This all-purpose BBQ rub is packed with extraordinary flavor from the blend of aromatic spices and is so easy to make. The sweet flavors are balanced out by a slight bite of heat. It'll take your favorite grilled or smoked meat to the next level. Give it a try at your next barbecue!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Easy to Make: For a fraction of the cost of dry rubs you can buy at the grocery store, you can make this homemade blend in 5 minutes or less!
Natural Ingredients: Store-bought spice mixes often have unnecessary added fillers or anticaking agents. This dry rub recipe has the best flavor because it's made with natural ingredients. (kosher salt, brown sugar, herbs and spices)
Customizable: Looking for inspiration for your own homemade BBQ rub recipe? Use this recipe as a starting place and adjust the ingredients to your liking!
Ingredient Notes:
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt has just the right size of grains to use for rubs because they're big enough to create a delicious crust on the meat but not so big that they don't flavor the meat evenly. The coarse texture also adheres to the meat better than other salts.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides the sweet element to this seasoning. You can use light or dark brown sugar but I prefer the richer flavor of the dark variety. You can use regular white sugar as well, but you'll miss out on the deep flavor of the brown sugar.
- Herbs and Spices: You can adjust the blend of spices and herbs to your liking! Want to spice it up? Add more cayenne. Don't like the flavor of cumin? Take it out! This recipe is totally customizable.
Step by Step Instructions:
How To Make BBQ Seasoning:
This homemade spice blend comes together in 5 minutes or less!
Add all ingredients (brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, thyme, parsley, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper) to an 8 oz glass jar or small bowl.
Shake jar or stir to combine.
Pro Tip: Homemade seasonings make great gifts. Add the ingredients in a layered fashion to the jar and don't shake it up for a beautiful presentation!
How to Use BBQ Seasoning:
Homemade BBQ seasoning can be used on just about any grilled or smoked meat. Pork chops, pork tenderloin, pork shoulder, chicken wings, chicken thighs, smoked brisket, baby back ribs (even wild game ribs!), roasts, steaks, or any of your favorite meats will all work! Add a few tablespoons of the spice blend before you grill or smoke your meat on your gas grill, pellet grill, or smoker.
How to Store Homemade Seasoning:
Homemade seasoning can be stored just like any store-bought seasoning: in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. The approximate shelf life for homemade seasonings is about 6 months but depends on the freshness of the ingredients used. If you're already using old spices, the seasoning won't taste as fresh.
Recipe FAQ's:
Seasonings with a good balance of sweet and salty with unique flavor from a blend of herbs and spices are great for BBQ. BBQ rubs can vary widely in flavor but they usually consist of salt, sugar, and various spices.
If you buy spices in bulk, you can definitely make your own BBQ spice rub cheaper than what you can buy at the grocery store.
A good rub is the secret to good BBQ. A good rub gives flavor to meat without overpowering it and creates a sweet and salty crust on the exterior of the meat.
Other Recipes You'll Love:
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Recipe:
Easy Homemade BBQ Seasoning
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to an 8 oz glass jar or small bowl. Shake jar or stir to combine.
- Store in the jar or other airtight container for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Kosher salt has just the right size of grains to use for rubs because they're big enough to create a delicious crust on the meat but not so big that they don't flavor the meat evenly. The coarse texture also adheres to the meat better than other salts.
- Brown sugar provides the sweet element to this seasoning. You can use light or dark brown sugar but I prefer the richer flavor of the dark variety. You can use regular white sugar as well, but you'll miss out on the deep flavor of the brown sugar.
- You can adjust the blend of spices and herbs to your liking! Want to spice it up? Add more cayenne. Don't like the flavor of cumin? Take it out! This recipe is totally customizable.
- Homemade seasonings make great gifts. Add the ingredients in a layered fashion to the jar and don't shake it up for a beautiful presentation!
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