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.
Hi! I have used this rub on my ribs many times and it is amazing! I was wondering if you think it would be a good rub for a pork shoulder? Thank you!
It absolutely is!
Can I con these in the oven? Directions?
https://heygrillhey.com/3-2-1-ribs-perfect-fall-off-the-bone-ribs/
Follow those directions except in the oven instead of a smoker.
I used this rub for pork tenderloin on the grill. Delicious!
It was my first time using a dry rub for baby back ribs. I used the rub without the ground mustard and cayenne pepper but I substitute the cayenne pepper for chili pepper. I let the dry rub marinate on the ribs over night and I grilled the ribs this morning and they turned out great without barbeque sauce. I will making some more of the dry rub for the ribs on Monday.
Great balance.
I rubbed the ribs in the morning and put them on the grill after work. I did indirect heat with hickory and apple blocks on the kettle grill. Smoked for about an hour and a half, then put them in My crock pot on high til done.
All that flavor and much less tending. Have also done the reverse, by cooking in the crock pot then finish with smoke and mop
This rub is a keeper.
This is the BEST recipe i have ever gotten online! it is absolutely Delicious and has never failed! We put it country style ribs and they are spectacular! you have to try!!
Did St.Louis ribs today with your rub and mustard pre rub….cooked nearly four hours and they were perfect! Delicious!
Thanks
Hi what is the best way too cook the ribs with this rub if I do not have a smoker. Thank u
You can cook them in the oven following the smoker directions!
How is the taste of you substitute white pepper for black pepper?
I haven’t tried that!
What a rub!!! Two days ago I saw your recipe and mixed everything together except celery salt (not so easy to get). Yesterday I used it for 5 Baby Back Ribs. I use the PBC, truly a rib machine, but the Rub has taken everything to another level. Super balanced rub between spiciness and sweetness and also the twist with the cinnamon…Sensational! 5 stars from my family and me!
Greetings from Switzerland,
Sven
Fantastic! Thank you so much for being here!