When I was getting started with making my own BBQ rubs, the reason was not that I did not like the store-bought ones.
I wanted to make my own flavors. So the first thing I had to figure out was an easy all-purpose BBQ rub that I could use as a basis for adding other ingredients depending on the meat I was cooking.
Here are the ingredients for my basic BBQ rub.
- 2 parts salt
- 1.5 parts sage
- 1.5 parts sage
- 1/3 part black pepper
- 1/2 part sugar
- 3/4 parts paprika powder
- 2 parts onion powder
I have used, and still use, this rub on chicken, pork, turkey, and on a pork belly.
Easy All-Purpose Barbecue Rub
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Whisk
Materials
- 2 Tbs Salt
- 1.5 Tbs Sage
- 1.5 Tbs Thyme
- 1/2 Tbs Black pepper
- 2 Tbs Onion powder
- 3/4 Tbs Paprika powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the bowl
- Mix together with a whisk
- Store in an airtight container
Notes
When I was getting started with making my own BBQ rubs, the reason was not that I did not like the store-bought ones.
I wanted to make my own flavors. So the first thing I had to figure out was an easy all-purpose BBQ rub that I could use as a basis for adding other ingredients depending on the meat I was cooking.
Here are the ingredients for my basic BBQ rub.
- 2 parts salt
- 1.5 parts sage
- 1.5 parts sage
- 1/3 part black pepper
- 1/2 part sugar
- 3/4 parts paprika powder
- 2 parts onion powder
Sometimes I use different binders, depending on the meat I am cooking. For chicken, I like to use olive oil, and for pork I prefer mustard.
I have played around with many ingredients and flavors since I made this rub. It is also part of my seasoning for my pulled pork recipe.
In a hurry, I grab this from my shelf, and it has never disappointed me. Lately I have used this all purpose rub to test adding some umami flavors, and I was pretty happy with that combination.
Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken is the founder of The Grilling Dutchman, where he shares practical BBQ tips, smoking techniques, recipes, and grill reviews based on real-world experience. After years of cooking on pellet grills, charcoal grills, smokers, and kamado cookers, he focuses on helping backyard cooks get better results with less guesswork. Learn more about Eddie van Aken. Learn more about Eddie van Aken.