This all purpose BBQ rub is a blend of barbecue spices that pairs perfectly with chicken, pork and beef. It’s great for grilled, roasted or smoked meats and you can even use it on vegetables and potatoes.
Barbecue spice rub is my to-go seasoning blend for meats, especially when it comes to grilling and smoking. I make a big batch and it lasts for months. You can even package up your spice blend and give it as gifts to the foodies in your life!
I do a lot of grilling and smoking during the warmer months, and I decided it was high time I create an all purpose BBQ rub to season my meat. This spice rub is a little sweet, a little smoky, and loaded with aromatic spices to create a seasoning blend that can be used in so many ways.
How do you make BBQ Rub?
This recipe literally takes about 3 minutes to put together. The rub is a blend of brown sugar, regular paprika, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Stir everything together and you’re ready to get grilling.
This barbecue rub will keep for months if stored in a cool, dry place, so make a double or triple batch and you’ll have enough to get you through the spring and summer.
How do you use a BBQ rub?
I use this barbecue rub on so many different foods including
- chicken thighs
- steaks
- chicken wings
- burgers
- pork tenderloin
- chicken breasts
- pork chops
- roasted potatoes
- roasted cauliflower
- tofu
The only thing to keep in mind is that this rub does contain sugar, which means you want to take caution to make sure the sugar doesn’t burn if you’re grilling over high heat or broiling your meat.
BBQ Rub Variations
- Spicy BBQ Rub: Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or ground chipotle pepper to the mix.
- Garlic Lovers Rub: Double the amount of garlic in the recipe.
- Mexican Rub: Add 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon ground coriander to the mix.
Since this BBQ rub is shelf stable, it also makes a great gift for someone who loves to cook! Simply package the rub in small jars and add a homemade gift tag.
I use this BBQ rub at least once a week, it’s my favorite way to add a little zest to ordinary foods. This is also my go-to rub for smoking meat, simply rub your meat with the spices, smoke until a thermometer registers as done, and brush on a little BBQ sauce. You’re sure to get rave reviews!
More great grilling recipes
BBQ Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together. Stir in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Spice rub keeps for up to 3 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
Jessica says
Thanks for sharing. If I don’t have smoked paprika on hand, could I substitute Spanish paprika or Hungarian paprika? Thanks!
Sara says
Spanish paprika would work!
Raewyn says
Two thumbs up. Chicken breasts rubbed with this, bbqed and then finished with a little sauce – such an easy delicious dinner.
Craig says
Absolutely delicious, I brined a whole chicken using your chicken brine recipe, used this rub and then smoked the chicken.
BEST chicken I have ever tasted!! I did the chicken in a foil tray in the smoker. Whilst the chicken was resting I poured the juice from the tray into a small pan and reduced it on high heat to make the most delicious gravy ever!!
Shawna says
Our new go to! It’s great. Thank you for sharing.
Terrianne Williams says
Awesome recipe, paired with the BBQ from your site we had the most amazing meal.
Natalie S says
I made this recipe tonight for dinner and all I can say is WOW. The flavor is absolutely incredible. I only added a fraction of the barbecue sauce after it was done cooking because the rub for the chicken tasted so go by itself. What a hit this was. I paired it with mashed potatoes and corn. Will be doing this again
Isabel Pelcastre says
Super quick to prep and very easy. My family loved this flavor and will be making it a part of our regular meals! It is a delicious flavor. Thanks for saving dinner tonight and helping me discover a quick prep meal that makes life easier and bellies happy!
Chisco says
Made beef ribs and pork ribs with this recipe and my family declared it the best ribs they have ever had. We love heat so I went heavy on the cayenne. I will make a quadruple batch for regular use! Thanks for sharing you fabulous recipe!
L.M. Herrmann says
I just made this….going gung-ho on using the TBSP and put a tbsp of cayenne pepper in…lol!! Oh well….
Sharon says
We liked this! When my husband first bit into the chicken he asked me if I used BBQ potato chips on it. 🙂 I told him that it was just spices and he said “good job”. Which tells me he liked it.
I substituted some Stevia for about half the brown sugar. I’m on a no sugar diet but caved a little and added some of the brown sugar. It was tasty.
Thanks !
Angela Bacon says
Omg the aroma in my kitchen from this run should be made into an air freshener!
Amy says
I used this run on a whole apple wood smoked chicken. It was really delicious and juicy!!!!! Thank you!!!