Grilled Half-Slab Pork Ribs with Spicy Dry Rub
Tender pork ribs grilled over medium heat with a smoky, spicy dry rub that highlights the meat’s natural flavor enhanced by a balanced spice blend. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) pork ribs half-slab, brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 (about 1.5 lbs) pork ribs half-slab
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the dry rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 1 half-slab pork ribs (about 1.5 lbs) with paper towels and brush all sides evenly with 1 tbsp olive oil. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Place the ribs meat side down and grill for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until the outside is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 4: Remove ribs from the grill and let rest covered loosely with foil for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Half-Slab Pork Ribs with Spicy Dry Rub take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Grilled Half-Slab Pork Ribs 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 brown sugar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Half-Slab Pork Ribs 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 Grilled Half-Slab Pork Ribs with Spicy Dry Rub for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Grilled Half-Slab Pork Ribs with Spicy Dry Rub?
American pork 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.
