A good BBQ rub is like a good pair of jeans: versatile, reliable, and something you reach for over and over again. This rub works on ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, brisket, burgers—basically anything you’re throwing on the grill or in the smoker. It’s got sweetness from brown sugar, heat from chili powder and cayenne, and a depth of flavor from all the spices working together.
The best part? You probably already have all these ingredients in your pantry. And once you make a batch, you’ll have enough to last through multiple cookouts.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup paprika (smoked paprika is great here)
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
How to Make It:
Mix It Together: Put all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together until they’re well combined. Break up any clumps of brown sugar with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Store It: Transfer the rub to an airtight container or jar. It’ll keep in your pantry for up to 6 months, though you’ll probably use it way before then.
How to Use It:
For Ribs or Pork Shoulder: Coat the meat with a thin layer of mustard or olive oil (this helps the rub stick), then apply the rub generously on all sides. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
For Chicken: Same deal—oil or mustard, then rub. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before grilling.
For Brisket: You can use this as-is, or simplify it to just salt and pepper for a more traditional Texas-style brisket.
For Burgers: Mix a tablespoon or two into your ground beef before forming patties.
Pro Tips:
- Make a big batch: Double or triple this recipe and keep it on hand. It makes a great gift, too.
- Adjust the heat: If you don’t like spice, cut the cayenne in half or leave it out. If you like it hot, add more.
- Customize it: Add some coffee grounds for an earthy flavor, or a little cocoa powder for depth.
- Don’t skip the sugar: The sugar helps form a great bark and balances out the savory spices. If you’re worried about it burning, just keep your heat moderate.
This is the rub you’ll make once and then never buy store-bought rub again. It’s that good.
