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Home » Recipes » Grilling Recipes

Sweet Rub for Pork or Chicken

Published: Apr 14, 2024 · Modified: Jun 27, 2024 by Debra Clark · 5 Comments

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Fire up the grill and liven the flavors with this sweet rib rub recipe. It's perfect for baby back ribs or chicken! You gotta have a great rub if you're gonna have great BBQ!!

This is the best dry rub, it's perfect for pork or chicken. The brown sugar caramelizes and seasons the meat, yum, yum, yum! The smokey paprika, chili powder and spices is the perfect balance of seasoning.

Sweet rib rub recipe in a small jar.
BBQ Rib Rub Recipe

For seafood and fish use Homemade Old Bay Seasoning!

Jump to:
  • What makes this recipe irresistible
  • Ingredients you’ll need for the pork rub
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Essential tools for this recipe
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  • Top Tip
  • Best way to store dry rub
  • Use the spice mix on
  • More recipes you’ll love
  • Sweet Rib Rub Recipe
  • Recipe backstory

What makes this recipe irresistible

You're going to love this recipe because it will help you make the BEST ribs! That's what this is all about right?!!! This homemade dry rub recipe adds so much amazing flavor to spare ribs! It's a little sweet and a little smokey with a hint of spice. Pair it with your favorite bbq sauce for sticky lick-your-fingers deliciousness!

I love it because it uses everyday ingredients. You probably have everything you need in your spice cabinet right now! It saves you money, takes 5 minutes to make, AND tastes better than store-bought! I always keep this one hand.

Bonus? There's no preservatives and you get to control all the heat and sodium.

All of the ingredients needed to make the recipe. With print overlay for clarification.
Perfect for Chicken or Pork the brown sugar rib rub recipe has a sweet smokey flavor.

Ingredients you’ll need for the pork rub

For the exact measurements for this seasoning blend, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

See? I bet you have everything you need for this easy recipe! No smoked paprika? You can substitute sweet paprika, but if you have it, use smoked paprika.

It just helps add another layer of seasoning. Red pepper flakes would be a nice addition if you enjoy a bit of heat.

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Spices being mixed in a bowl.

Step-by-step instructions

The instructions for the homemade dry rub is super simple!

  1. All you need to do is measure the ingredients and mix them together.
  2. Store in a screw-top jar or sealed plastic bag in the spice cabinet or a dark cool place.

Essential tools for this recipe

  • Little Mason Jars are perfect for storing dry rub and great for gifts!
  • You'll need measuring spoons as well.
  • If you do plan on making the homemade pork rub to give as a gift, be sure to pick up some tags. You can tie them right around the ring.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What does it mean to dry rub?

A dry rub is a mixture of spices and seasonings mixed together an applied to meat, whether that's a rack of ribs, chicken or fish.

How do you make a homemade dry rub for ribs?

A dry rub is made by combining all of the ingredients and mixing them together well.

How do you get the rub to stick to pork?

A layer of yellow mustard, olive oil or even water will help the rub stick to the meat. Then dry rub ribs with the seasoning.

How long should you leave a rub on meat?

Rubs can be left on the meat anywhere from 30 minutes up to overnight. Add the rub to the meat, wrap it well in tin foil and place it back in the fridge overnight.

How long does homemade pork rub last?

Because this is made with spices (not herbs) it has a really long shelf life. This dry rub will last up to three years!

What is the best way to store spices?

You can store them in a screw top jar, just make sure it's sealed well.

What happens if you eat expired spices?

Honestly, no worries at all - spices loose some of their taste. Worst case is your meal won't be as flavorful.

Seasoning for ribs on a slab of ribs, with a jar of spice mix off to the side.
Packaged up with a bow Sweet BBQ Rub is a great gift for the holiday season!

Top Tip

The best part is you can customize the spices. You can add more heat or sweet flavor as you see fit.

  • double the recipe - you'll use this on chicken and pork too. It's terrific!
  • Brush the meat with mustard and top with the rub. Wrap in foil and refrigerate overnight for even more flavor.
  • Hot Hungarian Paprika is a great substitute for smoked paprika. Cayenne can be substituted for chili powder if you like more heat.

Best way to store dry rub

Store homemade spice blends in an airtight container in the pantry or other dry place up to six months.

You can even seal them in a ziplock bag and place the rub in the freezer, it will last even longer!

A jar of spice mix on a platter.
The molasses in the brown sugar adds a sweet smokey flavor to this rub.

