Grill Rub

Prep: 10 min

A flavorful grill rub blending smoky paprika, herbs, and spices, perfect for beef or pork, adding a spicy, savory kick to your grilled dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 8 parts paprika
  • 1 part thyme
  • 1 part chili powder
  • 1 part cayenne pepper
  • 1 part cilantro
  • 1 part cumin
  • 2 parts salt
  • 2 parts garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
  2. Rub the mixture onto beef or pork cuts.
  3. Grill the meat until cooked to your desired doneness.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your grill rub, consider adding a touch of brown sugar for sweetness or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor. If you're out of thyme, oregano can serve as a great substitute. For those looking for vegan recipes, this rub can also elevate grilled vegetables or tofu. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This grill rub pairs beautifully with beef and pork, but also works wonderfully on chicken and firm fish. Serve your grilled meats alongside sides like Spiced Red Cabbage or Crispy Dill Slices for a refreshing contrast. A light salad or grilled vegetables make excellent accompaniments to balance the rich flavors of the rub.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover grill rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months. If you have grilled meat leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in a resealable bag and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill to maintain the meat's juiciness and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grill Rub contains roughly 1053 calories, with 51g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (241% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (180% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2614mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).

1053 kcal 53% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 51.4g 100% DV
Total Fat 56.6g 73% DV
Carbs 144.6g 53% DV
Fiber 48g 100% DV
Sugar 12.7g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2614.1mg 100% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1619.8mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 216.5mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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?

Absolutely! This grill rub is versatile and can add a robust flavor to grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Just toss the veggies in a bit of olive oil and the rub before grilling for a delicious side dish.

How long should I let the rub sit on the meat?

For best results, let the rub sit on the meat for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a more intense flavor, consider refrigerating the rubbed meat for several hours or overnight before cooking.

Can I adjust the spice level of the rub?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper for a milder flavor, or increase it for more heat. You can also experiment with adding other spices like smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

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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