Rib Rub

The secret to good ribs is the rib rub! Learn how to make this simple rib rub for your rack of ribs.

There are lots of different ways to enjoy ribs.

Most folks prefer them smoked low and slow in a barbecue pit, but there’s no wrong way to to enjoy them! Ribs can also be cooked in an oven, in a crockpot, or even hot and fast over a grill.

I have found that there are sometimes when I need to stray from my own tradition of cooking either due to time constraints or availability of my preferred cooking medium.

The common theme for any way to cook ribs is the way they are seasoned, because it doesn’t matter how they are cooked, it is all about the taste!

I’ve tried several different combinations of rib rubs over the years, and some of them can be very complex with their flavor profiles. I love to try and taste new things, especially barbecue ribs, but I’ve also found that the simplest recipes are not only quicker, but they are usually the most delicious.

Simple recipes give just enough flavor, but they also let the flavor and tenderness of the meat speak for itself. I have tinkered with several different rubs and this one I’m sharing with you is my favorite.

Most all good rib rubs start with some kind of sugar, and I love the flavor that dark brown sugar gives to ribs. It also gives ribs a deep mohogany color when the dark brown sugar caramelizes.

Of course, humble salt and pepper give all food great flavor. Next, the savory flavors of onion and garlic give great compliment to all of the sweet with the brown sugar base. Finally, I believe that just a small amount of cocoa powder gives the rib rub that added richness and perfectly balances out the sweet and savory from all of the other flavors.

What’s really great about this rib rub recipe is that is can be used on just about any piece of meat for barbecue including other cuts of pork, beef, and chicken.

Rib Rub

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. cocoa powder

Directions:

Add the sugar and spices to a mixing bowl.

Mix up well.

Once well combined, add the rib rub to an air-tight jar. Secure the lid.

Store the rib rub until you are ready to use it to coat your ribs.