Introduction

The key to unlocking a world of delicious meals lies in a single mix of spices – a dry rub. From the classic ribs to succulent pulled pork, creating a rub from scratch yields a wealth of tasty dishes. There are many combinations of herbs and spices that make up a good rub, so it can be tailored to any palate. Here’s a guide on how to make your own easy all-purpose dry spice rub, as well as some application tips and recipes.

Create a Flavorful Blend

A well-rounded rub needs only a few ingredients, but they should represent a range of flavors. Start out with a savory note with good quality kosher salt and smoked paprika. Pepper is also essential; try a coarsely ground black pepper for a strong flavor. To add a sweetness to your rub, use dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or marjoram. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne or chili powder. Finally, combine the rub with garlic powder or granules for a flavor-packed blend.

Benefits of a Spice Rub

Using a dry spice rub is an easy way to infuse some bold flavor into your meal without having to finely chop a bunch of herbs and spices. It’s also a great way to add texture; a dry rub can help form a caramelized crust on the outside of meats. In addition, the combination of herbs and spices in a dry rub are full of antioxidants and can add a nutritional boost to whatever you are cooking.

Constructing the Perfect Spice Rub

To make the perfect all-purpose dry spice rub,you’ll need the following ingredients:

Two Servings

• 2 tablespoons of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon tarragon leaves
• 1 teaspoon of celery seed
• ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or granules

Combine the ingredients in a bowl and stir until they are evenly distributed. Store the mixture in a sealed glass container or a spice jar and save for use later.

Techniques for Applying the Rub

Depending on the cooking method, there are several ways to apply the dry spice rub. For oven roasting, sprinkle some of the rub onto the ingredient and spread it with your fingers. For grilling, you can use a brush to easily apply the rub. For long cooking methods such as barbecuing or slow cooking, you can generously cover the ingredient in the dry rub and let the flavors deepen throughout cooking.

Flavorful Recipe Ideas

Try out your all-purpose dry spice rub on a variety of dishes. Rub it onto chicken and vegetables before cooking them in a skillet, or try it out on ribs and other meats before grilling. You can use this rub in combination with a marinade to create a flavor-packed dish. Or, sprinkle some of the rub onto popcorn, roasted potatoes, or avocado toast.

Get Rubbing for Delicious Meals

Your flavor-packed dry rub is now ready to use, so fire up the grill and experiment with different recipes. Be sure to use the right application technique for each cooking method; you may even want to adjust the recipe to better suit your own palate. With an easy all-purpose dry rub, you can take any dish to the next level!

To wrap things up, a dry rub is a great method to unlock a world of flavor. With the combination of just a few ingredients, you can create a rub that works with a wide range of recipes. Try creating your own all-purpose dry spice rub and put it to use in your own kitchen.