Best 7 Spice Rubbed Ribs Recipes

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If you're looking for the perfect spice rub for your next rack of ribs, you've come to the right place. Spice rubs are a great way to add flavor and depth to ribs, and they can be customized to your own taste. Whether you like them sweet, savory, or smoky, there's a spice rub out there that will make your ribs sing. In this article, we'll explore some of the best spice rubs for ribs, as well as provide some tips on how to apply them and cook your ribs to perfection. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious, mouthwatering ribs!

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SPICE-RUBBED RIBS



Spice-Rubbed Ribs image

For grilling, here's the rub I recommend. It's made with a wonderful blend of spices. If you have some left after making ribs, put it in a shaker and use it another day on pork or beef roasts, tenderloins, steaks and more. It's great alone or under sauce. -Cheryl Ewing, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
4 teaspoons onion powder
4 teaspoons dried oregano
4 teaspoons dried thyme
4 teaspoons pepper
10 pounds pork baby back ribs

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the seasonings; rub over ribs. , Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan. Grill ribs, covered, over indirect medium heat for 1 hour or until meat is tender, turning occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 792 calories, Fat 62g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 245mg cholesterol, Sodium 1864mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 51g protein.

SPICE-RUBBED BABY BACK RIBS WITH CHIPOTLE-BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE



Spice-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs With Chipotle-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce image

The baby back (sometimes called top loin) is the perfect rib for neophytes. Cut from high on the hog - literally, it abuts the backbone - it's intrinsically tender and generously marbled, which keeps it moist during smoking. Thanks to these attributes, you can cook it at a higher temperature than the low-and-slow heat favored in the American barbecue belt. This shortens the cooking time and lets you cook the ribs on a common charcoal kettle grill. (However, you can certainly smoke these ribs low and slow at 250 degrees, in which case, you'll need 3 1/2 to 4 hours of cooking time - and a smoker.) The higher heat and shorter cooking time produce ribs with a firmer, meatier consistency. Add a chile-stung spice rub and a sweet, spicy chipotle-bourbon barbecue sauce, and you wind up with textbook barbecued ribs with a distinctive sweet, hot, smoky finish.

Provided by Steven Raichlen

Categories     dinner, barbecues, finger foods, meat, main course

Time 2h30m

Yield 2 racks (2 to 4 servings)

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 racks baby back ribs (2 to 2 1/2 pounds each)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chile powder
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
2 large or 4 small hardwood chunks or 3 cups hardwood chips (if using the latter, soak in water to cover for 30 minutes, then drain)
1/2 cup apple cider in a spray bottle (optional)
1 1/4 cups ketchup
1/3 cup Thai sweet chile sauce
1/4 cup bourbon
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 canned chipotle chiles en adobo, minced, plus 1 to 2 teaspoons sauce
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Place the ribs on a rimmed baking sheet. If the concave side of your ribs still has its papery membrane intact, remove it: Pry it up at the end of the bones using the tip of a meat thermometer or butter knife, then pull it off with a paper towel. Lightly brush the ribs on both sides with the mustard.
  • Prepare the rub: In a small bowl, combine the chile powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper and celery seeds. Reserve 1 1/2 teaspoons rub for serving, then sprinkle the remaining rub on the ribs, coating both sides.
  • Set up your charcoal grill for indirect grilling and heat to 300 degrees.
  • Once the grill comes to temperature, add half the wood chunks or chips to the coals. Arrange the ribs meat (rounded) side up on the grate away from the heat, then cover the grill. Grill the ribs over indirect heat for 1 hour.
  • After the ribs have grilled for 1 hour, spray on both sides with apple cider (if using), turning the ribs with tongs. Add the remaining wood chunks or chips to the fire and close the grill again.
  • While the ribs grill, prepare the barbecue sauce: Place all the sauce ingredients, along with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, in a heavy saucepan and whisk to mix. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking often. Reduce the heat and gently simmer the sauce, uncovered, until thick and richly flavored, 6 to 8 minutes. Correct the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper to taste; set aside. (Makes about 2 cups.)
  • Continue grilling the ribs over indirect heat, rounded side up, until sizzling, browned, tender, and the meat has shrunk back from the ends of the bones by 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This normally takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours in all, but sometimes you'll need a full 3 hours. The last 20 minutes, brush the ribs on both sides with some of the barbecue sauce. When ready, the meat should be tender enough so you can pull the individual ribs apart with your fingers.
  • Brush each rack on both sides with more barbecue sauce. Move each rack directly over the fire and direct grill to sizzle the sauce into the meat, 2 to 4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer the ribs to a platter for serving. Brush once more with barbecue sauce and sprinkle the ribs with the remaining rub. Serve the remaining sauce in a bowl on the side.

