Dry Country Rub

Prep: 5 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant, smoky rub packed with paprika, salt, pepper, garlic, and citrus zest—perfect for beef, poultry, pork, or fish, delivering a bright, savory crust that complements any grill session.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 c. paprika
  • 1/4 c. salt
  • 1/4 c. black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp. dried lemon peel

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a jar.
  2. Close lid and shake to blend spices.
  3. Rub into beef, poultry, pork or fish as desired before grilling.
  4. Makes 1 cup.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more robust flavor, allow the rub to sit on the meat for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have dried lemon peel, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresher flavor. This rub works well on various proteins, so feel free to experiment! Consider mixing in some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Dry Country Rub is perfect for grilling, and pairs beautifully with Roasted White Potatoes or a fresh Foo-Foo Salad for a complete meal. Use it on beef, poultry, pork, or even fish to enhance the flavor. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces to elevate your dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store the dry rub in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It can last up to 6 months if stored properly. If you have leftover rubbed meat, refrigerate it in an airtight container and consume within 3 days. Reheat in the oven or grill to maintain the flavor and moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dry Country Rub contains roughly 97 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

97 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 21.6g 8% DV
Fiber 9.8g 35% DV
Sugar 1.9g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1469.6mg 64% DV
Potassium 601.3mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 373.6mcg 42% DV
Vitamin C 5mg 6% DV
Calcium 110.3mg 8% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this rub on vegetables?

Yes, this Dry Country Rub can add a flavorful twist to grilled or roasted vegetables. Simply toss your favorite veggies with a little olive oil and the rub before cooking. This enhances their natural flavors and can make for a delicious side dish.

How can I adjust the saltiness of the rub?

If you're watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half and still achieve a great flavor. Alternatively, you can add more spices such as paprika or pepper to maintain the flavor balance without the extra salt.

Is this rub suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, the Dry Country Rub is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. It can be used to season tofu, seitan, or any plant-based protein, making it a versatile addition to vegan recipes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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