Simple Homemade BBQ Rub Recipe for Any Grilled Dish
Discover the secret to mouthwatering barbecue with our versatile sweet-salty-spicy BBQ rub! Perfect for elevating a wide variety of grilled delights, from succulent ribs and juicy chicken to flavorful burgers and even grilled vegetables.
Why settle for expensive store-bought spice rubs when you can create your own flavor magic at home? This easy-to-make barbecue rub not only saves you money but also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Whether you’re slow-cooking fall-off-the-bone ribs, preparing tender pulled pork, grilling chicken to perfection, or even experimenting with grilled tofu, this rub has got you covered!
Our signature blend features paprika as the star, bringing a delightful combination of savoriness, earthiness, and subtle fruitiness to your dishes. Complementing the paprika is brown sugar, which not only adds sweetness but also imparts a rich molasses complexity that will have your taste buds dancing.
But wait, there’s more! We’ve carefully balanced this rub with just the right amount of salt and a medley of additional spices and dried herbs. Mustard seed, black pepper, coriander seed, dried oregano, granulated garlic, and granulated onion all play their part in creating a depth of flavor that will make your barbecue truly unforgettable.
While this rub isn’t overly spicy, feel free to customize it to your heart’s content. Add a pinch of cayenne or your favorite chile powder for some extra heat, or experiment with cumin, chipotle powder, or smoked paprika to create your own signature blend. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup paprika (2 ounces; 60g)
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar (2.5 ounces; 70g)
- 1/4 cup kosher salt (1.5 ounces; 45g)
- 4 teaspoons (12g) ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons (6g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons (6g) ground coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon (5g) dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon (10g) granulated garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (10g) granulated onion powder
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients and whisk them together thoroughly. Use your fingertips to break up any stubborn clumps of brown sugar, ensuring a smooth and even mixture.
- For an extra flavor boost, try toasting the ground mustard, black pepper, and coriander in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant. This simple step can really elevate the complexity of your rub!
- Once your rub is well-mixed, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. Keep it at room temperature, and it will maintain its potency for up to 4 months. While the flavors may mellow slightly over time, rest assured that your rub will remain safe to use.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Your homemade barbecue rub can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 months. While the intensity of the flavors may gradually decrease over time, the rub will remain safe to use. Pro tip: Make a double batch and give some as a gift to your barbecue-loving friends!
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 20 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 4g | Carbs |
| 1g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 30 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 20 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 584mg | 25% |
| Total Carbohydrate 4g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
| Total Sugars 3g | |
| Protein 1g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 1% |
| Calcium 14mg | 1% |
| Iron 1mg | 3% |
| Potassium 66mg | 1% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Unleash Your Culinary Creativity
Now that you’ve mastered this easy all-purpose barbecue rub, it’s time to let your imagination run wild! This versatile blend is just the beginning of your flavor journey. Here are some exciting ways to use your homemade rub:
- Massage it into pork ribs for a classic barbecue experience
- Sprinkle it over chicken before grilling for a flavor-packed meal
- Use it as a seasoning for homemade burgers or meatloaf
- Dust it over roasted vegetables for a savory twist
- Mix it into softened butter to create a compound butter for steaks
- Blend it into your favorite marinade for an extra flavor boost
- Sprinkle it over popcorn for a gourmet snack
Remember, the key to becoming a barbecue master is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios or add new spices to create your own signature rub. Who knows? You might just invent the next big thing in barbecue!
A Word on Food Safety
While this rub is fantastic for adding flavor, always ensure that you’re cooking your meats to the proper internal temperature for food safety. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check that your barbecued creations are not only delicious but also safe to eat.
So fire up that grill, grab your apron, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound barbecue expertise. With this easy all-purpose barbecue rub in your culinary arsenal, you’re well on your way to becoming the neighborhood’s go-to grill master. Happy cooking!