This recipe yields more rub than you need for two racks of spareribs (or four racks of baby backs).

INGREDIENTS

• 5 Tbsp brown sugar
• 4 Tbsp sea salt
• 3 Tbsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 Tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• Mortar and pestle

PREPARATION

Take a mortar and pestle and fill it with all the listed spices. Mix all the spices first. Then pound and rub the spices until fine.

Store any excess in a sealed jar away from heat and light; it will keep for several weeks.