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    Home » Recipes » Grilling » Dry Rub for Ribs

    PUBLISHED: June 18, 2020 • By Toni Dash 28 Comments

    Dry Rub for Ribs

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    jar of Dry Rub spice mix for Ribs with baking sheet of ribs behind

    A great Dry Rub for Ribs is a must have in your spice collection. It turns ho hum meat into a superstar event. This smoky, spicy, sweet spice rub will make you a dinner table hero!

    jar of Dry Rub spice mix for Ribs with baking sheet of ribs behind

    A great spice blend is the easiest way to turn regular meat into an exciting main dish.

    This dry rub mixture will take you 5 minutes to put together and is bursting bold flavors!

    Turn any pork dish into a new family favorite with this easy spice blend.

    It doesn’t stop there. You can use it on chicken, fish and beef too.

    What is a Dry Rub?

    An easy and fantastic way to get the most flavor out of pork and other grilled meats is with a dry rub. 

    It’s a blend of herbs, spices and usually sugar and salt that bring out the best flavors in the meat when cooked.

    What’s great about rubs is that they can be changed up with your favorite flavors.

    This rub recipe has a delicious blend of smoky, sweet and spicy ingredients that will make your ribs the best! 

    black measuring spoon with dry rub and spice jar in the background

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Smoked paprika
    • Brown sugar
    • ground Cumin
    • Chili powder
    • dried Oregano
    • Kosher Salt
    • ground Black Pepper
    • Cayenne Pepper

    ingredients for dry rub for ribs in small bowls and measuring spoons

    What Type of Paprika to Use?

    I love using Smoked Paprika. It has an deep earthy, smoky flavor that is a great flavor partner to meat.

    There are two versions of smoked paprika: regular and hot smoked paprika.

    Because of the other ‘hot’ spices added to this dry rub I recommend regular smoked paprika (NOT hot).

    Note: Smoked Paprika is not the same as regular ‘paprika’ which has a very mild flavor.

    Why Use Kosher Salt?

    The main reason many recipes recommend Kosher Salt is due to the size of the flakes.

    This makes it easier to evenly distribute it when sprinkling it onto or into a recipe.

    This the TV Chef who sprinkles salt onto a recipe from 2 feet above.

    The reason I recommend it for this recipe is that it tastes better than regular iodized salt. 

    It has a more pure flavor and is less intensely salty tasting.

    dry rub for ribs in jar

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    This recipe takes 5 minutes max!

    Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well. 

    mixing dry rub in a jar with measured out spices in the background

    Place in a jar and seal. 

    Time Saving Tip: Mix everything in the jar directly!

    homemade dry rub being mixed in a jar with measuring spoons in the background

    Variations

    Try Sweet Paprika. Sweet Paprika has a totally different flavor than smoked paprika. Change up the rub by trying some.

    Add some dry Mustard. This is a classic flavor in may BBQ sauce recipes. 

    Try some Onion Powder or Garlic Powder (or both). They both build out great flavor in a spice rub.

    Pro Tip

    Use Fresh Spices

    Spices can sit in the pantry longer than we realize. When they become older they lose their potency or vibrant flavor.

    Always check the expiration date on spice bottles (usually on the bottom).

    Check the flavor and smell too. If it’s not very strong, the spice or herb probably needs to be replaced.

    Starting with the freshest spices will make the best dry rub.

    black measuring spoon with dry rub and spice jar in the background

    How Long to Leave it On before Cooking

    After applying the dry rub you can cook the meat immediately or allow it to sit up to overnight as your recipe suggests. 

    Though the rub has a perfect spicy-sweet combination to go with pork, it’s great on other meats too.

    A Favorite Method

    1. Dab any excess moisture from the pork or chicken with paper towels.
    2. Rub a light coating of olive oil or Dijon mustard onto the meat (use olive oil only for chicken).
    3. Coat the meat thoroughly by hand with the rub.
    4. The rule of thumb is the amount that sticks to the meat is how much you need.
    5. Let the meat sit for an hour before grilling or cooking.

    dry rub in jar with ribs with ribs and iced tea pitcher in background

    How to Use It

    Ribs

    It’s an easy way to pack loads of flavor into slow cooker ribs, oven baked ribs or grilled ribs.

    Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt

    Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt are used often for recipes like pulled pork or stews. Adding a rub is a delicious way to heighten the natural flavor of the pork.

    Try it in the slow cooker pulled pork, Instant Pot pulled pork or Carnitas!

    Pork Tenderloin

    Try it on a fast-cooking pork tenderloin.

    Pork Chops

    A spice rub is a great way to perk up pork chops before cooking. This Spicy Baked Pork Chops sheet pan recipe is a family favorite.

    Try it with Other Meats

    Roasted Chicken, beef or lamb recipes.

    How Long Will it Last?

    Keep it in an airtight sealed jar in a cool, dark location for up to 6 months.

    A well-sealed jar is key so the brown sugar doesn’t dry out. 

    It may stay fresh even longer than 6 months.

    measuring spoon of dry rub for ribs in jar

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    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    jar of Dry Rub spice mix for Ribs with baking sheet of ribs behind

    Dry Rub for Ribs

    With a hint of sweetness and a touch of heat, this rub is good on just about anything, even salmon. Use on ribs all by itself or top with BBQ sauce. In a sealed container, it will last several months.
    5 from 20 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 cup total yield
    Calories: 333kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup Smoked Paprika
    • 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
    • 2 tablespoons ground Cumin
    • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
    • 1 tablespoon dried Oregano
    • 1 tablespoons Kosher salt
    • 1 ½ teaspoons ground Pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients in a bowl, stir until well mixed.

    To Use Immediately

    • Pat the rack of ribs with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
    • Rub an ample amount of the rib rub into the ribs on all sides. The amount that sticks on the ribs will determine how much is needed (vs. a specific measurement).
    • Cook ribs as your recipe indicates.

    To Store it

    • Store in a sealed container in a cool, dark location for up to 6 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10778mg | Potassium: 1353mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 19528IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 349mg | Iron: 19mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Homemade Barbecue Sauce recipe
    How to Make the Best Ribs in the Oven »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Laura says

      June 19, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      Can you marinate over night with this rub??

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        June 23, 2021 at 7:25 am

        Hi Laura. You can use this rub in the same way you’d use any other rub.

        Reply
    2. Suzy says

      June 19, 2020 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      Just perfect! We had all of the ingredients in the house to make this! the ribs tasted awesome!

      Reply
    3. Sara Welch says

      June 19, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      My husband loves ribs! I will definitely use this on some ribs for Father’s Day; looks too good to pass up!

      Reply
    4. Wilhelmina says

      June 19, 2020 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      I love the sweet and spicy blend of this rub. Made a great run for the ribs we grilled!

      Reply
    5. Catalina says

      June 19, 2020 at 5:39 am

      5 stars
      A dry rub recipe is exactly what I was looking for. Sounds so easy!

      Reply
    6. Lisa says

      June 19, 2020 at 2:19 am

      We’ve been eating a TON of ribs lately at our house! We had them last night! Can’t wait to try this dry rub recipe!

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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