ASIAN SPICE RUBBED RIBS WITH PINEAPPLE-GINGER BBQ SAUCE AND BLACK AND WHITE SESAME SEEDS



Asian Spice Rubbed Ribs with Pineapple-Ginger BBQ Sauce and Black and White Sesame Seeds image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Time 7h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 32

2 tablespoons canola oil
4 cloves garlic, smashed
3-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 large Spanish onion, coarsely chopped
3 cups fresh ripe pineapple chunks
1 habanero, chopped
1 cup fresh pineapple juice
2 cups hoisin sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 to 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (depending on sweetness of pineapple)
3 tablespoons ancho chile powder
2 heaping tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons ground star anise
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup Spanish paprika
1 1/2 tablespoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground star anise
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Thai chile flakes
2 racks St. Louis style pork ribs (12 ribs each), membranes removed
2 cups soy sauce
1/2 cup peeled and coarsely chopped fresh ginger
6 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
1 bunch scallions, chopped

Steps:

  • For the sauce: Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan. Add the garlic, ginger and onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the pineapple chunks and habanero and cook for 1 minute. Add the pineapple juice and cook until it caramelizes slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the hoisin, ketchup, brown sugar, ancho powder, mustard, honey, soy sauce, star anise and cinnamon and cook until thickened, about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper . Pour into a bowl and allow to cool to room temperature.
  • For the ribs: Stir together the paprika, dry mustard, ground ginger, star anise, allspice, salt, pepper and Thai chile flakes in a bowl. Rub the ribs on the top side, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
  • Preheat a charcoal grill with about 80 briquettes off to 1 side, or in a kamado-style ceramic charcoal cooker with the ceramic plate removed. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator 1 hour before grilling.
  • Combine 4 cups water, the soy sauce, ginger and garlic and divide between two heavy disposable pans.
  • If using a charcoal grill: Put one disposable pan of steaming liquid on the bottom grate of the grill on the opposite side of the coals. Put the top grate on and heat well. Put the ribs on the grill, top-side down, directly over the hot coals and cook until golden brown and a crust has formed, about 10 minutes. Move the ribs to the other side of the grill, over the liquid, and place the other disposable pan with steaming liquid next to them over the coals. Put the lid of the grill on and open the vents on top halfway. Cook until the ribs are tender and juicy, about 2 hours. Add water as necessary to prevent scorching, and coals to keep the internal temperature between 225 and 250 degrees F.
  • If using the kamado-style ceramic charcoal cooker: Remove the ceramic plate and heat the grill rack. Put the ribs on the grill, top-side down, directly over the hot coals and cook until golden brown and a crust has formed, about 10 minutes. Remove the ribs and rack and put in the ceramic plate. Put one disposable pan of steaming liquid on the plate, then return the rack and the ribs to the grill. Cover and cook until ribs are tender and juicy, about 2 hours. Add water as necessary to prevent scorching, and coals to keep the internal temperature between 225 and 250 degrees F.
  • If using charcoal, finish the ribs by moving them back over the hot coals and turning and basting with sauce for 15 to 20 minutes. If using the ceramic charcoal cooker, leave the plate in and brush liberally with sauce for 15 to 20 minutes before removing from the grill.
  • Combine the sesame seeds and sprinkle the tops of the ribs. Cut the ribs apart and put on a platter. Scatter the green onions over the top and serve.

ASIAN SPICE RUBBED RIBS WITH PLUM-GINGER GLAZE



Asian Spice Rubbed Ribs with Plum-Ginger Glaze image

For the Plum-Ginger glaze:

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 35

3 tablespoons canola oil
3 shallots, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Thai chiles, seeded and finely chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
2 tablespoons good quality curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 star anise
8 ripe purple plums, pitted and coarsely chopped
1 cup plum juice
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons powdered ginger
1 cup water
4 cups water
2 cups soy sauce
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
1 tablespoon whole black mustard seeds
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil, for rubbing
2 racks St. Louis-style country ribs
Asian Rub, recipe follows
Green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Spanish paprika
2 tablespoons dry mustard
2 tablespoons ground star anise
2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 1/2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • For the Plum-Ginger glaze:
  • Preheat grill or side burner. Heat the oil in a large non-reactive saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until soft. Add the Thai chiles, ginger, curry powder and cinnamon and cook for 2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and 1 cup of water. Cook until the sauce is reduced and thickened about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Place plum mixture, in 2 to 3 batches, in a food processor and process until smooth, strain into a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
  • Bring water, soy, ginger, peppercorns, coriander, mustard seeds and salt and pepper, to taste, in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat and preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Rub oil on both sides of the ribs. Then rub each rack with the Asian Rub. Place racks onto preheated grill and allow to cook only until grill marks have been made.
  • Divide the water and soy sauce mixture between 2 roasting pans, place the ribs on a baking rack and set over the liquid in the pan. Roast the ribs in the preheated oven until about 3/4 of the way cooked, about 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
  • Heat the grill to high.
  • Transfer the ribs to the grill and grill until the ribs are tender, about 45 minutes longer, brushing with the glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove from the grill and brush with more of the glaze. Slice into ribs and garnish with green onions.
  • Whisk all ingredients together.

