Ribs are tender and have rich flavors. Enough to make your mouth water and your taste buds tingle. From baby back ribs to St. Louis Style ribs and beef short ribs, the cut is a favorite for barbecue and other cooking methods. That said, the key to preparing a perfect rib is in the seasoning. Ask a grill master or a chef, and they’ll tell you knowing how to season ribs is essential in your journey to BBQ perfection. Not to worry, that’s why we’re here. Let us delve into the best ribs seasoning and how to make finger-licking goodness whenever you fire the grill.
Key Ingredients
- Paprika
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Pepper
- Mustard powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Nutmeg
Paprika adds a mild, smoky, or sweet flavor. Not only this, but also a red hue. Besides the kitchen benefits, it contains antioxidants like carotenoids, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. Likewise, paprika supplies Vitamin A.
Salt brings out other flavors and enhances taste. You can use sea salt or kosher salt, as they stick to meat better. As is common in most foods, moderate salt consumption is vital for hydration, electrolyte balance, and nerve function.In contrast, brown sugar adds sweetness and caramelization. Apart from this, it allows crusts to form on the ribs without using refined sugar.
Pepper generally adds heat and a pungent flavor. Meanwhile, there are different types of pepper, each with its benefits. For instance, black pepper enhances nutrient absorption and provides an earthy flavor. Similarly, cayenne pepper adds a bright flavor and heat. It contains capsaicin, which relieves pain and boosts metabolism.
Mustard powder enhances seasoning by providing a tangy sensation and heat. Hence, individuals who don’t want many calories use it to add flavor, and it also possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic powder gives a savory, slightly pungent taste and has various health benefits. For instance, garlic is renowned for its antimicrobial, immune-boosting, and cholesterol-regulating properties. On the other hand, onion powder is rich in antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it supplies Vitamin C and B6. Most importantly, onion powder has a sweet, savory flavor, and the user does not have to deal with the fresh onion texture.
Lastly, nutmeg enhances the taste of ribs and boosts the brown sugar’s aroma. Chefs sometimes use cinnamon as an alternative, but you can combine the two.
How to Season Ribs
The first step to seasoning ribs is to eliminate the silverskin, the chewy, thin membrane. Run a knife between the membrane to loosen it from the meat. Next, rinse the rib under cold water and use a paper towel to remove excess moisture so that the seasoning will adhere and create a crust on the surface.
Apply dry rub or seasoning mix to both sides of the ribs and use your hand to massage it for even distribution. Pay close attention to the nooks and crannies, edges, and ends of the ribs. Let the ribs rest for about 30 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours. If you’re not in a hurry, put them in the freezer overnight and cook using your preferred method in the morning.
Best Rib Seasoning
Steak Lover’s 6-pack gourmet rub is suitable for ribs, steaks, and other cuts. The Brazilian Steakhouse BBQ blend contains over ten ingredients. As a result, it infuses more flavor than most. Apart from that, there is a blend for taco, burger, garlic truffle steak, and Montreal steak. Together, the seasoning blends add rich, savory, and deep flavor layers.
Products in the Collection
- Argentine Chimichurri & Steak Seasoning: Garlic, Sea Salt, Parsley, Oregano, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Red Cayenne, Worcestershire (Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Onion, Tomato and Apple, Natural Caramel Color), Lemon Zest.
- Brazilian Steakhouse BBQ Blend: Granulated Garlic, Minced Garlic, Sea Salt, Cane Sugar, Black Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cilantro, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Green Bell Pepper, Oregano.
- Everything But The Burger Seasoning: Garlic, Sea Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper, Worcester Powder, Red Cayenne, Red Bell Pepper, Mustard Powder, Mushroom Powder.
- Everything But The Taco Seasoning: Paprika, Garlic, Salt, Red Pepper Flakes, Sugar, Oregano, Black Pepper, Red Pepper, Coriander, Chipotle Peppers, Chili Peppers, Jalapeño Peppers, Cilantro, White Pepper, Fenugreek, Fennel, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Cloves, Basil, Rosemary, Celery, Thyme, Marjoram, Ginger, Cumin, Cinnamon.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: Garlic, Crushed Black Pepper, Coriander Seed, Dried Chili Peppers, Sea Salt, Paprika.
