Dry Rub for Ribs

This Dry Rib Rub is the best and easiest way to amp up the flavor of your baked or smoked ribs!

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 rib rack!

We use this rub on both our classic Oven Baked Ribs and our flavorful Smoked Ribs.

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure for more details.

Ingredients needed for homemade Rib Rub

When we say easy, we aren’t kidding!

This super flavorful spice blend comes together in about 5 minutes! Here is the list of ingredients and some thoughts on why we chose them.

The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below, which can also be printed.

• Paprika – Use the best quality sweet paprika from Hungary, if possible. You can also substitute smoked paprika if you want added wood-fired 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 – 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 in a gentler way. If you don’t have kosher salt on hand 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 cut back on the kosher salt a bit
• Dried Oregano – You could also substitute dried rosemary.
• Dry Mustard Powder – Made with ground mustard seeds, and 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, again, cut back a bit on the kosher salt if you use onion salt instead of onion powder
• Cayenne – 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 mixing 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 in a sealed container or a spice jar to keep it fresh

How to Apply the Rub on Ribs:

• Always rinse ribs and then pat them dry with paper towels before using
• Apply the rub liberally on all sides, and to the ends of the rib rack. Massage in with your hands a little
• Allow the rub to sit on the ribs for the absolute best flavor
• We recommend a minimum of 30 minutes resting time, but ideally up to 12 hours in the refrigerator if possible
• You will need about 1/3 cup of rub for each rack
• This recipe is enough for 6 racks so if you are only making two racks adjust accordingly, or save the remainder for next time

Using dry rub on meats

This spice blend is the perfect combo for ribs but will also work well with any pork cut. Try it on pork loin or tenderloin, pork chops, or a pork shoulder. It also tastes great on chicken!

This blend is so easy and inexpensive to make that we usually make extra and keep it on hand for sprinkling on sweet potatoes or baby potatoes too.

How to Store Dry Rub

• Store this rub mixture in an airtight container in your spice cabinet. 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
• Oven Roasted Asparagus
• 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 meats
• Watermelon Vodka Cocktails – a perfect summer match!