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The Best Homemade Dry Rub Recipe for Rich, Bold Flavor

The Best Homemade Dry Rub Recipe for Rich, Bold Flavor

A sweet, smoky, savory, and gently spicy dry rub made with pantry-friendly spices. This blend makes approximately 3/4 cup, enough for about 4 to 6 pounds of meat or a generous batch of roasted vegetables.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Rub
  • 1/4 cup Sweet paprika
  • 1/4 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons Coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Add the paprika, packed light brown sugar, kosher salt, coarsely ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to a bowl.
  2. Whisk or stir the ingredients thoroughly until the color is even and no brown-sugar clumps remain.
  3. Pat the meat completely dry with paper towels, then apply the rub generously over every side, pressing it into the surface so it adheres.
  4. For deeper seasoning, refrigerate the rubbed meat for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before cooking.
  5. Cook the seasoned meat according to the recipe being prepared. Store any unused rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard.

Notes

For a less sweet blend, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. For more heat, increase the cayenne to 2 teaspoons or add 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Use freshly opened spices when possible for the strongest flavor.