Use the spice mix on

Oh my goodness, this dry pork rub recipe is amazing on all cuts of pork! Pork tenderloin, pork chops, pork loin, pork shoulder, pork butt - you name it! Sprinkled on chicken breasts, thighs or legs it's delicious as well.

  • I use it on this homemade rib rub recipe for BBQ Tri Tip - not only does it add a ton of flavor, the end result is a nice crust on the outside of the meat!
  • Next time you make BBQ Ribs on the Grill - rub this generously all over the ribs - yum! Sprinkle it on shrimp kabobs, that would be delicious!
  • Use the rib seasoning on this Instant Pot Pork Ribs Recipe made in the pressure cooker or this recipe for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, it's great on a pork roast.

It would also be delicious over grilled salmon or chicken!

More recipes you’ll love

Do you enjoy making your own rubs and spice blends? Here are some of my favorites homemade recipes.

  • Be sure to make Montreal Steak Seasoning for burgers, steak, pork and chicken. I even use it in meatloaf - this is fantastic!
  • Chef's Blend Spice Mix - this is like my season-all mix. I use on everything. This one has a bit of heat, but no worries, if you're not into heat, just leave it out.
  • Do you love taco Tuesday? Then why not make your own seasoning mix! Grab the taco seasoning mix here!
  • This BBQ Spice Rub is excellent! The blend is great for burgers and steaks!
  • Homemade Fajita Mix Recipe - ditch the packets and make your own seasoning! It takes only minutes. Save money and enjoy more flavor!

When you've tried this homemade pork rub recipe, I’d love it if you’d leave a five-star rating below!

And if you post a photo, tag me! You can use #bowlmeover or on Instagram at @bowl_me_over so I can see how yummy those ribs (or chicken or shrimp) turned out!!

Jars of rub for ribs with a spoon for sprinkling the seasoning.
5 from 4 votes

Sweet Rib Rub Recipe

Easy to make sweet rub recipe with the best flavor. Great for pork, chicken and shrimp!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
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Prep Time10 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course: Salad Dressings and Sauces
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 39kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients and mix together well.
  • Store in in the pantry or spice cabinet.
  • Sealed well in a screw top jar it will keep up to a year

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Sodium: 2328mg | Potassium: 25mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg

    Recipe backstory

    I'm telling you I'm all about the barbecue this summer!

    Great meals like the best grilled chili lime chicken, served up with some corn on the cob and Mom's Potato Salad, mmmm! Maybe some homemade ice cream for dessert? Honestly, does life get any better?

    After we got our new grill we've just been enjoying delicious meals like this all summer long! Yes... I'm still talking about the grill, but it's changed cooking for us because previously we had to wait until late in the evening to go outside and grill.

    This rub is perfect for Barbecued Pork Ribs or this recipe for Ribs on the Grill! Or just great bbq'd chicken!

    Summer temps in Fresno are triple-digit. We are going thru a hot spell now that just doesn't want to seem to break.

    I'm not whining I think it's been ridiculously hot just about everywhere. But as I keep saying.... it is July right? ☀️☀️☀️

    BBQ Rub is a great gift! Make several jars of these and tuck them away. When the holidays roll around package them up with some great grilling accessories and you'll have a wonderful gift for family and friends!

    What can I say, I'm always thinking ahead for the holidays. I try to have most of our gift purchases completed by November... but that's just me. Come holiday time there's no time for crafting!

    First Published: July 10, 2018... Last Updated: April 24, 2022

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    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Nathan says

      October 07, 2022 at 8:53 pm

      You say to buy chili powder, but you give no amount in the recipe, how much chili powder should I add???

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        October 08, 2022 at 7:15 am

        So strange, thanks for letting me know Nathan - I updated the recipe card, it's 1 teaspoon.

        Reply
    2. Liza says

      July 18, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so simple and amazing! And I never thought of that but it makes so much sense: the sugar is what you need to caramelize your meats! You're full of such great tips! 🙂 Thanks!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 20, 2018 at 4:02 am

        Thank you Liza! I always appreciate your support!!

        Reply
    3. Angela Paris says

      July 11, 2018 at 7:16 am

      5 stars
      YUM! This look delish! Can't wait to try it soon 🙂

      Reply
    Blogger Deb Clark smiling at camera holding a plate filled with a casserole.
    Welcome to Bowl Me Over!

    Hey I'm Deb Clark! I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over. We live in a sleepy little town just north of Portland in the beautiful Pacific Northwest... (read more)

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