Print

Best Competition Style BBQ Ribs Recipe Easy Dry Rub for Perfect BBQ

competition style bbq ribs - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers tender, smoky, spice-rubbed baby back ribs with a perfect balance of smoky heat and savory sweetness, ideal for backyard cookouts or competition-style BBQ.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 2.5 to 3 pounds each)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • Wood chips or chunks (hickory or apple wood)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Apple juice or apple cider vinegar mixed with water (for spritzing, optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs using a butter knife and paper towel, then rinse ribs under cold water and pat dry.
  2. Spread a thin layer of yellow mustard over both sides of each rack to help the rub stick.
  3. In a bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin if using; whisk until well blended.
  4. Generously sprinkle the dry rub over both sides of each rack, patting it in gently. Wrap ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  5. Light charcoal and bring smoker or grill to a steady 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips or chunks as needed and set up for indirect heat.
  6. Place ribs bone side down on the grill grate over indirect heat. Close lid and maintain 225°F. Every hour, spritz ribs lightly with apple juice or cider vinegar mixture to keep moist.
  7. After 3 hours, remove ribs and wrap tightly in aluminum foil with a splash of apple juice inside. Return wrapped ribs to the grill and cook for another 2 hours.
  8. Carefully unwrap ribs and place back on the grill. Cook for 1 more hour to firm up the bark. Optionally brush with BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes.
  9. Remove ribs from grill and let rest uncovered for 15 minutes before slicing between bones.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tender ribs. Keep smoker lid closed to maintain steady temperature. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Spritz lightly to avoid cooling the grill. Wrap ribs in foil during the stall phase to keep them juicy. Finish unwrapped for a crisp bark. Can bake ribs wrapped in foil at 275°F for 3 hours if no smoker is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, competition style ribs, dry rub ribs, smoked ribs, baby back ribs, barbecue, grilling, smoking, easy BBQ recipe

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/best-competition-style-bbq-ribs-recipe-easy-dry-rub-for-perfect-bbq/