BBQ Dry Rub

The Ultimate BBQ Dry Rub Recipe

Calling all grill masters and pit bosses! Elevate your barbecue game to legendary status with this versatile BBQ Dry Rub Recipe from our viewer Robert Jones. This simple yet potent blend of spices transforms any cut of meat into a masterpiece of smoky, savory goodness. From pulled pork dripping with BBQ sauce to sweet smoked salmon, this rub will infuse your favorite proteins with bold, delicious flavor.

The Secret Weapon of Grill Masters:

A good dry rub is the cornerstone of any successful barbecue experience. It acts as a flavor barrier, creating a beautiful crust on the exterior of your meat. . This BBQ Dry Rub recipe strikes the perfect balance. It combines sweetness, savory warmth, and a subtle kick of heat. This makes it ideal for a wide variety of meats and cooking styles.

A Breakdown of the Flavor Profile:

• Brown Sugar: This golden ingredient adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during the cooking process. This creates a rich and flavorful crust.
• Fresh Cracked Pepper: The robust bite of freshly cracked black pepper adds a layer of warmth and complexity.
• Cayenne Pepper: A touch of cayenne pepper provides a subtle but noticeable kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
• Chili Powder: This blend of ground chiles adds a smoky depth and a hint of earthiness.
• Ground Cumin: An essential warm spice, cumin brings a touch of smokiness and a unique savory note.
• Granulated Garlic & Onion: These dehydrated staples provide a concentrated burst of garlicky and oniony flavor without the need for chopping fresh ingredients.
• Paprika: This vibrant spice adds a beautiful reddish hue to your rub. It also contributes a touch of sweetness and a subtle smokiness.
• Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the meat and helps draw out its juices during cooking.

A Rub for Every Cut:

The beauty of this BBQ Dry Rub lies in its versatility. While it shines on classic barbecue fare like pulled pork and tri-tip, its flavor profile is equally at home with more unexpected options. Try it on smoked salmon for a touch of sweetness and spice. Use it to season chicken breasts or vegetables for a burst of smoky goodness.

Let’s Get Mixing!

Gather your ingredients and prepare to create your own flavor masterpiece:

Instructions:

1. Mix and Match: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients. Whisk the brown sugar, freshly cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, granulated garlic, granulated onion, paprika, and salt.
2. Whisk it Up!: Whisk everything together until well combined. Ensure there are no pockets of unmixed spices.
3. Store for Later: Transfer the BBQ Dry Rub to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Pro Tips:

• Fresh is Best: While pre-ground spices are convenient, grinding whole spices just before using releases the most potent flavor.
• Spice it Up!: This recipe is a starting point. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of heat. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick.
• Beyond the BBQ: This rub isn’t just for grilling! Use it to season vegetables before roasting. You can also sprinkle it on popcorn for a savory twist, or even add a pinch to chili or stews for an extra layer of flavor.

More Recipes You May Enjoy

• Adobo Dry Rub
• Smoked Cajun Turkey
• Smoked Pork Tenderloin
• Blender Hollandaise Sauce
• Valtellina Pesteda Alpine Spice

Watch how to make this recipe!

Want to see this recipe come to life? Check out this video where I walk you through the entire process, step-by-step!

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Print

BBQ Dry Rub

This sweet and spicy recipe for BBQ dry rub recipe from viewer Robert Jones is delicious served on pulled pork, smoked salmon and tri tip.

Using brown sugar as the main base, this sweet and savory dry rub can be made ahead of time and stored in a spice jar or plastic container. 

Course Seasoning

Cuisine American

Keyword BBQ, dry rub, grilling, spices

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Author Jason Hill | Chef Tips

Cost $5

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh cracked pepper
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon granulated onion
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

• Mix together with a whisk to incorporate all of the seasonings together. This is great on pork, salmon and tri tip!

Video