SPICE RUBBED GRILLED AMERICAN BISON SHORT RIBS WITH ORANGE HONEY CHIPOTLE BBQ SAUCE



Spice Rubbed Grilled American Bison Short Ribs with Orange Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
2 tablespoons Spanish sweet paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Canola oil, for brushing
16 bone-in 1/3- to 1/2-inch-thick flanken-style American bison short ribs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Orange Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce, for brushing, recipe follows
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup clover honey
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo puree
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Combine the ancho, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of the ribs with salt and pepper, and then rub the spice mix onto the top of the ribs. Put on a baking sheet lined with aluminum or parchment. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Heat a charcoal or gas grill to high for direct grilling. Brush the ribs on both sides with oil and grill, spice-side down, until golden brown and slightly charred, about 4 minutes. Flip and grill another 4 minutes. Brush with some of the Orange Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce during the last minute of grilling. Remove to a platter and brush with more of the sauce.
  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the orange juice and zest and cook until slightly reduced.
  • Add the ketchup, honey, vinegar, chipotle puree, soy sauce, ancho powder and salt, and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

SPICE RUBBED RIBS WITH CHIPOTLE-HONEY GLAZE



Spice Rubbed Ribs with Chipotle-Honey Glaze image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Time 14h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 cup ancho chili powder
1/4 cup Spanish paprika
1/4 cup freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dry mustard
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup ground coriander
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons chile de arbol
1/4 cup canola oil
2 racks country ribs, 12 ribs each, membrane removed
1 1/2 cups clover honey
3 heaping tablespoons chipotle in adobo puree
Parsley sprigs, for garnish
Clover honey, to taste
Chipotle in adobo, pureed, to taste
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Combine all spices in a small bowl.
  • Brush both sides of the racks with oil and liberally rub with the spice mixture. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator 45 minutes before smoking to allow them to come to room temperature.
  • Stuff several sheets of newspaper in the bottom of a charcoal chimney. Fill the chimney to the top with charcoal briquettes. Remove top rack from the barbecue. Put the chimney on the lower barbecue rack. Light the newspaper and let the charcoal burn until the ash is gray, about 20 minutes.
  • Open bottom barbecue vent. Turn out the hot charcoal onto 1 half of bottom rack. Using a metal spatula, spread charcoal to cover approximately 1/3 of rack and scatter half of the soaked wood chips over the charcoal. Put a loaf pan with water onto the coals.
  • Put the top rack on the barbecue. Put the ribs, rub side down, on the grill over indirect heat. Coals should be off to 1 side. Slowly cook the ribs until tender, adding more charcoal if needed, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Chipotle Honey Glaze:
  • Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Begin brushing the glaze on the ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Put the ribs on a baking sheet; brush with a little more of the glaze and let stand 10 minutes. Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and cut between the bones to separate the ribs. Arrange the ribs on a serving platter and serve.

SPICE RUBBED SMOKED RIBS WITH MAPLE-HORSERADISH BASTE



Spice Rubbed Smoked Ribs with Maple-Horseradish Baste image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups pure maple syrup
1/2 cup prepared horseradish, drained
2 heaping tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup Spanish paprika
3 tablespoons ancho chili powder
3 tablespoons New Mexican chili powder
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
3 cups wood chips (hickory, mesquite, or applewood)
4 racks pork ribs (3 pounds each)

Steps:

  • Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Stir spices together in a medium bowl.
  • About 1/2 hour before cooking time, soak hickory chips in enough water to cover. Drain chips. In a covered grill, place slow burning charcoal in both sides of a drip pan. Sprinkle coals with wood chips.
  • Rub top side of each rack of ribs with about 3 tablespoons of the rub. Place ribs, bone side down, on grill. Close cover or place cover on the smoker. Grill about 1 1/2 hours, adding chips every 20 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush liberally with the Maple-Horseradish Glaze.

Tips:

  • Choose the right ribs: Baby back ribs are the most popular choice for spice rubs, as they are meatier and more tender than spare ribs. However, you can use any type of ribs you like.
  • Make sure the ribs are clean: Remove any excess fat or membrane from the ribs before you apply the rub.
  • Use a flavorful rub: The rub is what gives the ribs their flavor, so make sure you use a blend of spices that you enjoy. You can find many different spice rub recipes online or in cookbooks.
  • Apply the rub liberally: Don't be afraid to use a lot of rub. The more rub you use, the more flavorful the ribs will be.
  • Let the ribs marinate: Allow the ribs to marinate in the rub for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This will help the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  • Cook the ribs slowly: Ribs need to be cooked slowly and gently in order to become tender. The best way to do this is to smoke them, but you can also bake them or braise them.
  • Baste the ribs regularly: While the ribs are cooking, baste them with a mixture of water, vinegar, and oil. This will help to keep the ribs moist and prevent them from drying out.
  • Let the ribs rest before serving: Once the ribs are cooked, let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Conclusion:

Spice rubbed ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a little planning and preparation, you can create ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor. So next time you're looking for a tasty and impressive meal, give spice rubbed ribs a try. You won't be disappointed!

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