Simple BBQ Rub Recipe

Here is a Simple BBQ Rub Recipe for your upcoming holiday BBQ. As I write this blog post this weekend is the unofficial start of Summer, Memorial Day! Let’s talk about a BBQ rub recipe you can make with a handful of ingredients.

Why a BBQ Rub Matters

When it comes to a BBQ Rub, here is why it matters. A simple BBQ rub does two things:

• It sets the flavor profile for your meat.
• It helps create that crispy, delicious crust or “bark” on your meat.

Without a BBQ rub the meat, especially pork, would be very plain and bland.

Why Make Your Own BBQ Rub

This is a very simple BBQ rub that will take only a few minutes to mix. Actually, it is a lot of fun to create your own rubs tailored to your flavor profile!

Also, making your own rub is a perfect time to get the children or grandchildren involved. Sharing your passion of BBQ is a great bonding experience.

Kids love to learn and experiment. Show them how them how to measure one ingredient and let the kiddos finish the BBQ rub recipe.

They will love spending time with you and you will make a few memories along the way!

The Simple BBQ Rub Recipe

Ok, back to the rub. Were keeping this BBQ rub recipe simple with 6 ingredients you probably have in your cabinet right now:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Pretty straightforward, right? This is an easy rib rub or put it on a brisket for an all nighter!

Now, let’s quickly go over why we choose these ingredients for our simple BBQ rub:

• Brown sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness and helps the meat caramelize into that golden goodness.
• Salt: Boosts all the flavors, dry brines the meant, and tenderizes it a bit.
• Black pepper: Gives it some kick and depth, main ingredient for bark formation, don’t skip it!
• Paprika: Adds a gorgeous mahogany color and a hint of smokiness.
• Garlic powder: Let’s be real, garlic makes everything better.
• Onion powder: Rounds it out with a savory flavor.

How to Make It

Here’s how to make the BBQ rub recipe:

1. Grab a bowl
2. Toss all these ingredients in
3. Mix them up with a whisk or fork until everything’s blended.

That’s it, very simple! Now take your meat and sprinkle this stuff all over it. Make sure you get every nook and cranny.

Let it hang out for at least 30 minutes before you throw it on the smoker. If you’ve got the time, let it sit in the fridge overnight. This will dry brine meat and it is well worth the wait!

Tips and Tweaks

Here’s where you can have some fun and make this BBQ rub recipe your own:

• Want a little heat? Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and that will put some heat on the backend.
• Do you want the rub to be a bit more smokey? What I do is swap out the regular paprika for some smoked paprika.
• Switch up the sugar, sometimes I use turbinado instead of brown sugar. It’s easier to mix because it doesn’t clump as easy as brown sugar.
• If you want to make your BBQ rub a little fancier. Add some dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.

Pro tip: If you haven’t used your spices in a year or so, you might want to buy some fresh spices.

The best part about a rub is you can tweak it until it’s just right for you. Us this as a base, experiment, taste, and make it your own!

In Conclusion

There you go, a simple BBQ rub recipe that will have everyone at your next cookout talking. Easily mix and dust your your favorite meat, and let the BBQ rub go to work.

This rub never fails to impress. Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out, seriously, I want to hear about it!

Oh, and if you are in a time crunch, swing by our site. We’ve got BBQ rubs, BBQ sauces, and other BBQ accessories you need to keep the pit smoking!