Make an easy rib rub recipe in a matter of minutes! Use the dry rub to add savory, sweet flavor to juicy beef or pork ribs, chicken, and pork chops. Oh, and once you’ve made the ribs, here are some ideas for what to serve with ribs to complete the meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spices: Include simple ground spices like Diamond Crystal kosher salt, MSG, coarsely ground black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar enhances the flavor and encourages caramelization on the ribs as they cook. It also helps to cut the bitterness of some of the other spices. You can replace brown sugar with honey or a sugar-free alternative like golden monk fruit.
How to Make the Rib Rub Recipe
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Step 2: Transfer the spice blend to an airtight container.
Expert Tips
- Start with fresh spices – this makes all the difference since spices lose their flavor over time.
If you enjoy the seasoning, try one of these spice blends recipes!
Serving Suggestions
- Oven Baked Beef Ribs
- Brisket in the Oven
- Instant Pot Beef Ribs
- Pork Ribs
- Country-Style Ribs
- Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
- Pork Chops
- Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
What to do with the Leftovers
- Storage: Transfer leftover rib rub to an airtight container. It will keep in your pantry or cabinet for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you put a rub on ribs?
Rubbing the ribs before cooking them helps to create a thick bark or coating that flavors the ribs as they smoke, grill, bake, or pressure-cook in the Instant Pot.
What do you put on ribs before rubbing?
I usually alternate applying a thin layer of olive oil or mustard (try this mustard rib rub recipe) on the ribs before coating them with dry spices. Doing so imparts even more flavor and creates a better-tasting bark.
Some recipes use Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, or mayonnaise before covering the ribs with the ground spices.
How long should rub be on ribs before cooking?
Apply the rib rub at least two hours before cooking, but overnight is best!
More BBQ Recipes:
Rib Rub Recipe
- Airtight Container
- ½ cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ¼ cup MSG
- ¼ cup black pepper, coarse ground
- ¼ cup smoked paprika
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- Add the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Transfer the spice blend to an airtight container.
- Start with fresh spices – this makes all the difference since spices lose their flavor over time.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Shariq
Sunday 16th of October 2022
This is the best homemade rub I have tried. I think it tastes way better than store-bought options and you can control what goes into it. It tasted great with everything I tried, especially ribs, steak, and grilled chicken.