<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Rib-Rub-2-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A spoonful of reddish-brown rib rub spice mix is held above a glass jar. Text reads: “Homemade Rib Rub Spice Blend” and “www.errenskitchen.com” with the Erren’s Kitchen logo. - 1”>

A jar of red rib rub spice mix with a spoon inside, surrounded by photos of the mix's spices, a spoonful of rib seasoning, and seasoned meat. Text reads “Homemade Rib Rub Spice Mix” and “Erren’s Kitchen.”. - 2 A glass jar filled with a reddish-brown Rib Rub Spice Mix, with a spoon scooping some of the blend. The open jar sits on a white surface beside a striped cloth. Text reads “Rib Rub Spice Blend” and “www.errenskitchen.com.”. - 3 A glass jar filled with vibrant reddish-brown rib seasoning powder, with a metal spoon scooping some out, sitting on a white surface. - 4 A close-up of a spoonful of reddish-brown spice blend held above an open glass jar filled with the same spice, against a softly blurred background. - 5 A glass jar filled with a reddish-brown Rib Rub Spice Mix, with a spoon scooping some of the blend. The open jar sits on a white surface beside a striped cloth. Text reads “Rib Rub Spice Blend” and “www.errenskitchen.com.”. - 6 A close-up of a wooden spoon filled with a vibrant reddish-orange spice blend, held above a blurred container of the same spice in the background. - 7

Smoky, sweet, and a little spicy—this easy homemade rib rub is packed with bold BBQ flavor. Ready in 5 minutes and perfect for making Barbecued Ribs !

in this article:

  • Know Before You Scroll
  • Why I Love This Recipe
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Perfect Pairings
  • Rib Rub
  • Erren’s Top Tips
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions
  • FAQs

Know Before You Scroll

Rib Rub Spice Mix - 8

Flavor Profile

Sweet, smoky, and just a little spicy. The smoked paprika brings bold depth, the brown sugar adds that caramel-y sweetness, and the garlic and cumin round it all out with savory BBQ magic.

Difficulty Level

Super easy. Just measure, mix, and you’re done. No cooking, no stress—just pure flavor power in under 5 minutes.

What You’ll Need

Smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, cumin, ground black pepper, dark brown sugar, salt.

Equipment Needed

Small bowl, measuring spoons, airtight container or jar for storage.

Top Tip

For the best flavor payoff, rub generously on your ribs and let it sit at least 30 minutes—or overnight if you’ve got time. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Time-Saving Tips

Mix a double or triple batch and stash it in your pantry. Instant flavor bomb, ready to go on ribs, chicken, or even roasted veggies.

Ingredient Swaps

No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika and add a tiny pinch of chipotle powder for that smoky vibe.

A glass jar filled with reddish-brown spice blend, with a metal spoon scooping some out. The jar has a hinged lid and sits on a white surface. - 9

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve tried countless rib rubs —seriously, you name it, I’ve tested it. Some were so salty they made my mouth pucker, others were fiery enough to set off smoke alarms, and a few were just too bland. I wanted something simple but bold. A rib rub that hits that sweet-spot combo of smoky, savory, and just a little sweet without needing 20 ingredients or an advanced degree in spice blending. After a few not-so-wow batches, I finally landed on this one—and it’s everything. This easy rib rub is smoky from the paprika, has a nice bite from black pepper and garlic, and just enough brown sugar to make your ribs absolutely irresistible.

A close-up of a spoonful of reddish-brown spice blend held above an open glass jar filled with the same spice, against a softly blurred background. - 10

Ingredient Notes

A variety of spices in glass jars and bowls, a wooden salt cellar with a spoon, and a wooden pepper grinder, all arranged on a white surface. - 11

Paprika

Best Choice

Use a mix of smoked and sweet paprika—this blend gives the rub a perfect balance of deep smoky flavor and mild sweetness. A 50/50 split (like in your recipe) keeps things bold but not overwhelming.

Substitutions

If you only have one type, go all in! Smoked paprika alone will give a richer BBQ depth, while sweet paprika alone will keep it mellow.

Garlic

Best Choice

Garlic powder gives you that savory, all-purpose base flavor that makes rubs addictive.

Substitutions

Granulated garlic works well too. Avoid fresh garlic—it won’t mix evenly.

Cumin

Best Choice

Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy note with a little smokiness—essential in BBQ.

Substitutions

Coriander is a distant cousin, but the flavor will change. Skip if necessary.

Brown Sugar

Best Choice

Dark brown sugar adds moisture, sweetness, and that sticky caramelization BBQ ribs love.

Substitutions

Light brown sugar works in a pinch; add a touch of molasses for richer flavor.

Salt & Pepper

Best Choice

Table salt or kosher salt + ground black pepper. The salt enhances flavor and draws moisture, while the pepper adds bite and balance.

Substitutions

Sea salt or Himalayan salt work too. Use freshly cracked black pepper for more punch, or pre-ground for convenience.

You can find the full, printable recipe at the top of this post , but you can read the detailed instructions with photos for each step below.

Step By Step Instructions

1

Brown the chicken

Season the chicken and brown it in the pot to give the soup a deep, savory base. This step ensures flavorful, tender meat.

A white plate displays seven different ground spices arranged in separate piles, forming a colorful circular pattern on a marble surface. - 12

2

Store for Later

This rib rub recipe makes just under ½ cup of spice blend —about 7 tablespoons. That’s the perfect amount to fill a 4-ounce glass spice jar with a little room to shake and mix if needed. If you’re using it generously (about 1 tablespoon per pound of meat), you’ll get around two full racks of ribs or enough for 6–8 servings of grilled or smoked meat. For smaller portions or lighter seasoning, you can stretch it to 3–4 uses easily.

A clear glass jar filled with a reddish-brown spice blend, with the lid open, sitting on a white surface. - 13

Perfect Pairings

  • Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs
  • Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs
  • Sweet Chilli Chinese Sticky Chicken
A close-up of a wooden spoon filled with a vibrant reddish-orange spice blend, held above a blurred container of the same spice in the background. - 14

Ingredients

  • ▢ ⅛ cup smoked paprika
  • ▢ ⅛ cup sweet paprika
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ▢ 1 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • ▢ 5 teaspoons dark brown sugar
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix all the spices for the rub.

Tips

Erren’s Top Tips

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

A rack of raw pork ribs on a white plate, coated with a reddish-brown dry rub seasoning, with extra seasoning scattered around and a jar of rub in the background. - 15 A glass jar filled with a reddish-brown spice blend sits open on a white surface, surrounded by a white cloth and another glass container in the background. - 16 A close-up of a wooden spoon filled with a vibrant reddish-orange spice blend, held above a blurred container of the same spice in the background. - 17

Rib Rub

Ingredients

  • ⅛ cup smoked paprika
  • ⅛ cup sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 5 teaspoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix all the spices for the rub.

Video

Notes

Erren’s Top Tips

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

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