A basic and quick, family-friendly homemade BBQ dry rub recipe for chicken, ribs, and other meats using everyday spices and seasonings.
Homemade BBQ Dry Rub
You know those days when the sun's shining and you're feeling the call of the flame? Maybe you're going to smoke or grill some protein today - you know it's going to be a great day. This homemade BBQ dry rub is perfect for that kind of day.
This homemade BBQ dry rub takes just minutes to put together. I like having this as a go-to when I want to do something a little different. I like having a combo of some homemade combos, as well as some bottled options ready to go.
The ingredient list for this rub are literally seasonings you likely already have in your pantry and if you haven't, they're common and some of the more popular spices and seasonings, so you'll be able to find them easily at the local store.
Sugar Free BBQ Dry Rub
One of the things I like to pay attention to when using a rub or sauce is the amount of SUGAR that is added. I love a little bit of sweetness with my spice, but don't like the food manufacturers' loading product full of artificial sweetener. But that's just me.
If you read the labels of the things you're buying, you might be shocked to know that some of the most popular well known sauces and rubs have a lot of sugar in them! Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce, for example, lists its #1 ingredient as high fructose corn syrup! Ooof. Okay - rant over.
Point being, this rub is sugar free. For clarification - I'm not against sugar (especially brown sugar), but I like to have some control over it.
More BBQ Rub and Sauce Recipes
- Homemade BBQ sauce (with no ketchup)
- Chipotle creamy BBQ sauce (dip)
- Jamaican jerk dry rub
- Jamaican jerk mop sauce
Why Use BBQ Rub?
A BBQ rub gives meats a flavor boost and make them taste amazing. The good thing about making a homemade spice mix is that you can play around with it and adjust the flavors to suit your family.
I know lots of us find spices a little daunting to start with, I know I used to, and I'd always be concerned about ruining the meat and so if I was going to use a spice mix I'd buy them ready mixed. But the truth is they're so simple to make yourself, get yourself some of the more popular spices and you can mix a whole load of things without having to buy each mix individually.
How Much Dry Rub Should You Use?
Start small and work up, I've always found that to be the best way forward! I give this a really god rub into the meat no matter how much I'm using, but depending on if you think the kids are going to be up for it, use as little or as much as you like, within reason.
You don't want to have huge clumps of spice mix in any one area, just an even layer all over. Once you've added the rub to whatever meat you're putting it on, let it sit for at least 20 minutes before cooking it to give the spices a chance to really take.
What Can You Use BBQ Rub On?
I use this rub on pretty much any meat. Most often I use this on chicken wings and chicken breast. It would also be great on steaks, burgers and pork ribs. Veggies too! Apply this rub onto some potatoes and veggies before roasting them and they'll come out great!
If you feel like something would go well with the BBQ flavor, try it!
How Long Does This Homemade BBQ Rub Last?
You can keep this in airtight containers like these little ones that also handily come with their own labels. Once you have your blend just transfer any you haven't used to one of these jars and you can keep it with your other spices for up to a month. I don't think I'd keep it for much longer than this, only because I'd feel the spices would lose some of their flavor.
- 🌻 Great Value - 20 Pack 4 oz glass spice jars with 24 Labels & Silicone Funnels, allowing you to use them as you see fit in the kitchen or for other projects. Fill them with your special spices and gift them to friends, use as party favors, add a fun design element for party, or simply use them in your home to keep things fresh or organized.
During the warmer months I tend to make a batch of this (like, 4 x the ingredient quantities) and then I have it there as we use the outside grill a lot. You can keep this in an airtight container and I've kept it for up to a month before and it's been good to use.
How To Make Homemade BBQ Spice Rub
SPICE NOTE: I've made this barbecue dry rub mixture quite mild so it's good for younger kids or those with shall we say, a slightly less adventurous palette! You can always increase the heat by adding additional cayenne, chili, or chipotle seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tbsp salt (sea salt, not table salt. You can also use Kosher salt.)
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- 1 teaspoons cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper, chili powder or chipotle powder (Up this quantity if your people like heat!)
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into a small bowl and mix until all the ingredients are blended
- Use immediately and put any unused BBQ rub into an airtight container
Homemade BBQ Spice Rub
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt sea salt, not table salt
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper up this quantity if you like heat
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into small bowl and mix until all the ingredients are blended
- Use immediately and put any unused BBQ rub into an airtight container
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