Last Updated May 27th, 2020 at 11:59 am by Lisa
Learn how to make Homemade Grill & BBQ Dry Rub, use this preservative-free, easy, and inexpensive BBQ rub on ribs, chicken, beef, pork, or corn on the cob!
Use up extra spices you already have on hand, and let’s rock your grill and bbq skills today in a new way…
PRO TIP: Store or gift bbq rub in a small glass clamp jar. This keeps it fresh for up to 6 months, and doesn’t clump!
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Why I Love This Homemade Grill & BBQ Rub
(and Why You Will Too!)
- Store purchased spice rubs can be a bit too salty, or smoky…this is perfectly balanced.
- You can use up extra spices that might otherwise be thrown out or expire.
- ZERO preservatives!
- Makes a wonderful hostess or holiday gift, you can personalize your gift tags or label with a cute container.
- Use this BBQ rub on so many things, it is my “go-to” grill and BBQ seasoning…
All the credit for this dry rub recipe goes to my Brother Craig and his Wife Krisztina. They shared this amazing rub recipe many years ago with me, and I was inspired to learn how to make my own rub and grill like Craig because his food is amazing! Like most people, I always bought rub spice mixes from the store. The taste of this stuff is just perfectly balanced and it gives a nice color to the grilled meats and veggies.
My brother Craig became an expert in BBQ over the years. Several years ago on Fourth of July, Craig taught me how to smoke ribs and make the BEST BBQ pulled pork ever. Now we can’t imagine not having those dishes with friends and family each Fourth of July.
We had a great time getting up very early and he taught me how to set up the smoker and make the dry rub. What a fun cooking project to learn with my brother, it’s easily accomplished with a smoker from a home improvement store, a nice cut of meat (like ribs or pork loin), and this rub.
How To Use Grill and BBQ Rub:
Our favorite ideas are listed below to inspire “grilling greatness and raves” at your next family dinner or outdoor grill party.
Chicken BBQ Rub
This BBQ rub is fantastic on grilled chicken. Apply BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes.
Beef or Steak BBQ Rub
It’s a perfect beef BBQ rub too. It’s especially good on tri-tip, ribs, burgers, and steaks.
TIP: Buy meat on sale, make portions ready to grill, sprinkle rub pieces, and freeze in zip lock bags or with a FoodSaver.
Pork BBQ Rub
Try this dry rub on grilled or smoked baby back ribs, pork tenderloin, or even pork chops.
But the recipe for the best BBQ rub dry rub EVER is this Pork Loin Pulled Pork: Oven Roasted Low and Slow... just use this rub and a pork loin to make pulled pork in the oven!
What Pantry Friendly Ingredients Make Homemade Grill and BBQ Dry Rub?
- brown sugar
- paprika
- black pepper
- sea salt
- lemon pepper
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- celery seeds
- cayenne pepper
How To Make The Grill & BBQ Rub:
- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to mix using a small whisk to evenly combine.
- Store in an airtight jar out of light and heat. It will keep for at least 3 months.
How To Store The Grill & BBQ Dry Rub:
Two More Fabulous Ways to Use This BBQ Rub…
- Corn on the Cob-rub a stick of butter on each clean ear of corn and sprinkle on the BBQ rub, wrap in foil set on the grill, rotate until cooked about 15 minutes.
- Add to Hot Buttered Popcorn…yes that’s what I said, it’s great!
A few years ago, I gave this Homemade Grill & BBQ Dry Rub as my Christmas gift to friends and family. With a tight budget that year, I ordered inexpensive little glass shaker spice jars and ordered labels off the internet. Everyone raved about their gourmet food gift that year!
All The Best Dishes,
Lisa
XO
Grill & BBQ Dry Rub
Equipment
Ingredients
Grill and BBQ Dry Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 3 tablespoons cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Mix Dry Rub
- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to mix using a small whisk to evenly combine.
Storing Dry Rub
- Store in an airtight jar out of light and heat. It will keep for at least 3 months.
I love having a jar of this rub on hand. It is truly excellent on burgers and veggies, and yes — popcorn! I am addicted to popcorn and thanks to your idea I am enjoying sprinkling this on for some flavor! Perfect with a beer!
Oh my goodness, this rub was AMAZING on ribs and salmon we made on the grill. Such a great staple to keep in your pantry. So easy to make and so much better than the store bought ones. LOVING the pics too Lisa!! Such a beautiful post!