 mouth-watering spicy rib rub recipes! From classic BBQ flavors to international twists, we’ve got you covered. Try the Classic Smoky BBQ Rib Rub, Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Rub, or Coffee-Infused Rib Rub for a rich and bold flavor. For something different, go for the Jamaican Jerk Rib Rub, Texas-Style Beef Rib Rub, or Korean Gochujang Rib Rub. Whichever you choose, your ribs are sure to be finger-lickin’ good!
