Competion Rib Rub suggestions

[BigAl]

I do a little competition rib cooking and I prefer to make my own rub. Was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on something to add to this? I think it needs more flavor. Not really needing spice, as you can't make comp ribs too spicy. But it seems to be missing something. And please don't suggest cinammon.

Rib Rub
1 / 4 cup white or brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 ⁄ 8 cup sweet paprika (do not use regular paprika)
1/8 cup smoked paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder (not garlic salt)
1 ⁄ 2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or other spicy pepper
1 tablespoon sea salt and 1 tablespoon black pepper

 

[TN Song Dog]

Not mussing much from what i can see. Maybe up the brown sugar, salt, and cumin.

Here's a highly regarded recipe I found online that might give some inspiration.


MDM's FINGER LICKIN' RIB RUB
(Dry Ingredients–Only)

1/3 Cup granulated sugar
1/3 Cup brown sugar
3 tspn. Old Bay Seasoning (sh-h-h, secret ingredient of MDM)
6 Tbspns. Kosher Salt or Coarse Mediterranean Sea Salt
¼ tspn. of paprika
1 tspn. dry mustard powder

2 Tbspns. ground black pepper
1 Tbspn. garlic salt
1 Tbspn. dried onion
1Tbspn. dried basil

 

[TboneD]

I prefer brown sugar although turbinado sugar is more forgiving to higher heat or temp spikes (if you're cooking high heat or using a traditional smoker.) I also usually avoid powders and use granulated garlic and onion instead.

Ever tried delaying the rub until later into the cook with nothing but kosher salt over a bit of oil to begin with? While it's the thinking behind Memphis style dry ribs I've even heard of bbq competitors doing it to preserve the flavors of their rub.

 

[Bucket]

Try adding MSG if it's allowed.

 

[REN]

ground ginger powder and or Rosemary. Although rosemary may add to much savory to your mix and it can be powerful if to much added.

Ginger gives it a unique pop IMO.

 

[TAFKAP]

I do a little competition rib cooking and I prefer to make my own rub. Was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on something to add to this? I think it needs more flavor. Not really needing spice, as you can't make comp ribs too spicy. But it seems to be missing something. And please don't suggest cinammon.

Rib Rub
1 / 4 cup white or brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 ⁄ 8 cup sweet paprika (do not use regular paprika)
1/8 cup smoked paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder (not garlic salt)
1 ⁄ 2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or other spicy pepper
1 tablespoon sea salt and 1 tablespoon black pepper

Honestly, I would get rid of the cumin. I don't like how it works in pork. I think a touch of celery seed would add a bit of a vegetal *oomph* to it. Bittersweet chocolate powder might give it some depth. Mushroom powder might work as well, but I would go lightly with it. A little bit can really help, but too much will make it funky.

 

[UCStandSitter]

I hesitate to share my secret but…

black cardamom

Give it a shot. Doesn't take very much

 

[Mud Creek]

Not mussing much from what i can see. Maybe up the brown sugar, salt, and cumin.

X2

 

[backyardtndeer]

I have used cocoa baking powder in my homemade rubs before.

 

[mike243]

powdered honey

 

[BigAl]

Try adding MSG if it's allowed.

Seriously. Wouldn't have ever thought about that one.

 

[BigAl]

I hesitate to share my secret but…

black cardamom

Give it a shot. Doesn't take very much

I've heard of cardamon. Is that spicy?

 

[BigAl]

ground ginger powder and or Rosemary. Although rosemary may add to much savory to your mix and it can be powerful if to much added.

Ginger gives it a unique pop IMO.

Might try the ginger. Rosemary is like coconut, people either love it or hate it. And my wife hates it.

 

[TAFKAP]

I've heard of cardamon. Is that spicy?

No, it's the seed pod of cilantro plants. Hard to describe. Good flavor, but probably easy to get too much. Go easy. If I can describe it, there's a little bit of a licorice/anise flavor to it....

 

[UCStandSitter]

I've heard of cardamon. Is that spicy?

Not hot spicy. Just a powerful flavor

 

[Creek bottoms]

Y'all are overthinking it. Salt, pepper, brown sugar (a little) and paprika (if you want to).

 

[Urban_Hunter]

I mix salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, brown sugar….

Jk… Bad Byron's Butt Rub

 

[TAFKAP]

Y'all are overthinking it. Salt, pepper, brown sugar (a little) and paprika (if you want to).

He said competition rub. Those judges want to get punched in the face with spices, and if that first flavor isn't candy apple sweet, you're not doing it right

 

[redblood]

I bought a big jug of "butt rub" from sams club. Works fine.

 

[BigAl]

Been on vacation, but thanks for all the tips. Gonna try another cook this week or the next so I'll give some of these suggestions a try.