Spice Rub

Prep: 10 min

A versatile spice rub blending sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, perfect for grilling meats and adding bold taste to barbecue dishes.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 6 Tbsp. paprika
  • 6 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tsp. cumin
  • 2 Tbsp. salt
  • 3/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Store in a sealed shaker jar.
  3. Apply liberally to meat and rub in at least 1 hour before grilling.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, let the spice rub sit on the meat for a few hours or overnight. You can substitute smoked paprika for a smokier taste or use a combination of cayenne and paprika for extra heat. This rub works well on various meats, including chicken and pork, as well as in vegan recipes for grilled vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Use this spice rub on your favorite cuts of meat before grilling or roasting. It pairs beautifully with sides like Cucumber And Onions or Tomato Surprise Salad Or Relish, enhancing the overall flavor of the meal. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing Poppy Seed Fruit Salad for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover spice rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can last for several months if kept away from moisture and heat. There’s no need to reheat the rub; simply shake well before each use to ensure even distribution of the spices.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spice Rub contains roughly 340 calories, with 10g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (142% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 821mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

340 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.4g 21% DV
Total Fat 11.2g 14% DV
Carbs 71.8g 26% DV
Fiber 24.7g 88% DV
Sugar 28.2g 56% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 820.8mg 36% DV
Potassium 1630.4mg 35% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1275.8mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 34.5mg 38% DV
Calcium 245mg 19% DV
Iron 9.4mg 52% 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

How long can I store the spice rub?

You can store the spice rub in an airtight container for up to six months. To maintain freshness, keep it away from light and moisture. Always check for any off smells or clumping before use, as this indicates it may have lost its potency.

Can I use this spice rub on vegetables?

Absolutely! This spice rub is versatile and can enhance the flavor of grilled vegetables, making it ideal for vegan recipes. Simply toss your choice of vegetables in the rub before grilling to infuse them with rich, smoky flavors.

What meats work best with this rub?

This spice rub is perfect for beef, pork, and chicken, especially when grilling. It also works well with game meats like venison. Just ensure the meat is well-coated and let it marinate for at least an hour for the best flavor.

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).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →