Looking for the perfect BBQ sauce and rub for your ribs? You've come to the right place! We've got 5 BBQ rub and sauce combinations to turn your ribs into a feast. Whether you're a fan of classic American flavors or craving a twist, get ready to discover combinations that will tantalize your taste buds and delight your guests!

Why use a rub in addition to BBQ sauce?

The technique of using a rub and brushing on barbecue sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking is ideal for several reasons.

First, the rub seasons the ribs from the start and forms an aromatic and flavorful crust that seals in the juices and intensifies the flavors as they cook. Ideally, we rub our ribs with the rub and let the flavors permeate the meat, from 1 hour to 24 hours.

Next, adding the barbecue sauce toward the end of cooking helps caramelize the ribs without burning them, creating a rich, sticky, and glossy glaze. This is because BBQ sauces contain a fair amount of sugar, which would char the meat if the sauce were applied at the beginning of cooking. This technique maintains the depth of flavor provided by the rub, ensuring a perfect harmony between the spicy crust and the sweetness of the sauce.

See our article How to cook pork ribs on the BBQ for complete cooking techniques.

The following recipes are calculated for approximately 2 kg of Nagano pork back ribs from l’épicier

Memphis BBQ Sauce and Rub

This BBQ rub and sauce combination embodies the favorite flavors of BBQ enthusiasts in this particular region. Ribs are typically smoked for a long time at low temperatures, but the following recipes allow you to enjoy classic BBQ ribs.

Memphis style rub

In a bowl, mix:

  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • 1 tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp celery salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Reserve 1 tsp of the mixture for the BBQ sauce and sprinkle the rest of the mixture over the ribs, patting to coat them well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Memphis BBQ Sauce

In a large saucepan, mix:

  • 1 / 2 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 c. tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp of the reserved spice mix

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Let the sauce cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.

Texas BBQ Sauce and Rub

Texas BBQ sauce is made with tomatoes, chili peppers, vinegar, and robust spices. It's perfect for those who like a little heat and boldness in their sauce.

Texas-style rub

In a bowl, mix:

  • 1/3 cup chili powder
  • 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 1/4 cup ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp mustard powder
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground cayenne pepper

Texas BBQ Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup of ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 C. chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp kosher salt or 1 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for 5 minutes.

Let the sauce cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Kansas BBQ Sauce and Rub

Kansas City-style barbecue combines a sweet dry rub with a thick, tangy, and smoky sauce made with ketchup, molasses, and spices. Brush it generously on your ribs for a treat that will satisfy even those who prefer sweeter flavors.

Kansas style rub

  • 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • 2 tbsp celery salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fine salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated onion
  • 1 tbsp granulated garlic
  • 1 C. chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

Kansas BBQ Sauce

In a large, deep saucepan, combine all of the following ingredients:

  • 6 tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 / 2 cup of cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 the tasse de miel
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp dark rum
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp liquid smoke
  • 1 C. chili powder
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook the sauce, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. Stir in:

  • 4 cups of ketchup
  • Coarse salt (sea or kosher salt) and freshly ground black pepper

Bring to a boil while whisking, reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring regularly.

Let the sauce cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

South Carolina BBQ Sauce and Rub

South Carolina has its own style of sauce made with vinegar and mustard. It adds a unique tangy flavor that contrasts well with the sweetness of other sauces. Its acidity also helps tenderize the meat, making each bite incredibly tender.

South Carolina Rub

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

South Carolina Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk together all of the following ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups yellow mustard
  • 4 tbsp ketchup
  • 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 / 2 cup of brown sugar
  • 4 tsp chili powder
  • 4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Hot sauce, to taste

Cook the sauce over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. Let the sauce cool for about 30 minutes.

BBQ sauce and rub Cola and coffee

This unconventional sauce brings depth of flavor with cola, coffee, and caramelized onions. The sweetness of the cola and the robustness of the coffee are balanced by the spices and rich flavor of the onions.

Basic Rib Rub

  • 2 C. tablespoon of salt
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper

BBQ sauce, cola and coffee

  • 3 onions, thinly sliced into half-circles
  • 1 tbsp canola oil

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over high heat and add the onions. Cook, stirring regularly, until reduced by half and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Be patient, as this process is essential for optimal flavor.

Once cooked, remove the onions from the pan and add the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup of espresso or regular coffee (brewed)
  • 1/2 canned chipotle pepper
  • 250 ml of cola
  • 1 tbsp mustard powder
  • A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
  • 450 ml of ketchup

Mix everything well, then simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes over medium heat, stirring regularly. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the sauce with a hand blender or food processor.

A hand dips one of the cooked Nagano pork ribs, placed on a wooden board, into a sauce.

There you have it, 5 delicious combinations of homemade BBQ rubs and sauces for cooking your ribs! Explore these different pairings to compare their nuances and find your favorite combination. By varying the pleasures, every barbecue becomes an opportunity to surprise your guests and enjoy an unforgettable meal.

Bon appétit!

The épicier offers you several types of pork ribs: side or back ribs, Nagano ribs and also marinated and cooked ribs! You can enjoy yourself effortlessly by simply heating our Walkirie ribs or our Korean ribs.

Check out our article Homemade BBQ Sauces: origin and recipes for even more inspiration!

sources:
https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/advice-how-tos/food-love/chef-favorite/regional-ribs
https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/memphis-pork-baby-back-ribs
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/blog/3728/types-of-bbq.html
https://sugarspiceandglitter.com/south-carolina-bbq-ribs-mustard-style/
https://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/chuck-hughes/chucks-bbq-sauce-1959358
https://www.dadwithapan.com/texas-style-dry-rub-for-bbqs/
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/texas-style-bbq-sauce
https://foodschmooze.org/recipe/steven-raichlens-sweet-and-smoky-barbecue-sauce/
https://www.seriouseats.com/barbecue-kansas-city-style-ribs-recipe
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/sweet-cola-ribs-recipe-1953650