Go-to BBQ Rub

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

While We 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 We almost always make from scratch is bbq seasoning.

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

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

What is BBQ seasoning made of?

The simplest and most delicous BBQ seasoning recipe that We make consists of simply FOUR ingredents – plus salt and pepper.

The 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.

We 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

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?

We've found that this BBQ seasoning recipe is the best BBQ rub to use on the Pressure-cooker BBQ Ribs (shown above, with an additional sprinkling of fresh herbs for a fun twist). When used along with the 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 – We'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

Homemade BBQ Seasoning/BBQ Dry Rub

By Marlynn Schotland Prep Time: 5 mins Total Time: 3 mins Servings: 2 ounces This BBQ dry rub is a versatile seasoning that's great for steaks, chicken, pork, fish, and veggies!

Ingredients

1/2 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 251 kcal, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 2 g, Saturated Fat: 0.3 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4 g, Sodium: 2539 mg, Potassium: 343 mg, Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 54 g, Vitamin A: 3718 IU, Vitamin C: 7 mg, Calcium: 97 mg, Iron: 3 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.