Creating a homemade rib rub is an easy way to bring your barbecue dishes up a notch, ensuring a delicious, flavor-packed bark on your ribs every single time. This particular Rib Rub Recipe combines garlic, paprika, brown sugar, salt, onion granules, seasoned salt, and pepper for a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Its simplicity makes it simple and accessible for anyone to make, requiring just a few minutes to mix together. Perfect for barbecue enthusiasts and home cooks looking to impress at their next cookout, this rib rub delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
Rib Rub Recipe
This rib rub recipe is a great example of why a good spice mix doesn’t have to be overly complex. By carefully balancing flavors like garlic, paprika, and brown sugar, this rub adds big flavors to ribs without forcing you to go buy 10 weird seasonings you’ll never use again.
It’s versatile, too, working equally well with pork, beef, or even chicken, allowing you to use it across a wide range of barbecue dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just getting started with grilling, mastering a solid rib rub recipe is a key step in your barbecue journey.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Easy to Make: With just a few minutes to measure and mix, you can prepare this rub in advance, saving you time.
- Versatility: This rub is not just for ribs; it can enhance the flavor of all kinds of meats, making it a multipurpose mix for all your barbecue needs.
- Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements ensures a well-rounded taste that complements the meat without overpowering it.
- Homemade Freshness: By making your rub at home, you control the quality and freshness of the ingredients, leading to better flavors.
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Rib Rub shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Brown Sugar
- Salt
- Onion Granules
- Seasoned Salt
- Pepper
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How to make homemade Rib Rub
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- Gather Your Ingredients:Start by measuring out the specified amounts of garlic, paprika, brown sugar, salt, onion granules, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- Mix the Ingredients:Combine all the ingredients in a mason jar or any airtight container. This helps keep your rub fresh for longer.
- Shake Well:Secure the lid on your jar and shake vigorously to ensure all the spices are well mixed and evenly distributed.
- Apply the Rub:When you’re ready to cook, liberally coat both sides of your ribs with the rub. For best results, rub the mix into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
- Cook as Desired:Proceed with your preferred cooking method, whether it be grilling, smoking, or baking, to enjoy flavor-packed ribs.
Try our Beef Rub too!
Rib Rub Recipe FAQ
How long can I store the rib rub?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, the rub can last up to 6 months.
Can I use this rub on other meats?
Absolutely. This rub is great on chicken, beef, and even vegetables.
How far in advance can I apply the rub?
For deeper flavor, you can apply the rub up to 24 hours in advance, keeping the meat refrigerated.
Are there any substitutions I can make?
Yes, you can adjust the levels of sweetness or heat to suit your taste, substituting different types of sugar or paprika.
Serve this with…
- Grilled Vegetables: A colorful array of grilled veggies complements the savory flavors of the ribs.
- Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread muffins pairs wonderfully with the spice of the rub.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, spiced meat.
Use this rub on…
- Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs
- Traeger Smoked No-Wrap Pork Ribs
- Smoked Country-Style Pork Ribs
- Spicy Smoked Pork Ribs
- Smoked St. Louis Ribs
- Cherry Coke Ribs
- Faster Smoked Pork Ribs
- Traeger Smoked Pork Ribs
Rib Rub
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon onion granules
- 1 tablespoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoons pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar.
- Shake to combine.
- Liberally coat on both sides of your next rack of ribs.
Tools & Equipment
Nutrition
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.