There is a rib addiction in my house. Whether we grill or oven roast our ribs, this Best Ever Rib Rub is always my secret weapon to making great ribs.
Farm-Raised Folks
My hubby and I will be the first to admit that we are definitely carnivores. Being raised by livestock farmers, having a freezer full of farm-raised meat was just a way of life. I miss those days, and honestly am trying to convince my DH to let me get a small herd. Raising your own meat has so many benefits.
Not only do I love all animals, but being able to control the health of the animal in turn gives you more control over your own health. By keeping your herd fed with healthier grain and grass, you can keep all the growth hormones and other yucky stuff out of your meat.
I’m a big fan of Compassionate Care of animals. They deserve the best life they can have too, even if their purpose is to feed us. (Nobody call PETA on me!)
Our Rib Addiction
Everyone in my house loves ribs. We order them when we go out. We cook them at least once every couple of weeks. Sometimes we grill them. But most of the time I just roast them in the oven. (How I do that is coming soon!)
We have come to an impasse on our agreement of cut, however. My hubby loves baby back, while I prefer St. Louis ribs. Baby back ribs are smaller, while St. Louis style are the meatier ones with a higher amount of fat, which in my opinion makes them tastier too. They also are flatter, which make them easier to brown than baby back.
Why Rib Rub?
A rib rub is not necessary for ribs. I know a lot of people who simply baste their ribs in sauce as they cook. I love the way that the rub penetrates and flavors the meat, tho. I think that rubbing the ribs and letting them sit for 8-12 hours helps bring out a better flavor profile and depth. It is obviously a personal preference, but if you have never done a rib rub, you will definitely have to give this one a go.
I don’t think I could ever go back to NOT rubbing the ribs before I make them. Think of the best barbecue joint that you go to. I bet that they rub those ribs before they smoke them. Ask the next time. While I doubt they’d be willing to give you their “secret” recipe, I bet they’d be willing to tell you a basic overview on how they are prepared.
My Secret Weapon Best Ever Rib Rub
Secret Weapon Rib Rub
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika I liked using smoked paprika, but regular works just as well.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper If you are sensitive to heat, substitute chipotle chili powder instead, or just leave out.
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
- Sprinkle or spoon seasoning mix onto ribs, rubbing to distribute evenly.
- Repeat on back side of the rack of ribs.
- Place on cookie sheet and cover tightly with foil.
- Let sit in refrigerator for 8-12 hours.
Don’t forget to check out more homemade recipes here.
