Ingredients
For the Rub Seasoning
- 1/4 cup seasoning salt
- 1/4 cup granulated garlic
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup black pepper (ground)
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1/2 cup whole oregano (dried)
- 1/8 cup onion powder
- 3/4 cup cajun seasoning
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
For the Ribs
- 2 slabs pork spare ribs (St. Louis cut / 3# avg./12 bone)
- 2 cup rub seasoning
- 32 ounces BBQ sauce
- 1 pound watermelon (rind removed), cut into cubes
Preparation
- To make seasoning mix, combine first eight ingredients, mix well. Add brown sugar and mix well, removing any lumps.
- Liberally season both sides of the ribs with seasoning mix. Grill, roast or smoke ribs until 90-95% done. Cut the ribs into three-bone sections. (This can be done ahead)
- Place the BBQ sauce into a 4" deep roasting pan. Slather the rib sections in the sauce and “shingle” them into a row in the pan. Cut the watermelon into 1-2" cubes and place over the ribs. Cover the pan and place in a slow oven (250 degrees) for approx. 3 hours.
Serves 4-6.
About this recipe
Loveless Cafe's Signature Rub is a superb rub for pork butts, pork loins and chicken. It makes 3 cups. Keep in an airtight jar.
Of course, if you want, you may also simply head over to Loveless Cafe' on Thursday for some of George's Watermelon Ribs. (But get there early!)
Loveless Café
8400 Highway 100
Nashville, TN
37221
Related Stories & Recipes
We love duck in almost any form. We paired this ground duck from Tennessee Grass Fed Farm with the bright fresh flavors of Thailand—always welcome in summer—for an inspired burger that makes...
Elote Style Corn
This recipe from Chef Travis Sparks was the hit of last summer’s farm dinner at Turnbull Creek Farm. It’s Mexican street corn off the cob. Travis cooks the kernels in a corn stock* for a more intense ...
Chipotle Corn Potato Salad
Cooler seasons call for bolder, more complex potato salads, such as this one with the rich flavors of chiles and sweet corn. With spicy and sweet mixed together in one bowl, it’s perfect for autumn me...
Lady Pea Salad with Pesto
We love to try interesting pastas. Here we used Fergola Sarda from Lazzaroli’s Pasta shop in Germantown. However you can use any small pasta, even Israeli couscous. Serve this alongside grilled or rot...
Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Zucchini bread meets tender cake meets cream cheese frosting. Yum.