Rib Rub Recipe
Published 5/7/2023
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Finally a rib rub recipe with no additives that packs amazing flavor! Make a batch of this dry rub for ribs with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Whether you’re making ribs on the grill, sous vide ribs, or our easy oven baked ribs, you’ll love this all-purpose dry rub for ribs.
BEST Rib Rub Recipe
If you’re making ribs, it’s time to whip up a batch of our go-to rib rub! It’s perfectly savory and sweet, and works great for oven-baked ribs, ribs on the grill, and more.
Plus, this rib rub recipe tastes better than any store-bought rub, plus there are no fillers or weird ingredients that you can’t pronounce in it. A win-win!
Why you’ll love it!
- This rib rub is the perfect amount of savory and sweet.
- It doesn’t require you to run to the store and buy a bunch of spices you’ll never use again.
- It’s only 9 ingredients — and bonus, you probably have these all on-hand at home already in your pantry.
Rib Rub Recipe Ingredients
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Onion powder
- Ground celery seed
- Coarse salt
- Dried thyme
- Red pepper flakes
- Cracked black pepper
What does this rib rub taste like?
This rib rub is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. A little sweet thanks to the brown sugar, and a lot savory thanks to the garlic, salt and pepper, and chili powder.
Make it sweeter: Increase the brown sugar starting with 1 tsp., and taste to your liking.
Make it spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes by 1/2 tsp., and taste to your liking.
Make it super spicy: Add 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper.
how much rib rub should I use?
Per 2-3 lbs. of ribs —> use around 4-6 tablespoons of rib rub.
How long can you leave dry rub on ribs?
We recommend letting your rib rub sit on the meat for at least 30 minutes but up to overnight. If you’re not using a rib marinade, we recommend letting the dry rub set for longer to ensure great flavor.
Most of the time, the longer the ribs sit in the spices, the more flavorful it will be!
Glass
Spice Jars
Organize your homemade spices with this empty glass spice jar set!
How to Make Rib Rub
Making a batch of this rib rub could not be easier!
- Combine all of the ingredients for the dry rub in a bowl until and mix to combine.
- Use this dry rub on our grilled rib recipe, oven-baked ribs, or sous vide ribs or 2 to 3 lbs. of any baby back ribs recipe by sprinkling it onto the ribs and using your hands to massage it in.
- Store leftover rib dry rub in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
How to Use this Dry Rub
- Place your desired lbs. of of baby back ribs on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Sprinkle on the rib rub, massaging it into the ribs on all sides. Make sure all parts are covered and be generous!
- Let sit for at least 15 minutes before cooking the ribs.
try it!
Ribs on the Grill
Use this dry rub for ribs on our amazing grilled rib recipe — it’s the perfect match!
FAQs
You should let your ribs set with the dry rub for at least 15 minutes, but up to 48 hours if refrigerated. 15 minutes is the minimum amount of time needed to tenderize the meat.
Dry ribs are typically a result of forgetting to remove the membrane or cooking them to hot and too fast. Either or both of these variables will result in a chewy and dry rib.
Using a dry rub on ribs before cooking them will provide for amazing flavor and a deliciously caramelized exterior. Don’t skip the dry rub!
ribs cooked every way!
Storage
Store your rib rub in a glass, airtight container in a cool, dark place like a spice cabinet. This recipe will last up to 3 months.
Rib Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground celery seed
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients for the dry rub in a bowl until and mix to combine.
- Use this dry rub on our grilled rib recipe or 2 to 3 lbs. of any baby back ribs recipe by sprinkling it onto the ribs and using your hands to massage it in.
- Store leftover rib dry rub in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #fitfoodiefinds, we’d love to see what you’re up to!
Photography: photos taken in this post are by Ashley McGlaughlin from The Edible Perspective.
