4 Dry Rub Recipes- Mix It Up and Make It Your Own

Rubs are considered by many as the heart and soul of BBQ. It is a unique combination of seasonings, spices and herbs. It offers an excellent texture and flavor to meat and transforms an ordinary piece of meat into a heavenly delicious work of art. There are hundreds of over the counter rubs, but it is a very gratifying experience to make your own.  Try following barbeque dry recipes and prepare mouth-watering food.  Mix and match and add your own favorite seasonings to make it your own.  Keep a log of the amounts added so you can easily recreate your masterpiece time and time again.

Recipe #1

Ingredients
1 Tbsp coriander seed
2 Tbsp sweet paprika
1 Tsp dried oregano
½ Tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp black peppercorns
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1 Tsp cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tsp brown mustard seeds
1 Tsp dried thyme
½ Tsp onion powder
½ Tsp whole cloves

Preparation
In a small skillet, heat coriander seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns and cloves over medium heat. Keep the pan swirling gently, until all the ingredients become fragrant. Then, remove the pan from heat and let the ingredients cool. When cool, grind all the ingredients to a powder in a mortar or spice mill. Pour this mixture in a small bowl. Then, add all the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Store this mixture in an airtight container. You can use this mixture to rub on meats or ribs. It should be rubbed for at least 15 minutes prior to cooking.  You can also add olive oil to your meat before the rub to make it stick.

Recipe #2 A bit easier to make

Ingredients
¼ Cup paprika
1 Tbsp black pepper
¼ Cup brown sugar
1 Tsp chili powder (I like to add more for color)
2 Tsp onion powder
2 Tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tsp celery seed
A pinch of oregano

Preparation
In a small mixing bowl, combine together all the ingredients. Stir them thoroughly to mix well. Using your fingers, break up the chunks of brown sugar, if any. Mix evenly to get a smooth rub.

Recipe #3

Ingredients
4 Tbsp black pepper, freshly ground
4 Tbsp thyme
2 Tbsp curry powder
4 Tbsp cumin
2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
4 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp onion powder
2 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp MSG or other flavor enhancer (optional)

Preparation
In a small mixing bowl, combine together all the ingredients. Stir well to mix. You can immediately use this rub or store in a dark, cool place for several months. This rub is quite strong and hence, not recommended for thin cuts such as ribs.

Recipe #4

Ingredients
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tsp dry mustard
¼ Tsp ground red pepper
1 Tsp ground cumin
2 Tsp salt

Preparation
Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Transfer this mixture to an airtight container. You can keep this container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks. As this rub contains sugar, it is better to use on meats that cook over low heat for extended times, such as ribs, brisket, or leg of lamb. If used for recipes to be cooked on high heat, sugar in this rub may burn.

A final tip...combine fine bread crumbs (I like the Italian kind) to make your rubs go farther and get a create flavor combination.  Good luck and please share your results.