Fire up the grill and liven the flavors with this sweet rib rub recipe on baby back ribs! This is the best dry rub, it's great with pork or chicken, the brown sugar caramelizes and seasons the meat. The smokey paprika, chili powder and spices is the perfect balance of seasoning.
For seafood and fish use Homemade Old Bay Seasoning!
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Why you'll love this recipe
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!
✔️ You have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet right now. So it saves you money AND it tastes better than store bought.
Bonus? There's no preservatives and you get to control all the heat and sodium.
Ingredients
For the exact measurements for this seasoning blend, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- garlic powder
- dry mustard
- smoked paprika
- onion powder
- chili powder or if you really like heat substitute cayenne pepper
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- brown sugar
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 the smoked. It just helps add another layer of seasoning. Red pepper flakes would be a nice addition if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Instructions
The instructions for the homemade dry rub is super simple!
- All you need to do is measure the ingredients and mix them together.
- Store in a screw-top jar or sealed plastic bag in the spice cabinet or a dark cool place.
Equipment
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- These little Mason Jars are perfect for storing dry rub and great for gifts!
- You'll need some measuring spoons as well. I like these because they fit in the spice jars.
- 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.
FAQ's
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.
A dry rub is made by combining all of the ingredients and mixing them together well.
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.
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.
Because this is made with spices (not herbs) it has a really long shelf life. This dry rub will last up to three years!
You can store them in a screw top jar, just make sure it's sealed well.
Honestly, no worries at all - spices loose some of their taste. Worst case is your meal won't be as flavorful.
Tips
First things first, rubs at the store are EXPENSIVE! And if you can make your own from spices you already have, why not right?
Customize your spices adding more heat or sweet flavor as you see fit.
Storage
Store homemade spice blends in an airtight container in the pantry or other dry place.
Little mason jars work great (and are perfect if you're giving them as gifts!) You can even seal them in a ziplock bag and place the rub in the freezer, it will last even longer!
Serving with
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!
Related recipes
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!
If you post a photo, please tag me! You can tag me with #bowlmeover or on Instagram at @bowl_me_over so I can see how yummy they turned out!!
Sweet Rib Rub Recipe
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
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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
Nutrition
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Don't worry, we'll never share your email.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
Nathan
You say to buy chili powder, but you give no amount in the recipe, how much chili powder should I add???
Bowl Me Over
So strange, thanks for letting me know Nathan - I updated the recipe card, it's 1 teaspoon.
Liza
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!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Liza! I always appreciate your support!!
Angela Paris
YUM! This look delish! Can't wait to try it soon 🙂