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    How to Make a Dry Rub + 7 recipes

    January 21, 2021 by Denise Bustard 26 Comments

    Home / Recipes / Seasoning Blends / How to Make a Dry Rub + 7 recipes

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    A dry rub is the perfect way to add flavor to meat or veggies. This post shares step by step directions for preparing and using dry rubs, and shares 7 delicious flavors!

    Never underestimate the power of a simple blend of dry spices...they can help create the perfect baked chicken breast or transform sheet pan meals into a tropical flavor bomb.

    A variety of seven dry rub recipes in glass jars with names
    Table of Contents show
    1 Reasons you'll ♡ these recipes
    2 Recipe video
    3 How to make a dry rub
    4 How to use a dry rub
    5 FAQ
    6 Brown Sugar Chili Dry Rub
    7 6 more flavors

    Having your pantry stocked with these rubs can help you add flavor on a whim to meat, roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables, salmon and more. Not only that, but they can help inspire meals. I always have a look at my seasonings when I'm wondering what to cook!

    Reasons you'll ♡ these recipes

    • they are simple to prepare, and can be stored for up to 1 year
    • they can be used on meat or vegetables
    • they are flavorful, gluten-free, vegan and low carb (some of them)

    Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

    Recipe video

    Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped four of these rub recipes. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.

    How to make a dry rub

    1. Stir together the seasonings and spices in a bowl.

    Seven glass jars in a stack filled with a variety of dry rub recipes

    2. Transfer to a storage jar. I recommend a spice funnel to help you get the spices into the jar without spilling. Make sure to label your jar so you remember which spice blend you've made.

    I couldn't find these exact jars in the photos on Amazon, but these ones look great and have cute chalkboard labels to go with them!

    rows of spices in jars

    3. Store in an air tight container for up to a year.

    How to use a dry rub

    Use 2 tablespoons per pound of meat or vegetables, and don't be stingy 😉

    • chicken breast
    • chicken thighs (skinless or skin-on)
    • chicken wings
    • salmon
    • ribs
    • steak
    • tofu
    • potatoes
    • vegetables (cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, and more)

    1. Start by brushing meat with a thin coating of oil.

    2. Sprinkle generously with the rub, then use your hands to massage it all over. This helps the rub stick properly to the surface.

    3. Cook- dry rubs are good on the grill, in the air fryer, in the oven, or in a skillet. Depending on what you are cooking, you'll need to adjust the time and temperature accordingly.

    FAQ

    What is a dry rub?

    A rub is a blend of dried herbs and spices that is applied to meat. As its name implies, a dry rub does not contain any wet ingredients.

    How do you use a dry rub?

    Brush meat with oil to help the rub stick. Sprinkle the rub all over the meat, then rub it in using your hands or the back of a spoon.

    For vegetables, toss in olive oil, then sprinkle with rub and toss until evenly coated.

    How long do you leave the dry rub on?

    A dry rub is applied just before cooking. It is not meant to act as a marinade and penetrate the meat; it simply flavors the outside of it. If you'd like, you can apply the rub ahead; I wouldn't let it sit longer than 24 hours though.

    Which is better: a marinade or a dry rub?

    It really depends on your end goal: if you're aiming for a crust on the surface of your protein, a dry rub can help you achieve that. If you want flavor throughout the meat, a marinade is the way to go.

    It also depends on the amount of time you have: rubs are a great quicker choice if you don't have 24 hours to marinate.

    Close up of seven glass jars filled with dry rub recipes
    stack of jars filled with seven different dry rub  recipes
    Print Recipe
    4.23 from 9 votes

    Brown Sugar Chili Dry Rub

    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Calories: 15kcal
    Author: Denise Bustard
    Servings: 6
    Brown sugar chili dry rub is amazing on salmon or chicken, as seasoning on potatoes or vegetables, or on roasted chickpeas! Gluten-free, paleo friendly, and ready in 5 minutes or less!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
    • 1.5 tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Stir together all ingredients and store in an airtight container for up to a year.

    To use the rub

    • Brush chicken, salmon or pork with a thin coating of olive oil.
    • Sprinkle generously with the rub, then use your hands to massage it all over. This helps the rub stick properly to the surface.
    • Cook- dry rubs are good on the grill, in the air fryer, in the oven, or in a skillet. Depending on what you are cooking, you’ll need to adjust the time and temperature accordingly.

    Notes

    Serving size
    Tap the number after "servings" on the recipe card and drag to change the serving size
    Storage
    Store in an air tight container for up to a year. 
    Makes a great gift!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Sodium: 328mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @SweetPeaSaffron or tag #sweetpeasandsaffron

    6 more flavors

    Printable recipe here

    Printable recipe here

    Printable recipe here

    Printable recipe here

    Printable recipe here

    Printable recipe here

    About Denise Bustard

    Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more. read more

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    https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/about

    Hi, I'm Denise

    Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too!

    Read more about it here!

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