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4 Homemade spice rubs for barbecuing

Keep a few jars of homemade spice rubs on hand to add quick flavor to your next barbecue meal.

Rather than spending extra money on expensive spice rubs that contain a lot of ingredients you already have in your spice cabinet, why not mix your own? Customize these versatile blends exactly how you like them for use with red meat, chicken, pork or seafood and next time you fire up the grill, reach for a rub instead of a marinade. You’ll get all the flavor in a fraction of the time.

All-purpose barbecue rub

Use this basic rub for any grilled food, from meat to vegetables.

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Cocoa spice barbecue rub

This rub is perfect on pork with a hint of chocolate and smoky spice.

  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Sweet and spicy barbecue rub

This sweet and spicy combination is great on beef or salmon.

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Herb barbecue rub

Chicken and seafood pair well with this more delicate rub.

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt

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