How to Prepare a Rub for Smoked Pork Ribs

Smoked pork ribs are a common food prepared over low heat and cooked for a long time. The time spent slow cooking the pork allows the prepared rub of spices to infuse the meat with flavor. Rubs contain many spices according to the cook's tastes, you can experiment your own signature rub.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Spices
• Pork ribs

1. Determine the type of spice rub for pork ribs. Rosemary is a common herb used with pork rubs. Incorporate any of your favorite herbs into the rub for a special flavor.
2. Put together a selection of dry spices for the rub. Use a mixture of sweet spices if desired. White sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon are common additions. Use savory spices such as salt, peppers and garlic for the opposite flavor.
3. Use a smoked paprika for an eastern flavor to the smoked pork ribs. Incorporate ethnic spices for a regional taste.
4. Combine the spices in a mixing bowl and thoroughly integrate. Powdered spices penetrate the pork ribs better than flake spices when smoked.
5. Add a cayenne pepper or other hot pepper powder to the rub for a touch of heat to the ribs. Use discretion when adding hot spices and consider other diners' palettes.
6. Pour in a small amount of olive oil or other vegetable oil into the spices. This technique marries the flavors together before you apply the rub to the smoked pork ribs. It also allows the mixture to better adhere to the pork.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a pair of kitchen or plastic gloves to actually apply the rub mixture to the pork ribs.
• Place herb flakes or seeds into a small coffee grinder and pulse until a powder is formed to release the flavors.
• Avoid touching sensitive areas of the body after handling spices to prevent discomfort.