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Ribs Spice Rub is a delicious homemade dry rub for baby back ribs and more! This easy seasoning blend has a smoky, savory, slightly sweet flavor with just a hint of heat. It’s perfect for grilling, smoking, slow cooking, baking, and more!
Originally published July 2017 | Updated October 2026. Recipe unchanged.
Dry Rub for Seasoning Ribs
When I make ribs at my house, everyone comes running! That’s because they’re tender and full of flavor, thanks in part to this homemade dry rub.
This spice rub has just a little kick of heat and isn’t overly salty (you can easily control that).
How to Use Ribs Spice Rub
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. If you’re using a rack of ribs, remove the thin membrane from the back if it’s still attached.
- Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over both sides of the ribs, gently rubbing it into the meat.
- You can cook the ribs right away, though I prefer to let the seasoning sit on the meat for about 30 minutes before cooking so the flavors have a chance to develop.
- For a rack of baby back ribs, start with about 3 to 4 tablespoons of seasoning, or use enough to coat the ribs to your liking.
- This rub is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with your favorite barbecue sauce. If you’re grilling or broiling, add the sauce toward the end of cooking so the sugars don’t burn.
What Can You Use This Ribs Spice Rub On?
Don’t save this seasoning just for ribs! This homemade BBQ dry rub is delicious on baby back ribs, spare ribs, and country style ribs. But it’s also delicious on pork shoulder, pork chops, chicken, and beef (such as this chuck roast pictured below, coated in the dry rub).
Here are a few of my favorite recipes to try it with:
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs – Tender, flavorful ribs made right in your pressure cooker.
Slow Cooker Ribs – Easy crockpot ribs finished with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs – Tender country style pork ribs with plenty of flavor.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork – Great for making delicious pulled pork sandwiches.
You can even add a little of this spice rub to ground beef for burgers or meatloaf. Yum!
How to Store Homemade Ribs Spice Rub
Store the spice rub in an airtight container or mason jar in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
For the best flavor, try to use it within about 6 months. The seasoning may last longer, but the spices will gradually lose some of their flavor and aroma.
Make a double batch! I almost always make extra because this rub is so handy to have around. Just keep the lid tightly closed and use a clean, dry spoon when measuring it out.
More Homemade Spice Blends
Rotisserie Chicken Spice Rub
Cajun Spice Blend
Easy Taco Seasoning
Baked Chicken Spice Rub
Homemade Fajita Seasoning
If you make this flavorful Ribs Spice Rub, let me know by leaving a comment with a star rating below! 😊
Ribs Spice Rub
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt (coarse salt, not table salt)
- 1 Tablespoon Coarse Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Cumin Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 2 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder (or granulated garlic)
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (or more for spicy)
Instructions
- Add all spices to a container with a lid (I use a mason jar). If you are sensitive to salt, use only ½ to 1 Tablespoon (you can always add more if you like).
- Shake well to mix.
- Store with lid closed in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Milder rub: Use less cayenne pepper if you prefer little or no heat.
- Spicier rub: Add extra cayenne for more of a kick.
- Less salt: Start with the lower amount of kosher salt and adjust as needed.
- Sweeter BBQ rub: Add a little extra brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter seasoning.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The first and only rub I have ever made. But I’m going to look no further this is to die for. I did leave out the cumin by choice. Thank you for a keeper rub.
This is the only way to make country pork ribs. My husband can’t wait till I make it again.
I used this rub while following your SLOW COOKER COUNTRY STYLE RIBS recipe and this rub was a hit. Everyone in the family loved it. We did not use bbq sauce or anything else. Delicious. These were the best ribs I have ever made.
This is a legitimately good rub and I do a lot of smoking. The cumin is just an accent flavor, barely there for those that are concerned. I used chipotle chili powder as well. Father’s Day spare ribs went UNSAUCED for 80% of the adults at the table.
Used this because I only had about 10 or 15 minutes before grilling pork country ribs. I didn’t put the Cayenne and didn’t have smokes paprika. It was still great. Grilled them, then brushed with bbq sauce. Amazing. Thanks!
Very good rub. I’m not a fan of cumin so only used 1/2 tbsp and added 1 tbsp of dry mustard. It’s in my keeper file. Thanks!
Great job! The whole family loved it. I just cooked mine in a crockpot and added bbq sauce, ketchup, water, onions and it just melted in our mouths. Yum yum 😋. 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Very good spice rub, however, I will cut back on the salt next time I make it.
Excellent rub.
Always use 2 parts freshly ground blk pepper to ONE part salt. Better rub if you do this.
Thank you for the tip.
Great recipe!!!!!!!!
Either scroll down to the recipe card or use the Jump to Recipe button. It’s there, I promise! 🙂
No kidding!! I thought I was going to scroll forever. Finally gave up and went back up and found the “Jump …” button. I do have to say the rub was worth the scrolling. Before I put it away, I doubled it. It’s a keeper; in a Mason Jar on the spice shelf. I made chicken tonight. Every bit as delicious on the chicken. We are having ribs next weekend, and I cannot wait!!!
Gotta pay the bills. But that jump button has helped people who don’t want to read the post. Thank you for your comment!
Made and used this on ribs cooking in the instant pot really good I think I might cut back on the cumin a little next time but it’s still very good did a combo mustard based sauce and regular bbq after they came out of instant pot thanks for the great recipe
Hi Nick! I haven’t had a mustard bbq sauce in a long time, must make some! Thank you for your review!