There’s something about the smell of ribs on the grill that instantly says summer. It’s warm, smoky, savory, and nostalgic all in one bite. If you’ve been searching for the best baby back rib dry rub recipe, you’ve landed in the right spot.
This dry rub recipe is my go-to every time we fire up the grill. It’s simple, made with pantry staples, and transforms baby back ribs into a tender, flavorful meal the whole family loves.
The Secret to Great Ribs? A Solid Dry Rub
Before we get into cooking times or grilling techniques, let’s talk about the star of the show: the dry rub.
Dry rubs are the foundation of amazing ribs. They create that caramelized bark on the outside while locking in moisture and flavor on the inside. This recipe is a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, smoky, spicy, and savory—and it works beautifully with pork baby back ribs.
A Bit of Backyard BBQ Nostalgia
Growing up in Upstate New York, I have vivid memories of my dad grilling dinner year-round—even if there were three feet of snow on the ground. His dedication to grilling definitely rubbed off on me (pun intended), although I personally prefer sticking to the warm summer months.
Now, my own family loves grilling just as much. Monday night BBQs, backyard birthday parties, or just a casual weekend dinner—all call for baby back ribs on the grill. And this easy dry rub recipe for baby back ribs has never let us down.
Why This is the Best Dry Rub for Baby Back Ribs
Only 5 ingredients
No fancy spices required—everything is in your pantry
Perfect balance of sweet heat and smokiness
Tastes amazing with or without BBQ sauce
Pairs perfectly with Smithfield® Extra Tender Pork Ribs
You can also use this rub on pork shoulder, grilled chicken, or even roasted veggies. It’s super versatile!
Ingredients: Baby Back Rib Dry Rub
- 1/4 cup sweet paprika
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
You’ll Also Need:
Smithfield® Extra Tender Fresh Pork Baby Back Ribs (or St. Louis Style if you prefer)
This mix creates enough to coat 1–2 racks of ribs generously. You can easily double or triple the batch and store it in an airtight jar for later.
How to Use This Dry Rub on Baby Back Ribs
Mix the Rub:
Combine all the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Shake or stir until fully blended.
Prep the Ribs:
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this helps them cook more evenly and absorb flavor). Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
Apply the Rub:
Liberally coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
Wrap and Grill:
Wrap ribs tightly in foil and place them on a preheated grill set to low (about 300°F). Cook for 2.5 hours with the lid closed.
Finish and Serve:
Remove ribs from the grill. At this point, they’re tender and flavorful on their own, but you can also brush on your favorite BBQ sauce and broil them in the oven for 3–5 minutes for a caramelized finish.
Pro Tip: Want extra smoky flavor? Toss a few soaked wood chips onto your grill while cooking.
#TeamSlow or #TeamFast?
When it comes to ribs, we’re firmly in the #TeamSlow camp. Slow-cooked pork ribs break down perfectly over time, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness. You really can’t rush a good rib!
I first learned this philosophy from an old episode of The Pioneer Woman. She said, “If it’s not falling apart, it just needs to cook longer.” I’ve lived by that ever since.
Where to Get the Best Ribs
We always pick up our Smithfield® Extra Tender Baby Back Ribs from our local Walmart. They’re hand-trimmed, always tender, and contain no added hormones or steroids. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned griller, Smithfield® pork ribs are a solid choice that deliver every time.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Store leftover rub in a sealed container for up to 6 months in a cool pantry.
Leftover ribs can be reheated in the oven at 275°F, wrapped in foil for 15–20 minutes.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need This Baby Back Rib Dry Rub in Your Life
This rub has become a staple in our summer rotation. It’s flavorful, easy to throw together, and guaranteed to impress guests at your next backyard BBQ. Whether you're a #TeamFast griller or a #TeamSlow devotee, this baby back rib dry rub recipe will work its magic either way.
Summers are all about grilled food! This is so tempting!
ReplyDeleteIt was so yummy!
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