How to Make Spice Rubs

Play around with a variety of spices to make your own unique rub.

Spice rubs are great for adding flavor to any entrée, be it fish, chicken or beef. You can even use spice rubs on vegetables before sautéing or tossing them on the grill. Making your own spice rubs at home can be a cheap and easy way to add your own personal flavor to the food you serve. If you want to add your own personal touch to your next meal, learn how to make some easy spice rubs in order to serve up a delicious dish.

Things You'll Need

• Brown sugar
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Dried mustard
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Salt
• Any of:
• Pepper
• Lemons
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Basil
• Nutmeg
• Potato peeler
• Knife
• Plastic bag or container

Instructions

Beef Rub

1. Mix ½ cup of brown sugar with one tablespoon of chili powder in a bowl. This will make for a good base for your beef rub.

2. Mix in ½ tablespoon of garlic powder, ½ tablespoon of ground mustard, ½ tablespoon of thyme, ½ tablespoon of oregano, two teaspoons of salt, and two teaspoons of pepper.

3. Place the mixture in plastic bag or container and shake it up well, to ensure it mixes completely. You can then rub it into a steak or beef round. Store in a kitchen cabinet or the refrigerator.

Chicken Rub

1. Peel the zest of two lemons and chop it finely. Place in a bowl or plastic bag.

2. Add ½ tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of crushed pepper. Add to container.

3. Shake up the mixture and store in the fridge, in order to retain the zest's freshness. This also makes a great fish rub. To lengthen the lifespan of this rub, dry it out in the oven on a baking sheet for about six hours at around 250 degrees, then stir it up with a fork, cool, and return to container.

Fish Rub

1. Mix one tablespoon of salt with ½ tablespoon of black pepper. This will serve as the base for the rub.

2. Add two teaspoons of onion powder, one teaspoon of cumin, two teaspoons of garlic powder, one teaspoon of paprika, and two teaspoons of basil.

3. Put mixture into bag or container and shake it up. Store in the refrigerator, or in a cool, dark cabinet.

Barbecue Rub

1. Mix ¼ cup of brown sugar with two tablespoons of paprika powder. Add a tablespoon of salt.

2. Add one teaspoon of nutmeg, two tablespoons of chili powder, two teaspoons of dried mustard, two tablespoons of garlic powder, and two tablespoons of black pepper.

3. Mix the rub in a bag, then store in a cool, dry place for use at your next barbecue. This rub is great for barbecuing any meat, be it chicken wings, pork ribs, or beef ribs.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a rub stick to meat more easily, add a small amount of olive oil (for fish) or melted butter (for beef or chicken). Add the oil or butter just before using the rub.

• Play around with all the spices in your spice cabinet to find a rub that works best for you.

• Add the beef or barbecue rub to your next pot of chili.

• Use a pestle and mortar to grind the spice rub even finer, if you prefer.

References

• Chow: Rib Steaks with Spice Rub and Green Bean Salad Recipe
• Family Fun: Rub A Dub Chicken
• Joyful Abode: What To Do With Lemons? Lemon Pepper Recipe