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.
I’m all out of cayenne, can I make it without and still have a great turnout? Also I’m using it on boneless beef ribs, is that ok?
Absolutely!
Haven’t had ribs taste so great in a long time. Thanks for the recipe
I put two racks and 1/2 cup apple cider in insta pot for 35 min. Put dry rub on 1 hr before.
T h en to grill with big sauce for about half gr for char and big flavoring. Fall off bone good.
Anyone used this on a brisket? Trying it on ribs tomorrow
I’ve used this rub instead of another on my brisket so I shall find out tomorrow!!
just mixed up a batch of this rub. tastes great on my fingers cant wait to taste it on the ribs!
I’m so glad you like it!
Followed the recipe to the T. I did add 1tsp of anchovy powder to add another level of richness
Applied the rub let sit in the reefer for 2 hours
Then smoked for 4 hours at 200. Then basted the ribs with a mixture of BBQ source, honey and apple juice over a grill for 20 mins .. just enough to get a good carmaliztion . OMG these where very tasty.
This is my first time smoking meet as I’m new to the whole smoking method.
Thank for the great recipe
Fantastic! I’m so glad it turned out great for you!
Yeah and I’ll learn how to spell one of these days and btw that was suppose to be 5 stars not 4 . Again thanks
Can I rub and leave overnight then cook in my oven at 225-250. Then take the next day and baste with sauce and cook on the bar b que just to get up to a good temperature to eat?
You sure can!
This rub is an absolute masterpiece! It’s like magic and I’m not kidding!! There’re a couple tiny tweaks I like but almost hate to mention because this recipe is so amazing! But If you’re curious…
The changes I do….
1) Add 2 tsp molasses
2) replace half cayenne with chipotle powder
3) Add 2 tsp of fresh ground pepper
4) Add 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
5) I skip the celery salt
First time and it had amazing flavor!
Awesome! Way to nail it!
I have BBQ 9 slabs of Back Ribs for a family reunion for 10 years. I like to pre cook & rub after & marinde for three days and BBQ at the reunion. It’s to hot and takes too long to prep there. Do you think baking with rub (your recipe) and BBQ at reunion is better?
It sounds like it’ll work alright.
How long should I cook the ribs for with this recipe for?
Here is a good way! https://heygrillhey.com/3-2-1-ribs-perfect-fall-off-the-bone-ribs/