Char-Grilled Cajun Rib Tips with Spicy Dry Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy, smoky rib tips coated in a bold Cajun dry rub, char-grilled to perfection for a finger-licking experience. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork rib tips, paprika, cayenne pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tbsp black pepper to create the Cajun dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 lbs pork rib tips and toss them with 2 tbsp olive oil to coat evenly. Generously rub the Cajun seasoning all over the rib tips, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat around 400°F. Place the rib tips on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the edges develop a nice char and the internal temperature reaches 180°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with fresh lemon wedges squeezed over the rib tips for a bright finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Char-Grilled Cajun Rib Tips with Spicy Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Cajun Rib Tips with Spicy Dry Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork rib tips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Cajun Rib Tips with Spicy Dry Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Char-Grilled Cajun Rib Tips with Spicy Dry Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Char-Grilled Cajun Rib Tips with Spicy Dry Rub?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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