BBQ Rub Seasoning

If you love the smoky, bold, and slightly sweet flavors of classic barbecue, then this homemade BBQ Rub Seasoning is going to become your new homemade favorite.

Calling all bbq enthusiasts! I guarantee that this BBQ rub will quickly become a pantry staple so be sure to make a big batch.

Jump to:

• Barbecue Spice Rub
• How to make a barbecue rub
• Expert recipe tips
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Ingredients
• DIY Seasoning Recipes
• BBQ Rub Seasoning Recipe

Barbecue Spice Rub

Store-bought rubs are convenient, but they often have added preservatives and artificial flavors and they can be expensive too.

Making your own BBQ rub lets you control every ingredient and you’ll save money too.

I pick up jars of spices at my dollar store and save lots of money when making my own seasoning blends.

I love that you can also adjust the amounts of the flavors based on your personal preference.

Whether you're roasting chicken, grilling ribs or seasoning steaks, this rub adds deep layers of flavor to just about any meat.

It's incredibly easy to mix together, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your spice rack.

What makes this BBQ rub stand out is the balance of sweet, smoky and spicy flavors.

The brown sugar adds a sweet, caramelized crust when grilled or roasted.

The smoked paprika adds that essential smoky note without needing a smoker.

And just the right amount of heat from Mexican-style chili powder lends a hint of spice without overpowering your recipe.

To get the most flavor, season your meat with the Barbecue spice blend and let it sit for about 30 minutes before cooking.

If you have the luxury of time, season the meat and refrigerate it overnight for an intense flavor.

This spice blend works well for weekend BBQs and weeknight dinners too.

You can even sprinkle it on veggies, potatoes, or tofu for a smoky-sweet flavor twist.

This seasoning blend recipe is something you’ll want to have on hand in your spice cabinet.

Make a big batch, store it in a jar, and it’ll be ready anytime you need to elevate your cooking.

Homemade BBQ spice rub keeps well and is perfect for batch prepping.

The best part? It really takes less than five minutes to put together.

I love to finish off food that has been seasoned with this spice blend with my homemade barbecue sauce. Brush the homemade sauce on during the last 5-10 minutes of the cooking time for a flavorful finish.

Ready to fire up the grill or turn on the oven? This BBQ Rub Seasoning is your secret weapon for mouthwatering meals all year round.

Let it become a staple in your spice cabinet and a signature flavor in your kitchen!

And if you love DIY spice blends as much as I do, you'll want to give my french fry seasoning a try too!

I make commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Be sure to visit the Swirls of Flavor Amazon Storefront for GG's personal kitchen recommendations!

How to make a barbecue rub

This is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below

Hint: I like to use a small whisk when making this bbq spice rub. The whisk helps to blend the ingredients together easily and evenly.

Substitutions

• Brown Sugar – You can use either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar will give a slightly more intense flavor to the rub.
• Smoked Paprika - Regular paprika will work in place of smoked paprika but you will not get that added smoky note. You may want to add a bit of liquid smoke to your meat before seasoning to get the smoky flavor.
• Mexican-Style Chili Powder - Ancho chili powder or chipotle powder can replace Mexican-style chili powder and will add a smoky twist.
• Garlic Powder - Minced dried garlic or garlic flakes can work in place of garlic powder although they will add texture to the mix.
• Onion Powder - Dried minced onion is a good alternative for onion powder and also will add texture to the mix.
• Kosher Salt - Sea salt or table salt can replace kosher salt, but if you use table salt be sure to reduce the amount you use by about half.
• Cracked Black Pepper - Ground black pepper can be substituted for cracked black pepper but use a little less than the recipe calls for.
• Cayenne Pepper - Crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of hot paprika can substitute for cayenne pepper and will provide a similar heat.

Variations

This dry rub recipe is easily customizable. Here are some ideas to change it up:

• Sweet & Spicy - Add more brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon for a sweeter profile and increase the cayenne for more heat.
• Herby BBQ Rub - Mix in dried thyme, oregano, or rosemary for an herbal twist.
• Coffee BBQ Rub - Add 1 teaspoon of finely ground coffee or instant espresso powder for an added depth of flavor that’s amazing on brisket.
• Mustard - Mix in a little dry mustard powder to add some tang and brightness.
• Zesty Citrus - Add lemon zest or orange zest for a fresh, citrusy note. This flavor profile is especially good on chicken and seafood.
• Smoky Chipotle - Replace some of the chili powder with chipotle powder. This will deepen the smoky notes.
• Mexican – Add dried cumin to the mixture for a Mexican flair.
• For Garlic Lovers – You can double the amount of garlic powder in the recipe for the garlic lover in your life
• Cayenne Pepper - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the rub a fiery spicy heat. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you want your rub to be.

Storage

• Storage - Store your DIY spice blend in an airtight glass jar such as a mason jar, in a spice tin, or a sealed airtight container.
• Shelf Life - Best used within 6 months for peak flavor, although it can actually last up to a year if kept in a cool, dark and dry place.
• Avoid - Keep away from heat, moisture, and sunlight. Be sure not to store it above your stove. The heat will affect the flavor of the spice blend.
• Label It - Include the name of the blend and date you made it on the jar so you know how old it is.
• Batch Prep – You can double or triple the recipe and keep some on hand for busy nights or last-minute grilling.

Ingredients

Here’s what goes into this flavorful BBQ spice rub and what each ingredient brings to the mix:

• Brown Sugar - Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust when grilled or roasted. The sugar also balances the heat and salt in the rub.
• Smoked Paprika - Offers a deep, smoky flavor that mimics the taste of food cooked over a wood fire or in a smoker. It is an essential flavor for that BBQ taste, and will come through even if you’re using the oven.
• Mexican-Style Chili Powder - Adds a moderate heat with complex flavor notes. This spice gives the rub a warmth making it ideal for ribs and chicken.
• Garlic Powder - Brings a mellow, savory punch that enhances the overall umami of the rub.
• Onion Powder - Complements the garlic powder to add depth and a slight sweetness. Onion powder is a key part of the rich BBQ flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt - Helps tenderize the meat and draws out its natural juices, while balancing the sweetness and spices in the rub. Kosher salt makes the other flavors pop!
• Cracked Black Pepper - Adds a bold, sharp kick that contrasts nicely with the sugar and paprika. It also adds texture to the rub.

DIY Seasoning Recipes

If you love this bbq seasoning then you'll want to make these DIY seasonings too!