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Award Winning Baby Back Rib Dry Rub

This dry rub recipe creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors for tender and juicy ribs, ideal for any grilling enthusiast.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Plastic wrap or airtight container
  • Grill or smoker

Method
 

  1. Start by collecting all your ingredients.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder. Whisk or stir until the mixture is uniform.
  3. Take a small taste of the rub and adjust the cayenne pepper if you prefer more or less heat.
  4. Transfer the dry rub into a plastic wrap or airtight container. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. While the rub is resting, prepare your baby back ribs by trimming any excess fat.
  6. Generously coat the ribs on all sides with the rub, massaging it into the meat for maximum flavor.
  7. For best results, let the ribs marinate with the rub in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
  8. Cook the ribs on a preheated grill or smoker at low heat for 2 to 3 hours.

Notes

For extra tenderness, wrap the ribs in foil during the last hour of cooking.