Rub for Ribs #1
updated 06/06/2026
This rub is for baby back ribs. If I recall correctly, our friend Alison found it in Southern Living around 1995. We tried it and loved it.
Yeah, the first ingredient — chili powder — makes it sound like it’s spicy. But the long cooking time when I smoke ribs softens the tone so it’s non-spicy.
The current version includes a new ingredient — coffee. I’ve seen other rubs that include coffee, so I added 2 Tbsp of coffee ground finely for espresso. The flavor is not directly noticeable, but the coffee adds a richness to the taste.
06/06/2026 — changed the name and URL as I’m inventing a new rub to replace this one.
Rub for Ribs #1
Original Recipe:
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder/li>
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin/li>
- 2 tsp salt/li>
- 1-1/2 tsp dried oregano/li>
- 1 tsp garlic powder/li>
- 1 tsp ground red pepper
07/2025 Revision:
- 3 Tbsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp finely ground coffee (espresso grind)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground red pepper
Mix all ingredients well. Store in airtight container.
Rub liberally all over ribs. Cook as desired.
Notes: Make double or triple batch; it goes quickly.
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.
New Variation:
With the electric smoker, which allows me to control temperature far better, cooking time is reduced to 5 hours.
Additionally, I reduced the the chili powder to 1 Tbsp and increased paprika to 3 Tbsp.