Dry rubs are a great way to spice up all types of meat for grilling. They can impart just about any flavors you want, from a simple medley of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to a complex combination of ethnic herbs and spices, or as in this recipe, a hearty blend of classic American barbecue seasonings.

How to Make Smoky Barbecue Rub

This simple dry rub has a sweet, smoky flavor and is versatile enough to use on pork, beef, burgers, and even chicken. To make it, simply blend sweet paprika, smoked paprika, kosher salt, brown sugar, dry mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You’ll find the quantities in the printable version of the recipe below.

The recipe makes about 3/4 cup and when stored in a tightly sealed jar, will keep in the pantry for up to six months.

How to Use This Rub

To season meats with this dry rub, sprinkle an even coating over the surface of the meat and use your fingers or the back of a spoon to rub it in. Set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavor to infuse the meat before grilling. If you’re grilling skin-on chicken, add the rub under the skin for better flavor.

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Smoky BBQ Rub

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Perfect for coating ribs, pork chops, and steak, or sprinkling on burgers for extra zing, this tasty, quick-to-fix rub is great to keep on hand for grilling season.

Yield: 36 servings

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time : 5 mins

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Ingredients 

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, or more to taste
• 4 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder

Instructions 

• Add the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, salt, brown sugar, dry mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl.
• Combine thoroughly and transfer to a tightly covered container until ready to use.

Recipe Notes

To season meats with this dry rub, sprinkle an even coating over the surface of the meat and use your fingers or the back of a spoon to rub it in. Set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavor to infuse the meat before grilling. If you’re grilling skin-on chicken, add the rub under the skin for better flavor.

Freshness and storage:

Provided your spices are fresh when you make this rub, it will keep in the pantry for 4 to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Smoky BBQ Rub

Amount per Serving

Calories

8

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

1

g

2

%

Saturated Fat

 

1

g

6

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Sodium

 

195

mg

8

%

Carbohydrates

 

2

g

1

%

Fiber

 

1

g

4

%

Sugar

 

1

g

1

%

Protein

 

1

g

2

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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