This Dry Rub for Ribs is the best and easiest way to amp up the flavor of your favorite ribs recipe!
The best part of ribs is that big hit of flavor you get with every finger-licking bite!
Our classic recipe for dry rub for ribs is the key to supercharged flavor. Using a handful of pantry staple spices you can transform every rack of ribs, including pork ribs, spare ribs, and beef ribs!
We use this spice mixture in all of our baby back ribs recipes. Our Oven Baked Ribs, flavorful Smoked Ribs, and Slow Cooker Ribs start as dry rub ribs and use this flavorful rib seasoning.
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Ingredients needed for homemade Rib Rub
When we say easy, we aren’t kidding! This super flavorful spice blend has the perfect balance and comes together in about 5 minutes!
Below is the list of the handful of seasonings needed to make your own dry rub, and some thoughts on why we chose each of them. Be sure to use fresh spices for the best results!
(The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below)
- Paprika – Use the best quality sweet paprika from Hungary, if possible. You can also substitute smoked paprika if you want added wood-fired smoky flavor
- Chili Powder – Chili powder is a mixture of herbs and spices but is mainly made up of a combination of dried chile varieties. Any type will work!
- Dark Brown Sugar – We love the deep flavor of dark brown sugar, due to the presence of molasses. Light brown can be substituted if that is all you have on hand. If you are paleo-friendly use coconut sugar instead
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground pepper gives this rub a kick!
- Kosher Salt – This type of salt has wider, coarser crystals and no additives. The larger size allows it to salt food more gently. If you don’t have kosher salt the best substitute is coarse sea salt. If you use regular table salt cut back the amount used by half
- Garlic Powder – Garlic salt can be a substitute, but if using cut back on the kosher salt
- Dried Oregano – You could also use dried rosemary
- Dry Mustard Powder – Made with ground mustard seeds, also called ground mustard, this powder adds a distinct tangy flavor. Dry mustard is quite acidic which helps tenderize meat
- Cumin – This popular spice adds earthy warm flavors and enhances any dish. Be sure to use ground cumin, rather than cumin seed
- Onion Powder – Onion salt can be used as a substitute but cut back on the kosher salt if you use onion salt instead of onion powder
- Cayenne Pepper – We use a generous pinch but if you want an extra punchy flavor use 2 pinches – or none at all if you don’t like as much heat!
How to Make Homemade Rib Rub
- Measure each ingredient into a small bowl and whisk together with a fork to make sure it is well-blended
- This makes 2 cups of rub and enough rib rub for 6+ racks of ribs (about 12 ribs per rack)
- Use the rub mix right away, or make it ahead of time, and store it in sealed mason jars or a spice jar to keep it fresh for future use
How to apply Dry Rib Rub
- Always rinse racks of ribs and then pat them dry with a paper towel so you begin with dry ribs
- Apply the dry rub liberally on all sides, including the back of the ribs, and the ends of the rib rack. The best way to make sure every part is covered is to massage the rub in with your hands
- Allow the rub to sit on the ribs for the absolute best flavor. We recommend a minimum of 30 minutes resting time at room temperature, but ideally, up to 12 hours in the refrigerator
- You will need about 1/3 cup of spice rub for each rack
- Cook as directed using your preferred method and follow up with our 10-minute Homemade Barbecue Sauce or your favorite sticky BBQ sauce
- This recipe is enough for 6 racks so if you are only making two racks adjust accordingly, or save the remainder in an airtight container for your next batch of barbecue ribs
Using homemade dry rub on meats
This spice blend is the perfect combo for ribs but will also work with any cut of pork. Try it on pork loin, pork tenderloin, pork chops, or pork shoulder. It also tastes great on chicken, wings, and beef ribs.
This blend is easy and inexpensive, with no secret ingredients, so make extra to keep on hand. Sprinkle it on french fries, sweet potatoes, or baby potatoes too.
How to Store Dry Rub
- Store this rub mixture in an airtight container in your spice cabinet or a cool dry place. Label (and date) it so you have it ready anytime. We like to use these 6 oz spice jars and this recipe is enough for about 3 jars
- Spice blends will keep for about 6 months before they start to lose their potency, but they are best used within 3 months
- Be sure to use fresh spices. The best way to check to see if your spices are still flavorful is to rub a little between your fingers and see if they are still aromatic
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled or can be cut in half
Sides to Serve with Ribs
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Sweet Chili Sauce
- Easy Grilled Caesar Salad
- Baked Beans
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Asian Coleslaw with Peanut Dressing
Our favorite drinks to serve with ribs
- White Sangria – great for a group!
- Dirty Shirley Cocktails – cherries are always a match with BBQ ribs
- Watermelon Vodka Cocktails – a perfect summer match!
We love to make our own rubs, sauces, and seasonings so jump on over for more ideas
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Dry Rub for Ribs
Ingredients
- ½ cup paprika
- ⅓ cup chili powder
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup black pepper, ground
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 3 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch cayenne
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and blend well
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container
Notes
- The yield is about 2 cups of dry rub
- This recipe is enough to generously coat 6+ racks of ribs
- Store for up to 6 months
Tim McKenna
After pulling this rub/recipe together, it turned out pretty darn good. Thank you.
Anjali
Love the combination of spices in this recipe! Can’t wait to try it soon!
Leeanne
This was a great rub for my pork ribs. The flavour was really good, I will be using the leftovers on the next batch. Thanks for the recipe.
Gina Abernathy
Yes, ribs! This is one of my favorites to grill and such a nice rub. Great spices and the perfect rub for a delicious dinner.
Tara
Such a wonderful combination of spices in this dry rub! Definitely better homemade and I love how easily it comes together.
Angela
Such a good mixture of spices here! This was the absolute perfect dry rub for our ribs. Thanks for the great recpie!