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This simple BBQ seasoning makes a perfect dry rub for ribs, pork, and chicken. Made from a few pantry ingredients, this homemade spice mix adds lots of barbecue flavor.
Made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy homemade BBQ seasoning blend boosts the flavor of any meat to the next level of deliciousness. Dry rubs help to get that perfect crust of spices that make ribs, chicken thighs, steaks, and chicken wings so tasty.
If you’re tired of the same old store-bought mixes, you might want to check out this simple and flavorful recipe for a homemade rub. Make your own BBQ seasoning so you know exactly what goes in it. Plus, it tastes better!
Reasons you’ll love this recipe
- Simple ingredients. You only need 6 ingredients that you probably have in your pantry for this spice mix.
- Super versatile. Makes a great dry rub and seasoning for pork, chicken, and veggies.
- Budget-Friendly. Save money by making your own spice mix.
Ingredient notes
Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.
- Paprika – Smoked paprika works best to get that delicious BBQ flavor. But if you don’t have any on hand, normal paprika powder works too.
- Garlic powder – Garlic powder works better in seasonings because it doesn’t burn as fast as fresh garlic.
- Salt – Salt is the base for any great rub and brings together the flavors of the other spices. I prefer salt with finer grains like sea salt or table salt for dry rubs.
- Cumin
- Black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds so much flavor and a little heat.
- Mustard powder
How to make this recipe
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.
This recipe couldn’t be easier! Just measure out all the spices, combine them in a bowl and use them right away, or store them in an airtight container. If you need more, you can always double or triple the ingredients. Use the little slider in the recipe card to change the number of servings.
This homemade BBQ rub gives you the perfect combination of spices and herbs to add a little kick and flavor to your next pork or chicken BBQ dish.
Expert tips for success
- Timing. Season the meat with this spice mix for at least 15 minutes before putting it on the grill or in the smoker, the longer, the deeper the flavor will be.
- Put seasoned meats in the fridge. Don’t let seasoned meats sit at room temperature for too long, especially smaller cuts should go in the fridge for safety reasons.
- Make sure the individual spices are fresh. Spices lose their flavor with time. For the best flavor and longest shelf life, use recently bought spices that are no older than 1 year.
- Add more heat: This spice mix doesn’t taste too spicy! If you like a little heat, you can add some chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Add sugar. This dry rub doesn’t contain any added sugar. This way you can decide if you want to add some depending on the recipe. White sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup are all great choices. Always use less sugar than salt and spices. 1–2 teaspoons are a good starting point.
- Amount. This recipe makes enough for one rack of ribs, about 1.5 tablespoons. You can double, triple, or quadruple the recipe easily by using the slider in the recipe card.
- Storage. This BBQ seasoning will keep fresh in a tightly closed container for up to 6 months.
Recipe FAQs
You can store a dry rub in an airtight container for up to 6 months, after that, it won’t be as flavorful anymore. To make sure you get the best flavor, make sure to use individual spices that are not older than 9–12 months.
A dry rub is only made with dry spices, herbs, and salt and boosts the flavor of meat by forming a delicious crust.
Wet rubs are also made with spices and herbs, but also have a moist ingredient. By marinating meat in a wet rub, you achieve maximum moistness and flavor.
Serve it with
Our homemade BBQ spice mix makes a great dry rub for chicken breast, pork, steak, and ribs. It’s so versatile and perfect to have on hand for seasoning meat for a quick weeknight dinner.
Here are a few side dishes that would go perfectly with BBQ dishes:
More Dinner Recipes to Try
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
Main Dishes
Smoked Turkey
Main Dishes
Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Hamburgers
BBQ Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 dry mustard powder
Instructions
- Combine BBQ seasoning ingredients in a bowl.
- Use to season meat right away, or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Timing. Season the meat with this spice mix for at least 15 minutes before putting it on the grill or in the smoker, the longer, the deeper the flavor will be.
- Put seasoned meats in the fridge. Don’t let seasoned meats sit at room temperature for too long, especially smaller cuts should go in the fridge for safety reasons.
- Make sure the individual spices are fresh. Spices lose their flavor with time. For the best flavor and longest shelf life, use recently bought spices that are no older than 1 year.
- Add more heat: This spice mix doesn’t taste too spicy! If you like a little heat, you can add some chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Add sugar. This dry rub doesn’t contain any added sugar. This way you can decide if you want to add some depending on the recipe. White sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup are all great choices. Always use less sugar than salt and spices. 1–2 teaspoons are a good starting point.
- Amount. This recipe makes enough for one rack of ribs, about 1.5 tablespoons. You can double, triple, or quadruple the recipe easily by using the slider in the recipe card.
- Storage. This BBQ seasoning will keep fresh in a tightly closed container for up to 6 months.
