A BBQ rub is a dry seasoning blend made from a variety of herbs, spices, and other flavorings that are used to add depth of flavor and texture to grilled meats, poultry, and fish. Rubs are easy to use, and most are simple to make with ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
The benefit of using a BBQ rub is that it adds a layer of flavor to the food while also helping to form a tasty crust that helps to seal in the juices. Rubs also provide a beautiful color to the food and can add a subtle smokiness to the finished product.
Basic BBQ Rub
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons of onion powder
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of white pepper
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Classic Memphis Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Korean BBQ Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Honey BBQ Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Jamaican Jerk Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of allspice
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Cajun Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Lemon Pepper Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Garlic Herb Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons of dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Smoked Paprika Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Once you have made your BBQ rubs, it is important to store them properly. Make sure to store the rubs in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. If your rubs contain sugar, they should be stored in the refrigerator.
When applying a rub, it is important to remember to use a light touch so that the flavors are not overwhelming. Rubs are best applied just before cooking, and a light coating of oil can help the rub to adhere to the food.
Making your own BBQ rubs can be a great way to customize your food and add unique flavors to your dishes. With the right ingredients and a little bit of know-how, you can make the perfect BBQ rubs for any occasion.
References:
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/top-bbq-rub-recipes-334428
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/bbq-rub-basics-334422
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-apply-a-bbq-rub-334425