- Garlic Truffle Steak Rub: Pretzel Salt, White Pepper, Coriander, Truffle Zest, Dill Seed, Rosemary, Thyme, Marjoram and Garlic Powder.
As the name implies, these 3-pack gourmet seasonings and rubs let you make authentic Asian-style BBQ. Apart from using rubs, the collections are suitable for marinades, sauces, and dressings. They offer sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. Regardless of the meat you’re into, these ground blends will add a pop to any rib cut.
Products in the Collection
- Spicy Korean BBQ Rub: Garlic, Sea Salt, Red Chili Flakes, Onion, Paprika, Cane Sugar, Chili Powder, Sesame Seeds, Ginger, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Mustard Seed, Chives, Red Cayenne Pepper.
- Japanese Teriyaki BBQ Rub: California Sea Salt, Chili Peppers, Garlic, Onion, Sesame Seeds, Cane Sugar, Poppy Seeds, Ginger, Chili Powder, Worcestershire (Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Onion, Tomato and Apple, Natural Caramel Color), Dehydrated Orange, Hickory Smoke Powder, Shiitake Mushroom, Wasabi Root.
- Fancy AF BBQ Rub: Garlic, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Cane Sugar, Rosemary, Paprika, Worcestershire (Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Onion, Tomato and Apple, Natural Caramel Color, Yeast Extract, Maltodextrin), Celery Seed, Lemon Zest, Red Pepper Flakes, Butter (Sweet Cream, Salt, Annatto Color, Non-Fat Milk Solids) Black Truffle, Natural Carob Powder, Natural Truffle Flavor, and Habanero Peppers.
Salt lays the foundation for other seasonings. Instead of using standard table salt, you’ll get more flavors from a luxury gourmet salt collection. For example, lemon rosemary sea salt. It features California sea salt, lemon peel, lemon zest, and rosemary. Others include a taste of Greece, blue spirulina superfood sea salt, and more. Meanwhile, blue spirulina adds a beautiful blue color to whatever you sprinkle it on.
Products in the Collection
- Blue Spirulina Superfood Sea Salt: Coarse California Sea Salt, Fine California Sea Salt, Blue Spirulina Powder.
- Taste of Bordeaux: Chives, Dill Tips, Basil Leaves, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, and Parsley.
- Taste of Provence: Savory, Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, and Fennel.
- Lemon Rosemary Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Lemon Peel, Lemon Zest, Rosemary.
- Taste of Greece: Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, California Sea Salt, Oregano, Lemon Oil, and Marjoram.
- Taste of Tuscany: Basil, Oregano, Red Bell Peppers, Garlic, Green Bell Peppers, Black Pepper, Fennel, and Rosemary.
The complete bougie BBQ collection is the whole deal when it comes to ribs seasoning. The collection contains 16 tins of rubs and seasonings for every BBQ meal. From ribs to primal cuts and tender steaks, the herbs and spices will enhance and elevate simple meals into signature dishes.
Products in the Collection
- Argentine Chimichurri & Steak Seasoning
- Brazilian Steakhouse BBQ Blend
- Chef's Kiss Spicy BBQ Mix
- Chop House Choice BBQ Seasoning
- Deep Cuts Blackening & BBQ Rub
- Everything But The BBQ Seasoning
- Extra Spicy Bayou Boil BBQ Seasoning
- Fancy AF BBQ Rub
- Great Lakes Fish Fry & BBQ Seasoning
- Herbed Maple & Spice BBQ Seasoning
- Perfect Poultry BBQ Rub
- New Zealand Land & Game BBQ Rub
- Salt & Sugar-Free Steak Seasoning
- South Pacific Pineapple BBQ Rub
- Spicy Black Truffle BBQ Rub
- Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Pepper BBQ Rub
Conclusion
Rib seasoning will improve the taste of your pork or beef ribs. Although the ingredients above are staples, experiment with different herbs and spices. Eventually, you’ll find a blend you’re comfortable with. Alternatively, buy a collection and have all the ingredients you can ever dream of in one place.
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