Copycat Famous Dave’s Rib Rub

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I was hankerin’ for some tender, almost-fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs, and lo and behold, spareribs were on sale at our grocery store. So I grabbed a few racks, trimmed them up St. Louis-style and started contemplating how I was going to cook them. Normally, it means an overnight rub down with some Memphis rib rub, then onto my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker using the 3-2-1 cooking method. This time, I decided to try a copycat of Famous Dave’s rib rub (the one they use in the restaurants for making their totally outstanding ribs) and cook the ribs low-and-slow for 6 hours.

The Perfect Rib Rub

This copycat Famous Dave’s rib rub is outstanding. It has a little heat, a little sweet, and a little saltiness. And celery seeds, which I think are just about required in any rub. And just a hint of cloves, which I don’t think I’ve seen in a rub before. I ended up liking the flavor from them much more than I thought I would. It’s amazingly complex, and oh so good.

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Although I sauced my ribs, I easily could’ve eaten them ‘dry’, without sauce. I cannot wait to use this same rub on a pork butt in the very near future. With just one cook it has become my go-to rub.

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4.10 from 11 votes

Copycat Famous Dave’s Rib Rub

This copycat Famous Dave’s rib rub is outstanding. It has a little heat, a little sweet, and a little saltiness. And celery seeds, which I think are just about required in any rub.

Course Spice Mixture

Cuisine American

Keyword copycat, ribs, seasoning

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6 cups

Calories 482kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 cup Kosher salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup garlic powder
• ¼ tablespoon chili powder
• ¼ cup lemon pepper seasoning
• ¼ cup onion salt or powder
• ¼ teaspoon celery salt
• 2 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon Mrs. Dash Original Blend seasoning

Instructions

• Note: The version of this rub stated above uses less salt than the version you’ll find on the internet. Add more (or use less) salt as you desire.
• Combine all ingredients.
• To use, spread liberally on ribs (or pork shoulder or butt), wrap in foil, and let refrigerate 12 hours before smoking or grilling.

Notes

Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 23719mg | Potassium: 549mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 97g | Vitamin A: 512IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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