Quick Look at the Best Dry Rub for Ribs Recipe
- Ready In: 5 minutes!
- Yield: one batch of seasoning is enough for 2 racks of ribs
- Dietary Info: Whole30, Paleo, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
- Best For: seasoning any type of pork ribs with the BEST flavor!
- Why You’ll Love It: Our tried-and-true smoked baby back ribs have been a family and cookout favorite for years! I have been asked SO many times to share my secret to the incredible flavor of my ribs, so today I’m ready to share it with all of you. It is super easy and only requires 7 simple spices that are probably in your spice cabinet right now. Below you will find all of my tips for leveling up your ribs with my 5 star rib rub recipe!
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Key Ingredients + Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- Lemon Pepper – this adds that acidic flavor that really rounds out the flavor profile – our secret ingredient!
- Smoked Paprika & Smoked Garlic Powder – option to use regular paprika and garlic powder if you are unable to find the smoked varieties. They are a great way to add a slightly smokey flavor, even if you don’t cook the ribs on a smoker.
- Cayenne Pepper – perfect for a slight kick of heat and can be adjusted depending on your personal preferences.
Sugar Free Rib Dry Rub
One thing that isn’t included in our rib rub is … sugar! Some people are true believers that sugar belongs on pork ribs, but I do not agree. Of course, we have added a suggestion in the notes section of the recipe card, if you DO want to add some in (to each their own), but we love it without!
How To Make Dry Rub For Ribs
Step 1 – Mix together the dry rub ingredients.
Step 2– Rub on all sides of the ribs before cooking.
Pro Tips On Applying The Dry Rub
For best results, remove the membrane on the ribs before applying the dry rub. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat as much as possible.
Best Ways To Cook Ribs Using A Rib Dry Rub
Dry Rub For Ribs FAQs
A minimum of 30-60 minutes is ideal, if you don’t have time to let them sit overnight or plan to add bbq sauce towards the end of cooking. This homemade dry rub can sit on the ribs overnight (up to 12 hours), if you do have the time. If they are, I would recommend wrapping them in plastic wrap, to prevent them from drying out.
Yes, we have found that our seasoning still gives the outside of the ribs a nice crust (or bark) even without the sugar. I would also suggest making the best grilled ribs recipe, if you prefer a more crisp outside due to the charring that a grill provides.
Yes, using both a dry rub and simple rib marinade can result in even more tender ribs with maximum flavor.
In an airtight container in the pantry for up to 3 months.
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Ingredients
- 2 ยฝ tablespoons smoked paprika, or regular paprika
- 2 ยฝ tablespoons lemon pepper
- 1 ยฝ tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked garlic powder, or regular garlic powder
- ยฝ tablespoon ground black pepper
- ยฝ tablespoon onion powder
- ยฝ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine: In a small bowl or jar, add 2 ยฝ tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 ยฝ tablespoons lemon pepper, 1 ยฝ tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon smoked garlic powder, ยฝ tablespoon ground black pepper, ยฝ tablespoon onion powder, and ยฝ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.ย
- Serve or Store: Use in your favorite rib recipe: we love making the best grilled ribs or quick oven baked ribs!ย Or store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Spice: feel free to omit the cayenne pepper, if you aren’t into spice at all (although I would recommend adding at least a pinch), or you can amp it up and add in a whole tablespoon of cayenne pepper, if you want! You could also add in a little cumin or chili powder for additional spice – feel free to play around with the flavor!
- Racks of Ribs: this recipe makes enough for approx. two racks of ribs.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months (preferably in a cool/dark place – like a cupboard). I like using a small mason jar!
- Sugar: I am actually not a fan of sugars in my dry rubs (usually), but if you want to add in a little sugar, I would recommend about a tablespoon of coconut sugar (dark brown sugar would work too).ย
- Smoked Spices: more and more stores carry smoked spices and you can always check on Amazon. Otherwise, the non-smoked version of these spices also work just fine!ย
- Best Ribs: this recipe for Smoked Baby Back Ribs is my all-time favorite if you can’t decide which recipe to make! They are fall-off-the-bone tender (but they don’t fall apart on you) and the flavor is just amazing!
Nutrition
Originally published May 29, 2021.
Joy says
Excellent recipe for spareribs. I didnโt add the liquid smoke until later because it wasnโt in the top narrative. I just added more rub afterwards. I used Rib Back chicken spice rub. I used Heinz Kansas City sweet and smoky bbq sauce towards the end. They were awesome!
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed this one, Joy!! Thanks for coming back to leave a rating and review – I really appreciate it!
Wayne Trapp says
Nothing better than hanging out with family and friends on Fatherโs Day while ribs are on the smoker. Thanks for the perfect recipe for a day of fun!
Erin says
Thanks, Wayne!!
Elle says
This turned out to be an excellent flexible technique for cooking ribs, they were so flavourful and the texture was excellent with a crispy outside and melt in your mouth inside.
Erin says
Glad to hear you enjoyed these!!