Best Dry Rub for Ribs

My friend Brad Korber was kind enough to lend another recipe to our site. He created this homemade rib rub over several years drawing inspiration from various cooking shows. I recently published Brad’s BBQ sauce recipe where I explain how Brad is a “Foodie” and someone to listen to when it comes to finding the right restaurants in any city. His recipe obviously goes well with pork ribs but also chicken, so this is quite a universal rub. I even put it on my chopped, foil cooked BBQ potatoes.

Here is what Brad had to say about his rub recipe:

“Not much story to the rub other than watching food channel for years and trying stuff over and over to get the right mix.  I usually don’t measure so I whipped up a batch with actual measurements to offer this to you…..a great rub for ribs, whether smoking, or slow roasting and finishing on the grill.  I make no suggestions of how much to use, it depends on the method and your own preference (whether you like heavy rub or just a light dusting).”

I’ve bought amazing rib rubs from local BBQ joints before and I feel Brads is as good, or better. He figured out the secret ingredients that work so well for pork and chicken. I believe those ingredients are Chinese 5-Spice and ginger. They take the rub in a great direction which helps compliment pork and chicken.

Equipment:

1. Mixing Bowl
2. Measuring Cup
3. Fork
4. Spice Shaker

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
2. 1/4 Cup Garlic Powder
3. 1/4 Cup Onion Powder
4. 1/4 Cup Lowry’s Seasoning Salt
5. 1/4 Cup Paprika (not smoked paprika)
6. 1-2 TBSP Cayenne (add to taste)
7. 2 TBSP Kosher Salt
8. 2 TBSP Fine Ground Pepper
9. 1/2 TBSP Ginger Powder
10. 1/2 TBSP Chinese 5-Spice (this is one of those spices that makes all the difference – adds a depth and unique flavor)

Instructions:

1. Measure all ingredients to exact portions.
2. Add to a mixing bowl and use a fork to mix together. Make sure all brown sugar lumps are pressed out.
3. Add to a Spice Shaker for easy application.

Enjoy the rub and experiment with it. I find it tastes great on potatoes, popcorn, our pork belly burnt ends, chicken wings, and pork tenderloin. It’s very universal and will probably become a staple in your household. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

4.34 from 6 votes

Dry Rub Recipe for Ribs

Universal Rib and Chicken Rub that rivals the best Pitmasters secret recipe. I use it on pork ribs, chicken, potatoes, and popcorn.

Prep Time10 mins

Total Time10 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, BBQ, rub, spices

Keyword: best rib rub, chicken rub, popcorn seasoning, potato seasoning, rib rub

Servings: 30

Calories: 27kcal

Author: Michael Haas

Cost: $10

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring Cup
• Fork
• Spice Shaker

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Garlic Powder
• 1/4 Cup Onion Powder
• 1/4 Cup Lowry’s Seasoning Salt
• 1/4 Cup Paprika not smoked paprika
• 2 TBSP Cayenne add to taste, this will add some heat
• 2 TBSP Kosher Salt
• 2 TBSP Fine Ground Pepper
• 1/2 TBSP Ginger Powder
• 1/2 TBSP Chinese 5-Spice this is one of those spices that makes all the difference- adds a depth and unique flavor

Instructions

• Measure all ingredients to exact portions.
  
• Add to a mixing bowl and use a fork to mix together. Make sure all brown sugar lumps are pressed out.
  
• Add to a Spice Shaker for easy application.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1411mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg