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Are you a fan of delicious, juicy ribs slathered in mouthwatering mustard? If so, then you’re probably familiar with the tangy taste that pairs perfectly with BBQ. But do you know why mustard is so often used on ribs?
From its culinary history to how it enhances the flavors of your favorite rib dinner—there’s something unique about this condiment combination that sets itself apart from any other flavor combo. Let’s dive into why mustard on ribs makes such an excellent complement to smoky, tender ribs and some practical tips for spicing up your next rib feast!
Do You Put Mustard On Ribs Before Rubs?
When it comes to putting mustard on ribs, opinions vary. Some people like to apply a light coating of mustard before adding their rubs and sauces for extra flavor. Mustard helps the rub stick to the meat and adds a bit of tangy sweetness to the ribs. Others prefer not to use mustard at all, arguing that it can overwhelm the flavor of the rub.
Ultimately, the decision to use mustard on ribs is up to you and your tastes. If you decide to go with a mild or sweet-tasting mustard, then it can complement some rubs nicely. But if you don’t care for the taste of mustard, there’s nothing wrong with skipping it altogether. No matter what you decide, just remember to season your ribs generously and enjoy the flavors!
Do You Put Mustard On Ribs Before Rubs?
Why Put Mustard On Ribs?
Mustard can be an excellent addition to ribs if you’re looking for exciting flavor combinations. The acidity of the mustard helps tenderize the meat, making it extra juicy and flavorful. The slight sweetness of some mustards can also bring out the flavors of your rubs or sauces.
Additionally, the mustard can help your rub stick to the ribs more effectively. This ensures that you get even coverage and maximum flavor. Plus, it makes the surface of the ribs crisper and more flavorful when cooked.
Commercial Mustard Ingredients
The ingredients in a commercial mustard can vary depending on the brand. Most common mustards contain some combination of vinegar, spices, and mustard seeds. Some variations may also include sugar, honey, or other sweeteners.
When selecting mustard for your ribs, be sure to read the label and take note of the ingredients. This will give you an idea of what flavors you may be introducing to your ribs. For a mild flavor, try a sweet or Dijon mustard. For a bolder taste, opt for spicy or hot mustard.
Availability And Cost
Mustard is a relatively inexpensive condiment and can be found in most grocery stores. Prices can vary depending on the type, brand, and size of the mustard. Generally speaking, small jars of mustard can range from a few cents to a few dollars.
Why Put Mustard On Ribs?
Why Use Mustard?
Mustard can be an excellent addition to ribs for a number of reasons. Firstly, the acidity of the mustard helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. In addition, the slight sweetness of some mustards can bring out the flavors of your rubs or sauces. Furthermore, the mustard can help your rub stick to the ribs more effectively.
Why You Can’t Taste It?
When it comes to using mustard on ribs, some people worry that the flavor of the mustard will be overpowering. However, this is rarely the case.
The mustard is usually thinly spread across the surface of the ribs and then covered with a rub or sauce. The flavor of the mustard is then mellowed out by the other ingredients, making it difficult to taste in the finished product.
Mustard Applied After The Dry Rub?
Some people prefer to apply a light coating of mustard after the ribs have been rubbed with their favorite spices. This can result in a more intense flavor, as the mustard has not been mellowed out by other ingredients. For this reason, it’s important to use a milder or sweeter mustard if you plan on applying it after the rub.
Mustard On Ribs: Why Is It Used?
Alternatives To Mustard
If you’re not a fan of mustard, then there are other condiments and ingredients that can be used on ribs. Why not take a seat and let Liliana Kitchen show to you some of the best mustard alternatives:
Water And/Or No-Binder?
Some recipes call for a mixture of water and/or an oil-based binder such as Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, or vegetable oil. This mixture can help the rub stick to the ribs better and add additional flavor. For a lighter flavor, opt for only water.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a type of condiment that consists of anchovies, molasses, tamarind, onion, garlic, and other spices. It has a savory and slightly sweet flavor that can pair nicely with ribs.
Pickle Juice And Mustard
Mixing pickle juice with mustard is a great way to add extra flavor and tenderness to ribs. The acidity of the pickle juice helps to tenderize the meat, while the mustard adds some additional flavor.
Cooking Oils: Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil, etc.
Cooking oils can also be used to help your rub stick to the ribs. The oil will act as a binder and help the spices adhere to the meat better. For best results, use a light or neutral flavored oil such as olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar/Apple Juice
Apple cider vinegar, apple juice or beer can also be used as a binder for ribs. The acidity of the vinegar or juice will help to tenderize the meat, while adding some additional flavor. Be sure to use milder vinegar or juice as stronger ones can be too tart.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce can be used to add a bit of kick to your ribs. Hot sauces come in a variety of flavors, from mild to extremely spicy, so you can find one to suit your taste. Just be sure to use a light coating as too much hot sauce can overpower the flavor of your ribs.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise can also be used as a binder when making ribs. The mayo adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the rub stick to the meat. The addition of mayonnaise will also help to keep the ribs moist while they are cooking.
Mustard On Ribs: Why Is It Used? – Alternatives To Mustard
Some Similar Sauce Recipes For You
FAQs For “Mustard On Ribs: Why Is It Used?”
Should you put mustard on ribs before rub?
Yes, some people prefer to apply a light coating of mustard before adding the rub. This can help the rub stick to the ribs more effectively and add an extra layer of flavor. However, it’s important to use milder or sweeter mustard as the flavor can be too strong if a stronger variety is used.
Should I coat my ribs with mustard?
It’s up to you! Some people enjoy the added flavor that mustard provides while others prefer to keep it simple and use only a rub or sauce. If you do decide to use mustard, be sure to choose a milder or sweeter variety as the flavor can be too strong if a stronger one is used.
Can you put yellow mustard on ribs?
Yes, yellow mustard can be used on ribs. Nevertheless, it’s important to use a milder or sweeter variety of yellow mustard as the flavor can be too strong if a stronger variety is used. Also, consider using the mustard after the rub has been applied as this will give the ribs a more subtle flavor.
Can you use mustard as a marinade for ribs?
Of course, you can use mustard as a marinade for ribs. Mustard is acidic and helps to tenderize the meat which makes it an ideal marinade for ribs. But, it’s important to use a milder or sweeter variety of mustard as the flavor can be too strong if a stronger one is used.
Final Thoughts
Mustard can be used to add an extra layer of flavor to ribs. However, it’s important to use a milder or sweeter variety of mustard as the flavor can be too strong if a stronger one is used. Plus, you may opt to use the mustard after the rub has been applied to give the ribs a more subtle flavor.
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you choose to use mustard on your ribs. Experiment with different mustards and rubs to find the combination that works best for you! Also, leave down your opinions about this topic so that Liliana Kitchen can learn more from you!
