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Home / Recipes
5 minutes
4.86 from 7 votes
4 Comments

BBQ Dry Rub

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by: Joanna Cismaru
08.31.20
Updated: 08.31.20

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There’s nothing quite like a homemade BBQ Dry Rub! Not too salty, not too sweet; it’s just right. Seasoned with staples from your spice collection, this is a perfect way to use up neglected ingredients in your pantry. Try this blend over meats to give your dinner a summery flare any time of the year!

closeup sideview shot of a tablespoon with bbq dry rub surround by it

As a BBQ expert, I feel very qualified to give this important lesson in seasoning today. I’ve tried every BBQ rub you can buy from the store! I always find the biggest problem is the amount of salt and sugar they pack into those bottles. I want flavor! That’s when I started mixing up my own blend to maximize the ratio of my favorite spices.

When I season meat for a BBQ recipe, I like to season heavily. When using a store-bought bottle, that option goes right out the window. You’ll end up with a day’s worth of sodium in each bite! By mixing your own blend, you can customize the sugar and salt content of your rub. The more room for those flavorful spices, the better!

overhead shot of all ingredients needed to make bbq dry rub

Ingredients

Keep scrolling down to the recipe card for a list of FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!

  • Brown sugar – Dark or light. Granulated sugar can be used as well.
  • Smoked paprika – While you can substitute regular paprika, I highly recommend using smoked.
  • Salt & pepper – Season to taste.
  • Chili powder – Any type you like best. Give this homemade recipe a try!
  • Onion powder – If you use dehydrated onion, double the amount called for.
  • Garlic powder – Use more or less as you prefer.
  • Cayenne – This is for some heat. You can use more, less, or none at all.
  • Dry mustard – This will add a bit of tang. You can use less if you don’t love mustard.
detailed process shots showing how to make bbq dry rub

How to make BBQ dry rub

  1. Mix all the ingredients together well, making sure to work through any clumps of brown sugar.

If you’re having trouble with clumps of brown sugar, give the bowl a shake to let all the clumps rise to the top. Use your (clean) fingers to run through and break up the pieces, then whisk them back into the rub.

What to make with my BBQ dry rub

This is a blend that you can use to replace any spice mixture when you’re preparing a BBQ recipe. It’ll make your life a whole lot easier! Simply grab this rub, and absolutely coat whichever piece of meat you’re working with in it.

Need help with cooking methods? Give these recipes a try:

  • Instant Pot BBQ Pork Ribs
  • The Best BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs
  • Perfect Pulled Pork
  • Instant Pot Beef Brisket
  • Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
a white bowl full of bbq dry rub with a tablespoon in it

Storage

Transfer your blend to an airtight container, ideally with a twist-to-seal lid. Store in a cool, dark, dry place such as your pantry or spice drawer. Your blend will last 3-4 years if stored properly. The spices will never go “rotten”, but they will eventually stale. The best way to see if your blend is still good is a simple smell test.

I like to mark the date on my jar when I mix up a blend to keep better track of it. If you’ve recently washed the jar that the spice blend will be stored in, make sure it’s completely dry before using. I’ll towel dry my jar, then let it sit upside down on the drying rack for a good 20 minutes. This will ensure no remaining moisture will spoil your spice blend.

overhead shot with a white bowl full of bbq dry rub spilling some on the table and a tablespoon

Loving this easy recipe? Try these:

  • Chili Powder
  • Seasoning Salt
  • Taco Seasoning
  • Lemon Pepper
  • Italian Seasoning Recipe
  • Homemade Poultry Seasoning
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Moroccan Spice Blend

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closeup sideview shot of a tablespoon with bbq dry rub surround by it

BBQ Dry Rub

4.86 from 7 votes
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 7
Print Pin Rate
There's nothing quite like a homemade BBQ Dry Rub! Not too salty, not too sweet; it's just right. Seasoned with staples from your spice collection, this is a perfect way to use up neglected ingredients in your pantry. Try this blend over meats to give your dinner a summery flare any time of the year!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients together well, making sure to work through any clumps of brown sugar.

Recipe Notes

  1. Recipe yields just under 1/2 cup (7 tbsp plus 1/2 tsp).
  2. If you’re having trouble with clumps of brown sugar, give the bowl a shake to let all the clumps rise to the top. Use your (clean) fingers to run through and break up the pieces, then whisk them back into the rub.
  3. Transfer your blend to an airtight container, ideally with a twist-to-seal lid. Store in a cool, dark, dry place such as your pantry or spice drawer. Your blend will last 3-4 years if stored properly. The spices will never go “rotten”, but they will eventually stale. The best way to see if your blend is still good is a simple smell test.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1tbspCalories: 28kcal (1%)Carbohydrates: 6g (2%)Protein: 1g (2%)Fat: 1g (2%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Sodium: 348mg (15%)Potassium: 76mg (2%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 4g (4%)Vitamin A: 1273IU (25%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 14mg (1%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Course:Spice
Cuisine:American
Keyword:bbq dry rub
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Tammy says

    September 1, 2020 at 3:36 pm

    5 stars
    Works great on homemade potato chips! Thank you for another wonderful recipe

    Reply
    • jo says

      September 1, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      Glad to hear it! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Tammy says

    August 31, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    Would this work on homemade potato chips?

    Reply
    • jo says

      August 31, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      Ha, I don’t see why not!

      Reply

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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