Hey Grill Hey Rib Rub

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If you’ve purchased Rib Rub, or made some of your own, and you need some help using it to create flavorful smoked meats, then I’ve got you covered. From what’s in this robust seasoning, to hidden ways to use it for maximum flavor, I discuss it here.

Bottle of Rib Rub next to assorted grilled meats and vegetables on a table. Text overlay reads "Hey Grill Hey Rib Rub."
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Hey Grill Hey Rib Rub

If you’ve been making ribs with help from Hey Grill Hey for a while, then you’re probably familiar with my signature Rib Rub. What you may not know is this sweet, smoky rub loaded with brown sugar and smoked paprika is an award-winning pork rub. This stuff packs enough punch and pizazz to season your ribs all on its own. But it’s so versatile, you can pair it with any BBQ sauce you love with ribs. That same versatility gives this rub a unique ability to be a supporting player, while still bringing maximum flavor. It also makes the rub ideal for experimenting with other kinds of meats.

So, if you want to know a little about what’s in the bottle, and a lot about how you can use it to become a backyard BBQ hero, then let me tell you about Rib Rub.

A bottle of BBQ seasoning next to a plate of ribs, a plate of corn, and other side dishes.

Flavor Profile: What’s Inside

My who jam here at Hey Grill Hey is creating simple yet delicious recipes so you can make better BBQ to feed the people you love. I always use fresh, quality ingredients when cooking for my family, and that extends to my products. You won’t find any MSG or artificial ingredients in this seasoning. If I wouldn’t feed it to my family, then I won’t let you feed it to your family.

What you will find in my Rib Rub is a rich blend of quality seasonings, herbs and spices. I’m talking the kind of stuff that will make your ribs the stuff of neighborhood lore. WIth a base of brown sugar and smoked paprika, this rub strikes the perfect balance of sweet and smoky. High notes of cinnamon and celery seed add to the wonderful contrast. This medley of complementary flavors works great with the naturally sweet, savory flavor of any rack of ribs. Plus, the brown sugar caramelizes for an irresistible, crispy bark on the exterior of your ribs. I called it Rib Rub for a reason.

A bottle of Rib Rub on a countertop surrounded by raw ingredients.

Award-Winning Rib Rub

Now, if you’re worried I’m just trying to sell you a product, you don’t have to take my word for it. The National Barbecue & Grilling Association (NBBQA) recognized this bad boy with an Award of Excellent in the Pork Rub category. If you’re going to trust anyone’s opinion on what makes up a quality rub for ribs, it’s the NBBQA. With several of the rubs and sauces in my line recognized, you can rest assured you’re using a quality product. (You can also just make it yourself if you really don’t believe me).

The Rib Rub to End All Rib Rubs

Just like the name suggests, this rub was built for ribs. Baby backs, spares, St. Louis, full rack, short ribs, you name it. If it’s a rib, it wants this rub. Here are some of my tried-and-true rib recipes featuring this bold seasoning:

How to Use Rib Rub

The good news is if a recipe in your Hey Grill Hey library uses Rib Rub, then you can already give specific directions in the recipe card. Simply select the recipe you want to make, then scroll down to the recipe card. The directions for how much seasoning to use, plus any notes, can be found here. You can easily trade it out with my other rubs in most cases, or go 50/50. It makes a sweet addition to any of my BBQ sauces for an brand-new level of flavor.

Now, if you’re already a rib pro just looking for a go-to rub when you’re ready to smoke, Rib Rub is a fantastic option. I typically use around 1 Tablespoon of this rub along with a binder, per rack of ribs I’m cooking. You can always adjust up or down depending on your preferences. I’m a big fan of that crispy exterior on my tender ribs, so this rub for ribs is my best friend.

Bottles of BBQ condiments next to a plate of sliced ribs and two ears of grilled corn.

Pairing Suggestions

One of the best things about BBQ is how you can mix and match different seasonings for unique flavor combinations. This Rib Rub is uniquely qualified to shine in that regard, because it was designed specifically to pair with an array of sauces. When it comes to ribs, there are as many sauce preferences as there are days in the month. To be a truly great rub for ribs, I believe a rub should be able to hold up with them all. And believe me when I say, this rub does just that.

This Rib Rub pairs perfectly with any of my signature sauces. However, if you’re looking for a knockout one-two punch, you want my Zesty Gold BBQ Sauce. Just like the rub, this sauce enhances the natural flavor of pork, but doesn’t steal the show. When used as a binder before a generous sprinkled of the rub, this sauce helps create a beautiful bark for your ribs. But again, this Rib Rub works great with just about any BBQ sauce you prefer.

Bottles of BBQ condiments next to pulled pork sandwiches, sliced watermelon, a bowl of salad, and other sides.

More Creative Recipes Using Rib Rub

Yes, this rub is a match made in heaven for ribs, but it’s made for so much more than that. Remember when I said it won an NBBQA award for pork rub? Not rib rub, pork rub. The herbs and spices blended in this rub make it an ideal companion for pig across the board. From pork shoulder, to bacon, to pork steaks, there’s no part of the animal this rub won’t enhance. It also adds a phenomenal layer of flavor to chicken. Here are a few of my favorite ways to get creative with Rib Rub:

Unlock Your Rib Potential

Whether you’re looking to use your Rib Rub to make the ultimate smoked ribs, or you want to create something totally unique, I want to help. I’m always creating new recipes using this seasoning, and I’m always trying it out on old favorites. And guess what? I’ve put them all in one place so you have a quick reference whenever you want to test the limits of this powerful rub.

Simply scan the QR code located on the back of your bottle, so you can unlock a whole collection of recipes perfect for your rub. Some of these recipes call directly for Rib Rub, while some I just think would work great with it. Make sure to check back often, because I’m always adding new ideas to help inspire your BBQ at home.

A rack of cooked, unsliced ribs, a skillet of beans, and a bottle of Rib Rub on a wooden cutting board.

Even More on Rib Rub

If you want to see how I put it to action to create tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs for my family, then check out the video below. I also talk about some of the unique ways we’ve found to enjoy this versatile rub. Then grab yourself a bottle of Rib Rub in my Hey Grill Hey Store, so you can create some fun BBQ memories with the people you love.

I’ve also got videos just like this to provide you with my insider opinion on the entire Hey Grill Hey line over on my YouTube channel. I’ve also got simple, how-to videos for all of my most popular recipes, so you can make restaurant-quality BBQ at home for your family. While you’re there, check out my Shorts channel for some quick BBQ tips and ideas, and especially some grilling inspiration.

Don’t forget to rack up some rib jealousy with the Hey Grill Hey community. Share some photos of your award-worthy ribs, and tag @heygrillhey on Facebook and Instagram so we can all bask in your BBQ glory.

About

FOUNDER/BBQ BOSS LADY

Susie is the BBQ Brain behind the Hey Grill Hey website. Her passion for smoked meats and developing fun, new recipes have landed her on the Food Network, cooking turkeys with Shaq, and on a couple of Guinness World Records. When she’s not grilling, she is hanging out with Todd and their three kids, preferably outdoors!

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