The Best Dry Rub for Pork Ribs
The best pork ribs start with a delicious dry rub! In this post, you'll learn to make your own delicious dry rub bland from a combination of spices like paprika, garlic, cayenne, thyme, white pepper and more. This dry rub creates decadently flavourful pork ribs that are fall off the bone and absolutely irresistible. You can also use the rub to flavour wings, chicken, or even corn on the cob!
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to Make a Dry Rib Rub – Overview
The full details and ingredient amounts can be found in the recipe at the bottom of the page, but here is a short overview of making the best dry rib rub for pork ribs.
This dry rib rub is made from a combination of paprika, ground celery seed, salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, thyme, white pepper and cayenne. These spices are combined to make a blend that goes perfectly with pork ribs.
Store it in a mason jar or other air-tight container for use whenever you need it. It's great to have this dry rub on hand to sprinkle on ribs when I need it. You can also try this rub on other meats too; I've tried it with beef myself, and it's great!
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How to Use Rib Dry Rub
How much Rub to use on ribs
You can use rib rub to season pork ribs (or other meats if you like). All you have to do is sprinkle a good amount over the top and spread it over the meat to season.
Sometimes if I'm feeling ambitious, I'll make my own BBQ sauce for this recipe which makes them even better. To keep it simple, this time, I just used some store-bought BBQ sauce. You can really use just about any BBQ sauce that suits your fancy, but I would recommend using something with a hint of smokiness or hickory.
Can I use this dry rub on other meat, like chicken?
Yes, you can absolutely use this rub on other meat! In addition to pork ribs, you can try it on chicken, wings, brisket, beef and even corn on the cob. It works deliciously on really any kind of meat you like really!
If you try the rub on meat other than pork, I'd love to hear about it, so please let me know in the comments section at the bottom of the page (below the recipe card). 😋
What to serve with Pork Ribs
When it comes to serving up tender pork ribs, the sides you choose can elevate the whole meal! A crisp coleslaw is a must-have, balancing out the rich flavors of the ribs with a refreshing crunch. For something heartier, try my classic Mac and Cheese recipe or buttery cornbread—perfect for soaking up that extra BBQ sauce.
If you're looking for lighter options, a cool Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad pairs wonderfully. Want more inspiration? Check out my Sides section for plenty of ideas to mix and match!
For those who love comforting, warm dishes, I recommend visiting my Comfort Foods section, where you'll find plenty of soul-satisfying options like scalloped potatoes and soups.
The Best Dry Rub for Pork Ribs
- Total Time: –
- Yield: 2 cups dry rub 1x
Ingredients
Dry Rub Ingredients:
- 1 cup paprika
- 2 tbsp ground celery seed
- 2 tbsp salt
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp white pepper
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
Ingredients to make the Ribs:
- About 3 tbsps of the dry rub seasoning above
- about 3 lbs of pork ribs
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
Instructions
How to make the Dry Rub:
- Combine all dry rub ingredients in a large container such as a mason jar. Shake the jar to combine well.
How to use the dry rub and cook the pork ribs:
- Coat all parts of the ribs with the dry rub seasoning. I like to use about 1 tbsp of the dry rub for every pound of meat (3lbs of ribs = 3 tbsps of rub). You don't need much for the underside – make sure that you have everything else covered.
NOTE: At this point, you can begin the cooking process, or for fuller flavour, you can set the ribs in the fridge to marinate over night – it's not necessary, though, if you don't have time! - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the meaty sides of the ribs with BBQ sauce.
- Place the ribs in a glass oven heat-proof baking dish, meat side down. Cover with aluminum foil to seal the moisture in.
- Place in the oven to cook for about 2 hours.
- Remove the ribs from the oven. Using a turkey baster or a large spoon, collect the drippings and sauce from the bottom of the baking dish and pour into a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a boil and allow it to thicken for about 10 minutes or so. You can also add a little more BBQ sauce to the pot with the drippings if you like.
- Using a sharp knife (or strong kitchen scissors), cut the ribs into portions and set them meat side up in the baking dish.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the ribs and cook in the oven (covered) for about 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and cook uncovered for 30 minutes. The sauce should stick to the ribs, and the meat should be tender, juicy and fall off the bone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Optional time to Marinate:: 12 hours or overnight
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Oven
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