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    Urban Bliss Life » Blog » Best BBQ Rub

    Published: April 20, 2020 / Updated: May 10, 2021 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Best BBQ Rub

    181 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    best BBQ rub
    best BBQ rub & bbq seasoning recipe
    best BBQ rub/best dry rub
    best BBQ rub & homemade bbq seasoning recipe

    It's so easy to make this homemade bbq seasoning recipe! Use this best BBQ Rub on steaks, pork ribs, chicken and just about anything else you can grill.

    spoonful of the best BBQ rub!

    While I am a big fan of shortcuts in the kitchen (like using store-bought phyllo dough instead of spending all day making it from scratch!), one of the foods I almost always make from scratch is bbq seasoning.

    I mean, I always have the ingredients on hand and it is SO gosh darn easy to make!

    jar of best BBQ rub

    And now that the sun is starting to shine more, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my favorite SUPER SIMPLE BBQ seasoning recipe with you. It truly is, in my humble opinion , the best BBQ rub you can make in less than 5 minutes!

    What is BBQ seasoning made of?

    ingredients of ingredients to make best dry rub

    The simplest and most delicous BBQ seasoning recipe that I make consists of just FOUR ingredents - plus salt and pepper.

    My fave spices to include in bbq dry rub include:

    • brown sugar
    • chili powder
    • paprika
    • salt
    • pepper

    That's it! So simple, right?

    The brown sugar gives it a touch of sweetness while the chili powder adds a touch of heat (not too much! Add more if you want). Then the paprika gives the seasoning a bit of smoky flavor.

    I always prefer fresh garlic to garlic powder. And in this recipe, it helps make whatever you are cooking with the dry rub taste super fresh.

    How to make the best BBQ rub

    • mixing ingredients for jar of homemade bbq seasoning recipe
    • ingredients in mason jar of best dry rub
    • jar of homemade bbq seasoning recipe

    All you need to do to make this homemade BBQ seasoning recipe is to combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Then, transfer to a medium-sized mason jar and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

    How do you use BBQ spice rubs?

    Instant Pot BBQ Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce

    I've found that this BBQ seasoning recipe is the best BBQ rub to use on my Instant Pot BBQ Ribs (shown above, with an additional sprinkling of fresh herbs for a fun twist). When used along with my homemade sweet BBQ sauce, these ribs are always a big hit!

    In addition to ribs, try this best BBQ rub on:

    • pork chops (we've done it, and it's awesome!)
    • steaks
    • chicken breasts or thighs for BBQ sandwiches or salads
    • chicken drumsticks for grilling
    • burgers - I'd mix it into the burger meat as you are forming the burgers.

    This BBQ seasoning also makes for a fabulous gift for the BBQ lovers in your life. Simply place in a mason jar, make a fun label and/or tie a ribbon around the lid, and gift!

    How long does this homemade BBQ dry rub stay fresh?

    Because it has fresh garlic in it, this dry rub is best kept in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

    If you don't have fresh garlic, you can substitute garlic powder. This substitution also makes the rub shelf-stable for a couple of months!

    More BBQ recipes

    • Grilled or Sautéed Corn with Basil Butter Perfect BBQ Side Dish Recipe: Corn with Basil Lime Butter
    • plate full of sliced instant pot pork ribs with rosemary and other herbs. Instant Pot BBQ Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce
    • Grilled Steak with Cilantro Almond Pesto on UrbanBlissLife.com Grilled Pesto Steak
    spoonful of the best BBQ rub!

    Homemade BBQ Seasoning/BBQ Dry Rub

    5 from 5 votes
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Recipe by Marlynn Schotland
    This BBQ dry rub is a versatile seasoning that's great for steaks, chicken, pork, fish, and veggies!
    PRINT PIN RATE

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
    • 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
    • 3 tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • 2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix together well. You can also add to a mason jar, seal, and shake the jar until all of the spices are well combined.

    Notes

    This homemade BBQ dry rub will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It needs to be refrigerated because of the fresh garlic. 
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!

    Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.

    PIN IT:

    best BBQ rub & homemade bbq seasoning recipe
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    181 shares

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Sharon says

        April 21, 2020 at 1:00 am

        5 stars
        This BBQ Rub is the absolute best rub for any meat. Grilling season is going to be so tasty this year!

        Reply
      2. Priya Shiva says

        April 21, 2020 at 12:29 am

        5 stars
        wow! Love this recipe! I can think of using it for seasoning in so many dishes!

        Reply
      3. Nart at Cooking with Nart says

        April 20, 2020 at 11:16 pm

        5 stars
        This is exactly what I've been looking for. A good and easy BBQ rub!

        Reply
      4. Jessica says

        April 20, 2020 at 10:17 pm

        5 stars
        You say it's the best and I agree! It couldn't be easier or tastier.

        Reply
      5. Cathleen says

        April 20, 2020 at 9:48 pm

        5 stars
        You know what the weird thing is?? I never make my own spice mixes or rubs. And I have no idea why! This is so simple, I have to give it a go :)

        Reply

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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