Best Dry Rub For Ribs
On April 04, 2023 (Updated May 10, 2024)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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
- ½ teaspoon 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.
Best rub recipe I’ve ever used. Perfectly balanced for smoked baby back ribs. I can’t wait to use it again!
This is my go-to for anything we bbq or smoke. Thank you for an amazing recipe!
This recipe is PERFECT! We didn’t use any barbecue sauce as the flavor is so incredible, the sauce would’ve ruined the ribs. Thank you! If you are looking for a great dry rub, you just found it. I used it on BB ribs
I’ve tried a lot of different rub recipes and this is one of the best, a good combination with the right amounts of spices. Very good on pulled pork roasts also. I use my homemade smoked paprika.
Don, how do you make homemade smoked paprika, please?
@ Don Palmer, Yes I am curious as well how to make homemade smoked paprika
This is my go-to ribs rub recipe! So good on baby back ribs. I just add two teaspoons of ground allspice for a little extra layer of flavor.
Best ribs ever. I did the 3-2-1 method added bitter and brown sugar . Then finish with cattle boys bbq sauce !!!
Best ribs I have ever made or had !
Every single time I make ribs I use your recipe. Everyone loves it! I also start going around the house going, “Hey grill hey!” Which is hilarious to me but maybe not to the family. I love the cinnamon and celery salt in this recipe.
Very good. It’s my favorite rub so far. Use 1 tablespoon per pound.
For some reason, I was always intimidated about cooking ribs. This recipe takes the guesswork out of the process, and makes the most delicious ribs I’ve ever tasted. My boyfriend loves dry-rub, and impressing him with my culinary prowess just couldn’t be easier. Thank you for making me look good!|
Hey , Wendy K.I’m a Wendy K too!Trying tonight! Hope it’s going to make hubby happy!