Rub for Ribs #2

updated: 06/06/2026

I’ve been using the same rub for baby back ribs for 30 years. If I remember correctly, our friend Alison found it in Southern Living.

However … time marches on and as we get older, our bodies change, including digestion. The amount of chili powder in the original recipe was not a problem way back when … but now it produces indigestion. Reducing the amount of chili powder and increasing paprika helped, but not enough.

So I read a dozen or so rub recipes, and formulated this one for taste and (hopefully) lack of indigestion production.

This first version is likely to morph over time. We will see.

Rub for Ribs #2

• 2 Tbsp Kosher salt
• 2 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 Tbsp dried mustard
• 1 Tbsp granulated garlic
• 1 Tbsp allspice
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

Put all ingredients in an electric spice grinder and use to mix. Alternately, mix very well with a spoon. Store in airtight container.

Rub liberally all over ribs. Cook as desired.

Notes

I didn’t measure the output, but that is calculable based on amounts. It made enough rub to coat 3 racks of baby back ribs, with no leftovers.

I smoke the ribs for 6 to 8 hours in a smoker. During the last 2 hours coat the top side of the ribs liberally with BBQ sauce. I use whatever is cheap — we’ve tried various ones — it all comes out the same.