Pull out that grill and grab a slab of ribs. Try the Best Rib Dry Rub EVER! This recipe is super simple to make and everyone will ask for more! Great not just on ribs but chicken too!

My husband thinks of himself as a bit of a grilling expert. He loves to pull the grill out and cook dinner for us a couple of times a week. This weekend he made some BBQ ribs that I swear were the best I have ever had, and it was all because of this recipe for the Best Rib Dry Rub we have ever tried.
This Rib Rub was so simple to make and I feel like one batch of this is enough for 2 slabs of ribs. The flavors play so nicely off of each other. The ribs didn't even need sauce, but we are bbq sauce people so they got it anyway. LOL

Each bite of the ribs you got the full flavor of the bbq with a hint of spice in the back from the chili and the pepper. I am telling you guys, this is the best rib dry rub EVER! I have even started doubling the recipe and keeping it in a jar in the spice cabinet. This spice rub is even great on chicken and turkey!
Want Less Spice?
If you are looking for a more mild, less spicy flavor eliminate the cayenne altogether. You are still going to love this rib rub. I don't think it is overly spicey with it, but it does add a little bite. You could also half it if you desired.
How Much Rub?
Really, how much is up to you and how big your slab of ribs is. I would start out with a light dusting your first time around. Probably about 2 tbsp total for a full slab, maybe a little more. If you like it and want to play with the amounts go right ahead. This seasoning is amazing.
Grill Temp for Ribs
Cooking your ribs between 225 – 250 degrees. You want a lower temperature because this helps break down the meat making it tender and juicy without drying it out too quickly and burning it. This temp will help you grill the best ribs you have ever eaten!
When you are done try this Ultimate Hack for cleaning your grill.
Printable Rib Rub Label

Before you mix up this yummy Dry Rib Rub print these convenient labels for your jar or container so you know what tasty treat is inside. Print the labels on adhesive paper to make them easy to adhere to your jars. They also print 2 to a sheet so you can make extra for a friend and share the flavor!
Recipe

The Best Rib Dry Rub
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne or chipotle pepper
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl or jar.
- Rub the seasoning into the slab of ribs before grilling also great on chicken!
Notes

Patty
The recipe for the dry rub was awesome in the babyback ribs.
Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it!
Chris
This is a really good rub! I use it on all of the pork I smoke. I do double the brown sugar in my recipe. And I also rub the ribs with yellow mustard before applying the rub. But this is a fantastic rub for beginners.
Susan
Excellent! The perfect balance of sweet and heat. Use this on pork, chicken and beef. Sprinkle on veggies while roasting or grilling too.
Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts
YUM! It is great on all kinds of things...especially veggies! Glad you enjoyed it!
Gina
Hi, this rub sounds delish. Will it be just as good on oven baked ribs? And which type of ribs can I use this rub on, baby backs, spare, or country -style? Sorry for all the questions. I really appreciate your response
Gabriel Jaramillo
Awesome recipe, I use New Mexico powder red Chile, 2 table spoonfuls. The girls love when I make ribs. Thank you...
Walter Swartz
Thumbs UP!
Betsy Smith
I use this on fish 🥰
Jason Phillips
We used this rub today, for our New Years Day cookout. I’ve never used it before but I’m glad I did because my entire family loved it! They asked for the recipe. Thanks for posting it online.
Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts
I love comments like this! Glad you and your family loved it Jason! 🙂
DB
It was a really good dry rub thank you for posting it!
Keith Christofferson
This is the best dry rub for baby back ribs! Absolutely love it! Thanks for sharing.
Brian
This rub is very good. Cooking my second rack of ri s today. I pull the membrane off the back and cook on low for four hours then put on the grill to char and bbq. Makes my stomach happy?
Gina
I love using different homemade bbq rubs. Yours will be next. It looks so easy and simple with spices I always have on hand. Will this work for ribs cooked in the oven? And which type of ribs can I use, baby backs, spare ribs, or country-style? Thanx for your response
bob
I just whipped up a batch, will let you know....it sounds good
Suzanne
I want to try this rub, anyone ever put it on ribs overnight??
Amanda Carlisle
We have not put it on overnight, but I am sure it would be amazing. Letting it sit overnight would help the flavors really absorb into the meat more. Let me know how it turns out! 🙂
ilene
how would this taste if i do not add the chili powder or cayainne?
Amanda Carlisle
The chili powder isn't spicy. I have made it without the cayenne and it is just fine. This rub spice would be fine without both, just a little different than the original.