The Best Rib Dry Rub Spice Recipe

This easy homemade rib dry rub is the perfect balance of smoky, savory, sweet, and just a little spicy. Made with simple pantry spices including paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and brown sugar, it adds incredible flavor to pork ribs whether you cook them on the grill, in the smoker, or in the oven.

Mix it together in about 5 minutes and use it on baby back ribs, spare ribs, or even chicken and other cuts of pork. You can also make a double batch and keep it in your spice cabinet so it’s ready whenever you’re firing up the grill.

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 tried.

This Rib Rub was so simple to make and I feel like one batch of this is enough for 2 slabs of pork 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

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Each bite of the ribs you get the full flavor of the bbq with a hint of spice in the back from the chili and the pepper. The smoke and hint of sweetness from the brown sugar seal the deal!

I am telling you guys, this is the best rib rub recipe 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!

Ingredients

One of the best things about this homemade rib seasoning is that it’s made entirely with pantry staples. No special spice blends needed!

• Cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor that gives this rub a little extra depth.
• Paprika – Adds color and a mild, smoky-sweet flavor.
• Granulated garlic and onion – These give the seasoning its savory base.
• Chili powder – Adds classic barbecue flavor without making the rub overly spicy.
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that delicious caramelized exterior as the ribs cook.
• Kosher salt – Seasons the meat and brings all of the other flavors together.
• Black pepper – Adds a little bite and balances the sweetness.
• Cayenne or chipotle pepper – This is where the heat comes from. Cayenne adds straightforward heat, while chipotle adds heat with a smokier flavor. The heat is optional but adds some great flavor depth

You’ll also need a jar or airtight container if you’re making the rub ahead of time or storing leftovers.

How to Apply Dry Rub to Ribs

For a full rack of ribs, start with about 2 tablespoons of dry rub, adding a little more if needed to evenly season the meat.

Before adding the seasoning, pat the ribs dry with paper towels. If the membrane is still attached to the back of the ribs, you can remove it before seasoning. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides, then use your hands to gently press and rub the seasoning onto the meat.

Do You Need a Binder for Rib Rub?

No. This dry rub will stick to the surface of the ribs without a binder. However, you can spread a very thin layer of yellow mustard over the ribs before adding the seasoning if you prefer. The mustard helps the seasoning stick and its flavor becomes very subtle as the ribs cook.

How Long Should Dry Rub Sit on Ribs?

You can cook the ribs immediately after seasoning them, but letting the rub sit for 30 minutes or so gives the seasoning time to settle onto the meat.

You can also season the ribs ahead of time and refrigerate them, covered, until you’re ready to cook. If you’re seasoning them several hours or overnight in advance, keep them refrigerated.

What Temperature Should You Cook Ribs?

Low and slow is the way to go for tender ribs. For grilling or smoking, aim for a cooking temperature around 225°F to 250°F. The lower temperature gives the ribs time to become tender without cooking the outside too quickly.

When you are done try this Ultimate Hack for cleaning your grill. 

Want Less Spice?

For a milder rib seasoning, simply leave out the cayenne pepper. Chili powder adds plenty of flavor but isn’t what gives this recipe most of its heat. You can also use half the cayenne if you want just a little kick.

Can I Use This Rib Rub on Oven-Baked Ribs?

Absolutely. This seasoning works whether you cook your ribs on the grill, in a smoker, or in the oven. Prepare and season the ribs the same way, then use your favorite cooking method. The dry rub adds flavor regardless of how you cook them.

Printable Rib Rub Label

Gift Giving

I love homemade gifts, and this Rib seasoning makes the perfect gift for the grill expert in your life! Mix up this blend and place it in a cute jar. Give it with a new set of grill tools, grill mits, even a grocery store gift card. What an awesome gift.

Barbecue Sauce

With ribs that taste this amazing you don’t need barbecue sauce, but if you really want to kick it up try this Homemade Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe. It is amazing!

Other Meats

Don’t stop at ribs! This dry rub is also delicious on pork shoulder, pork chops, grilled chicken, turkey, and even roasted or grilled vegetables. Readers have also told me they’ve used it on beef and fish. It’s one of those versatile homemade seasoning blends that’s worth keeping in the spice cabinet.

More DIY Spice Recipes

• Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
• Onion Soup Mix Recipe
• Italian Dressing Mix Recipe
• Cajun Seasoning Recipe