Bold and Smoky Texas BBQ Rub Recipe

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This smoky-flavored BBQ rub is great as a brisket seasoning or other meats. However, it’s also fantastic on grilled vegetables like my grilled corn in the husk. 

What Makes a Texas BBQ Rub Unique? 

Texas BBQ rub is a culinary work of art notable for its simplicity, bold flavors, and deep reverence for meat’s essence. Its distinctiveness stems from a holy trinity of salt, pepper, and paprika, which creates a minimalistic blend, allowing the meat’s natural flavors to take center stage. It’s a good rub for the perfect rack of ribs your friends will rave over, no matter what part of the country they live in! 

Why make homemade rubs?

I enjoy making homemade spice rubs like my BBQ Coffee Dry Rub and Award Winning Dry Rub For Ribs and the Perfect Turkey Dry Rub. Here are some great reasons you need to get into creating your own rubs.

• Customize: A homemade spice rub allows you to customize the flavor profile according to your preferences. 
• No Preservatives: Store-bought rubs often contain additives, preservatives, and excessive sodium. Making your own homemade rub is a wholesome alternative without compromising on taste.
• Budget Friendly: Crafting a homemade BBQ rub can be cost-effective in the long run. Buying individual spices and ingredients in bulk tends to be more economical than purchasing pre-packaged rubs, especially considering that you can use these ingredients for multiple batches.

Why should I use Kosher salt when making a dry rub?

Kosher salt is the top choice for dry rubs due to its coarse texture, facilitating easy handling and adhesion to meat. Known for drawing out moisture, kosher salt aids in creating a flavorful crust during cooking, enhancing overall juiciness. Importantly, its additive-free composition preserves the pure flavors of spices and herbs, letting them shine through without interference.

Why do you add so much salt to Texas BBQ Rub?

When preparing a Texas BBQ rub, adding a generous amount of salt is not only about adding saltiness to the dish but also about creating a perfect blend of flavors. The coarse texture of salt creates a crust on the meat that everyone loves while balancing the sweetness and heat levels that give the dish a unique taste, typical of Texas BBQ. The result is a delicious and savory meat that is tender and irresistible.

What You Need To Make a Great BBQ Rub 

1. Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is at the core of a Texas BBQ rub. Its coarse grind texture not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also forms the base for a satisfying crust during the cooking process.
2. Coarse Black Pepper: A generous amount of coarse black pepper adds a bold and smoky kick, creating a signature element of Texas barbecue. The coarseness ensures a delightful texture and complements the natural richness of the meat.
3. Smoked Paprika: This rub incorporates smoked paprika to easily infuse the smoky flavor synonymous with Texas barbecue. Smoked paprika gives a traditional taste of slow-cooking over wood-fired pits.
4. Cumin and Coriander: A Texan twist often includes ground cumin, which adds a warm, earthy flavor to the rub. The Coriander gives the rub a hint of fresh citrus. 
5. Garlic powder introduces savory notes and aromatic qualities to the rub. Its inclusion contributes to the rub’s robust flavor profile without overpowering the meat’s natural taste.
6. Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a hint of sweetness and depth, complementing the overall flavor profile. Its subtle presence contributes to the well-rounded and savory character of a classic Texas BBQ rub.
7. Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar balances the savory and salty elements with a subtle sweetness, creating a caramelized crust on the meat during cooking. 
8. Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper can be added in moderation to provide a spicy kick for those who prefer a bit of heat. The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences. 

📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Instructions

Tips Storing BBQ Dry Rub

I prefer to store my dry rubs in a glass jar with a tight-fitting plastic lid and a rubber-sealed lid fitted inside, like in the picture above.

 In the South, humidity is a challenge, and this method has been the best I have found for keeping dry rubs fresh. However, if you have a favorite airtight container, that will also work for this dry rub recipe. The key is to keep the moisture out for best results. 

Be sure to make extra rub for your next backyard BBQ. Here are the instructions for double and triple this recipe before you print it.

⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.

More Rub Recipes To Try

If you enjoy making homemade seasonings, be sure to try these.

 Try out this Texas BBQ Rub recipe for your next backyard barbecue, and let us know what you think in the comments below! 

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