Jamaican Jerk Spareribs Recipe | Spicy BBQ Dry Rub

Jamaican Jerk spareribs are everything regular spareribs are not: spicy, aromatic, and full of character. The Jamaican Jerk BBQ Rub — with scotch bonnet, allspice, and thyme — gives the meat a deep, complex flavor you won't find anywhere else. Not for the faint-hearted, but for the adventurous.

What you'll need

  • 1 rack of spareribs (±1.2–1.5 kg)
  • 30–40g Jamaican Jerk BBQ Rub
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (as a binder)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • BBQ or oven
  • Aluminum foil
  • Meat thermometer

Preparation

Remove the membrane from the underside of the spareribs. Mix the Jamaican Jerk BBQ Rub with olive oil and lime juice to form a thick paste and rub it generously all over the rack. Marinate for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator — overnight is even better.

BBQ preparation (low & slow)

  1. Preheat the BBQ to indirect heat: 110–120°C.
  2. Place the spareribs bone-side down on the grate.
  3. Smoke for 3 hours without opening. Use fruity wood like apple for a tropical smoky flavor.
  4. Wrap the spareribs tightly in aluminum foil and cook for another 1.5 hours at 120°C.
  5. Remove from foil and return to the grate for 20–30 minutes for a crispy bark.
  6. Done when the internal temperature is 90–95°C and the meat pulls away from the bone.

Oven preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 120°C (convection).
  2. Place the spareribs on a rack over a baking sheet with a layer of water.
  3. Cook for 3 hours covered with foil.
  4. Remove the foil and turn the oven up to 220°C for 20–25 minutes for a crispy bark.

Tips for perfect Jerk spareribs

  • The longer the marinade, the deeper the flavor — overnight is ideal
  • Scotch bonnet is spicy — want it milder? Use less rub per kg of meat
  • Lime on the side when serving enhances the tropical notes
  • Bend test: pick up the rack in the middle — if it tears slightly, they're done

Serving

Cut between the bones and serve immediately. Delicious with rice and peas, grilled pineapple, or a fresh mango coleslaw.

→ Order the Jamaican Jerk BBQ Rub
→ Also check out the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
→ Everything about Jamaican Jerk BBQ Rub — flavor profile & tips
→ Discover more flavors with the Starter Pack

Want to learn more about BBQ techniques?

→ What is low & slow BBQ? The basics explained
→ How to make a perfect bark?
→ Internal temperatures for BBQ — complete overview
→ Which smoking wood to use? Hickory, apple, cherry, and mesquite explained