If you've ever dreamt of winning a BBQ championship for the best award-winning pork ribs, then this easy dry rub recipe is for you! Go on and give it a try - you won't be sorry!
This barbecue rib rub has the perfect blend of sweet and savory to really enhance the pork flavor!
It's so good on its own, you don't even need to add BBQ sauce! If you're a BBQ sauce lover like me though, my Southern Homemade BBQ Sauce pairs perfectly with this seasoning and is so finger-licking good!
Sweetness really compliments pork and in this recipe, I use both brown and white sugar. The dark brown sugar adds a sweet, molasses flavor while the white sugar helps give the ribs a sweet bark.
Other common seasonings used in this rib rub include paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder - the same seasonings I use for my Smoked Pellet Grill Brisket recipe - yum!
It's perfect for grilling, smoking, or - if you're in a hurry- even pressure cooking! (Try my Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe! Yum!)
This recipe makes about 2 tablespoons of rib rub which is the perfect amount to season 1 rack of ribs. If you're cooking more than that or are planning to make this in bulk, simply adjust the "Servings" in the recipe card below to how many racks of ribs you need to season.
How to Make Dry Rib Rub
Here are the steps and process images for how to make this recipe. More detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Place in a bowl and stir together, breaking up clumps with your spoon.
- Use right away or store in an airtight container.
FAQ About This Recipe:
It adds flavor and texture to the surface of the meat without adding any additional moisture.
You don't need to add anything to the ribs before applying the dry rub. Simply rinse and dry your ribs with paper towels before applying.
Leave the dry rub on your ribs for up to 2 hours if you're planning on adding BBQ sauce later. If not, you can leave it on overnight for about 10-12 hours.
Yes, most dry rib rubs consist of salt and can dry your meat out if left on for longer than 12 hours.
Other Recipes You'll Love!
- Southern Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 2-1 Quick BBQ Pork Ribs
- Best Instant Pot Baby Back Pork Ribs
- Boudin Stuffed Pork Loin Wrapped in Bacon
- Pan Seared Steak
- Smoked Pellet Grill Brisket
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Sweet Dry Rub for Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Place in a bowl and stir together, breaking up clumps with your spoon.
- Use right away or store in an air tight container.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 2 Tablespoons of dry rib rub which is enough to season 1 rack of ribs.
- If making this recipe in bulk, store in air tight containers (I use this one!). This makes the perfect gift for the BBQ lovers in your family!
Nutrition
*Nutritional facts are calculated by third party sources and are not always accurate. If you are on a special diet, we highly recommend you calculate these values personally.
Naomi
Loved it!
Ranch Style Kitchen
Thank you so much!
Jonny
The best rib rub I've tried! Will be using this recipe for a barbecue competition this fall. Thank you!
Ranch Style Kitchen
Awesome! I'm so glad you liked it! Please let me know how you do in the competition!