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My Dad’s famous dry rub for pork ribs is the top-secret ingredient you need to make the best pork ribs recipe. The secret is all in the spice blend! The dry rub creates the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, infusing every bite with bold, mouthwatering goodness. As the pork ribs cook low and slow, the rub forms a delicious crust that locks in juiciness, giving you tender, fall-apart meat with a caramelized finish.
Why Make Your Own Rib Rub
Making your own dry rub means fresh, bold flavors without the additives or extra salt found in store-bought blends. You can customize the spice balance to your taste—more sweet, smoky, or spicy! Plus, a homemade rub infuses deeper flavor into your ribs, creating that perfect crust while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Once you try it, you’ll never go back!
Recipe Ingredients
You only need a few spices and seasonings to make this out-of-this-world pork dry rub!
- Brown sugar
- Paprika
- Chili powder or Cayenne Pepper
- Ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Celery powder
Variations & Substitutions
There are so many ways to change up this dry rub recipe.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for more kick or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
Herby: Try adding different herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, or oregano
Citrusy: Add lemon, lime, or orange peel powder for a citrusy burst of flavor
How To Make Dry Rub For Pork Ribs
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Use immediately on our famous oven baked ribs, or store for up to 3 months.
Why Use a Dry Rub on Meat?
A dry rub creates a crust and enhances the flavor without adding moisture. It’s a good idea to use it on ribs or meat that doesn’t tenderize easily.
It’s a great way to keep the meat’s natural flavor and add extra flavor to make it extra tasty. The purpose is to enhance the meat’s natural flavor and introduce other complementary flavors.
It also makes a low-cost cut of meat taste like a million bucks with a few simple ingredients! This rib rub recipe will amplify the flavor on any rack of ribs you are cooking. It’s packed with classic BBQ flavors into an addicting finger-licking delicious rib rub you will LOVE. It is so much more complex than the boring salt-and-pepper route. You will also love our herb butter turkey rub!
How Long Should I Dry Rub For?
As with most marinades, the longer the better. The best option is to leave dry rubbed ribs in the fridge overnight to let the spices and flavors penetrate into the meat. But, if you’re short on time, you can do this step up to an hour before cooking.
Other Ways To Use This Rub
This is a very versatile seasoning blend that tastes great on so many things. Try it on chicken, fish, pork chops, pork shoulders, lamb chops, beef roasts, burgers, and even veggies. You can make this rub in bulk and store it with your other spices to have on hand whenever you want!
Storage Instructions
You can store this spice mixture in any type of air-tight container, like a glass jar, plastic storage container, or plastic bag. Just make sure whatever storage option you choose is completely dry so that the rub doesn’t get wet or congealed. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. Shake well before each use!
What to serve with ribs?
This tasty grilled chicken will be the star of your next BBQ. Make sure to serve a tasty Berry Summer Salad or Prosciutto Melon Arugula Salad. Bring a delicious pasta salad or our family favorite potato salad. If you want a bit of a kick add these Pickled Italian Vinegar Peppers! Enjoy.
Serve these Creamy Frozen Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust for dessert and everyone will praise you for it!
More Delicious Recipes for YOU
The BEST BBQ Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe! If you want summer recipes, check out BEST Italian Inspired Summer Recipes!
If you’re craving pork, try some of my other recipes, like Pork Tenderloin with Shallots and Fennel or these Juicy Pork Chops.
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Pork Rib Rub Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Rub:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayene peper
- 2 teaspoons finely ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon celery powder
Instructions
- Add all the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Use a fork or small whisk and mix to combine.
- Transfer the dry rub to an airtight jar or spice container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. Shake well before each use!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The best dry rubbed ribs! Simple and so delicious. Fall off the bone!