Best Dry Rub For Ribs
On April 04, 2023 (Updated May 10, 2024)
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This dry rub for ribs will amplify the flavor on any rack of ribs you cook. I’ve packed classic BBQ flavors into my rib rub recipe so you get finger-licking results!
Dry Rub for Ribs
Every rack of ribs needs a good seasoning blend, and this dry rub for ribs is the ULTIMATE seasoning. Trust me on this. This post is consistently our #1 post on the entire Hey Grill Hey site because it is complete and utter perfection.
I’ve been smoking and grilling ribs for years and wanted to create a dry rub for ribs that was versatile enough to use in any rib application. This spice mix is the perfect mix of sweet and savory with some secret ingredients that add punch and pizazz so you can amp up that BBQ flavor, no matter how you’re cooking your ribs. This rib rub is fantastic on its own, you don’t even need sauce!
Rib Rub
Let’s talk about the building blocks of a good rib rub. I think the best rib rubs start with sugar as a base. Pork and sweet were just made to go together. From there, you’ll see recipes with salt and pepper plus a mix of things that are custom to each pitmaster. I like to add in smoked paprika for a boost of wood-fired flavor as well as a gorgeous red color that pops. Onion and garlic are classic flavor enhancers. Ground mustard ends up in almost all of my rubs as a punchy, almost acidic note of brightness.
My secret ingredients in my rib rub are cinnamon and celery salt. The cinnamon adds this lip-smacking quality that people can’t identify when eating it, but it keeps them coming back for more and more. The celery salt is the perfect earthy balance to the sweet brown sugar. Balance is crucial in a good dry rub for ribs!
This rib rub has been so popular on the site, we decided to bottle it up and sell it in the Hey Grill Hey Store. If you want to save yourself some time, snag a bottle of this amazing Hey Grill Hey Rib Rub shipped directly to your door!
Ingredients for Rib Rub
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to snag from the pantry or the store to make this dry rub for ribs:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Once you have all your ingredients assembled, combine them all in a mixing bowl, using a fork to break up any clumps.
Store your rib rub in air-tight glass containers (I buy ones like these online) and they will last at least a month. You may need to shake or mix to break up and brown sugar clumps.
More Dry Rub Recipes
Making your own rubs at home is easy and delicious. Check out some other homemade rubs from Hey Grill Hey below.
Rib Rub Recipe
Follow the recipe, and let’s make some really good food! Hey Grill Hey is here to help you make better BBQ, feed the people you love, and become a BBQ hero. Head on over to Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube! for more behind-the-scenes action!
This post was originally published in December 2018. We recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. The recipe remains the same.
Best Dry Rub for Ribs
Video
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Make the rub. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Use a fork to crush any clumps of sugar or seasonings.
- Use or store. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Fantastic rub! Cooked my ribs in the oven slow and low and then added Baby Rays mustard sauce at the end for a perfect glaze. Best ribs I’ve had!
i omitted the cinnamon and i love it! TY
I will be using this rub on pork ribs and cooking on a gas grill. Looks delicious!! What would my cooking time be on the grill? Also, how long should the rub set on the ribs before cooking?
I make a foil pan to lay the ribs on and to hold juices from draining into the coals.Then generously coat the ribs with apple juice.Apply heavy coat of rub and set in fridg for 3 hours.put the ribs (in foil tray) my Weber, using charcoal
How long once you put them on the grill ?
Very delicious rub. Thanks for sharing recipe.
I used this rub last on my ribs so tummy!! Ty
If I use regular mustard as binder, can I skip the dry mustard?
I would say no but haven’t tried it. I think it would be very hard to apply.
Very easy to apply. From a family who absolutely loves to spend time and fire up the smoker. This rub is outstanding. Give it a try and see for yourself. Two thumbs up!
A rub is just that. It’s meant to be rubbed in. Not to sprinkled on
That’s actually backwards. You don’t want to rub it in. You want a nice, even coating and the rubbing action kinda ruins that.
Make your rub without the dry mustard, then rub the ribs with the regular mustard and let it marinate for about a half hour to let it get into the meat. Sprinkle and pat the dry rub on before roasting.
One word. BOMB
Which type of ribs can I use this rub on, spare ribs, baby backs, country style? Can I use this rub on ribs cooked in the oven or slow cooker? Thanx for your response
All of the above will be great!
You are absolutely correct. I made this rub for spare ribs in the oven and baby back ribs in the crockpot. Both turned out so bomb!!!! My new favorite rib rub. Made some homemade bbq sauce too. My family loved it!!!
This is so good!! Even my incredibly picky son loves it! Thank you for sharing!!
This is close to the recipe I use. But I discovered a SECRET THAT WILL MAKE ANY RUB BETTER!!! Put it in a shaker bottle or jar and use a spoon or plastic wrap to press it in. You just keep turning it over, shaking, turning, shaking, etc. Do it on wax paper and it won’t stick. Just keep doing it till you’re satisfied. Then let it air-dry awhile, then wrap in the wax paper and then put in whatever you like for “duration”. The wax paper keeps it from sticking, it’s great!