This is the Best BBQ Rub you will ever try! It’s a blend of spices that adds so much flavor to ribs, pork, chicken and more! It enhances the flavor of the outer layer of the meat and can also help retain moisture during cooking.
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Why this BBQ Rub Recipe is a Keeper
This is the Best BBQ Rub recipe because it is a homemade spice blend that gives your food the great flavor you find at your favorite BBQ joints. The easy to make BBQ spice rub recipe is made with everyday spices you might already have in your pantry.
- 5 Minute Mix: Give your food a kick and enhance the flavor in just a few minutes.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry, just make sure they are fresh.
- Family Friendly: Ideal for all family members because it adds so much flavor to the meat. It is my go-to for summer cookouts over some hickory coals.
- Adaptable: Can make it low salt or add more or less spicy as you like it.
If you’re looking for more BBQ flavor recipes, try these Honey BBQ Wings, BBQ Country Style Beef Ribs and BBQ Totchos.
What is the difference between a barbecue rub and a marinade?
A dry rub is a mixture of spices, herbs, salt, and sometimes sugar. It’s applied directly to the surface of the meat before cooking. Rubs don’t penetrate the meat deeply, but they create a flavorful crust and enhance the surface layer. They can also help retain moisture during cooking. Meat is submerged in the marinade for an extended period, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the flesh.
Ingredient Notes for the Dry Rub Recipe
This tried and true tested in the competition BBQ circuit, this versatile BBQ rub and seasonings has proven to bring in top results.
- Sugars: A combination of brown sugar and white sugar add the sweet to the sweet heat in this rub.
- Seasonings: Try regular or smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and Onion powder.
- Heat: Black pepper, cayenne pepper and cumin and the warmth.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
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Variations and Substitutions to Make BBQ Rub Seasoning
Different rubs will have different flavor profiles, such as sweet, savory, spicy, or herbal. Consider what flavors you like and what would complement the type of meat you’re cooking. Like BBQ sauce, you can add more of some ingredients and take away ones you dislike.
- Citrus: The flavor to the rub can enhance the smoked meats with some freshly grated lemon or orange zest.
- Salt: Use a kosher salt, tables salt, sea salt or himalayan can all be great for this seasoning blend
Special Equipment Needed for this Popular Recipe
You do not need any special gadgets for the best rub.
- Grinder: To use fresh ingredients and a gourmet finish try fresh ground herbs.
Best Dry Rub Pro Tip
You can use a little olive oil or other mildly-flavored oil to help the rub seasoning adhere to the meat.
How to Make Competition BBQ Dry Rub Spices
Rubs have an important purpose, and that’s to give the meat flavor. It can actually form a crust on the meat as it is cooked and seal in the juiciness of the meat, which keeps it from drying out. Adds a touch of sweetness and perfect for grilling.
These are the basic steps for making bbq rub recipes. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Mix the Sweet and Savory Ingredients
First, add the salt and pepper, garlic and onion powder and all the other ingredients to a mixing bowl. Stir together, breaking up any clumps. Transfer to an airtight jar or other airtight container for storage. Liberally add to your favorite meat, even fish.
Meat Barbecue Spice Rub Recipe FAQs
Add to meat and allow to sit for a half an hour to two hours. Makes a great rib rub or pork butt rub.
A good rule of thumb for applying dry rub to BBQ meat is around 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of meat. However, you can use as much or as you enjoy.
Truly the possibilities are endless. It goes well with so many things. Here are just a few examples:
Beef: Brisket, steaks, tri-tip, burgers, short ribs
Pork: Pork shoulder, ribs, chops, tenderloin
Poultry: Chicken, turkey (both whole bird and breasts)
Lamb: Legs, chops, shoulder
Seafood: Salmon, tuna steaks, shrimp (skewers)
Add Chipotle Pepper, chili pepper, celery seed or honey powder or whatever you like to make it your own must-have pitmaster rub.
Your dry rub should be able to last for up to four months in a sealed container. It is a little sweet and a little spicy and is by far and away the best rub.
Expert Tips for Making This Homemade BBQ Rub Recipe
You can use this sweet and savory flavors in this rub to build a barbecue sauce or to add great flavor to your barbeque, smoker or even broiling meat indoors.
- Fresh: Always use fresh spices and seasonings. If a spice or seasoning has been in your pantry for a few years, it’s probably time to get a fresh container. If you like the killer hogs rub, you will love making your own.
- Styles: Texas style, Kansas City style or Memphis style are easy to make with this delicious rub it locks in the moisture. There’s plenty of variations you can make to add flavor to your favorite sauce too.
- Control: You can make with no msg and gluten-free or gmo.
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Best BBQ Rub
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Ingredients
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- ½ cup White sugar
- ¼ cup Salt
- ¼ cup Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to a container with a tight fitting lid.
Christina’s Notes
- Fresh: Always use fresh spices and seasonings. If a spice or seasoning has been in your pantry for a few years, it’s probably time to get a fresh container. If you like the killer hogs rub, you will love making your own.
- Styles: Texas style or memphis style are easy to make with this delicious rub it locks in the moisture.
- Grind your own: If you want a finer version of this BBQ rub you can run it through a grinder
. - Health issues: Can make with no msg and gluten-free or gmo.
.For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
I made this rub for Baby Back Ribs and it was AWESOME! Hands down the B-E-S-T!
Thank you!
Made a few adjustments but mostly folded recipe. Added some smoked paprika as well as regular. Best rub ever,
So simple and yet delicious!
This is a great rub! I use it for everything!
This looks really easy! I’m glad it’s barbecue season again! Can’t wait to try this.
Made this on top of chicken kabobs and it was amazing!
First time made the rub and BBQ sauce for chicken. My husband LOVED it. So this is a keeper recipe.
Thank you