This Sweet BBQ Dry Rub Recipe is perfect for ribs, pork, beef, and chicken. This all-purpose BBQ Rub adds a delicious kick to any meat you want to throw on the grill.
While I actually love to use Cajun Seasoning and Creole seasoning as a dry rub, a sweet BBQ rub also has its place on the grill. It makes such a delicious bark!
BBQ Rub Ingredients
This is just a quick overview of the ingredients that you’ll need for the best BBQ rub recipe recipe. As always, specific measurements and complete instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Kosher Salt
- Light Brown Sugar
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Chili Powder
- Smoked Paprika – If you don’t want it to taste smoky, you can use regular or sweet paprika.
- Dried Thyme
- Ground Cumin
- Nutmeg
If you want to make it spicier, you can add a little bit of cayenne pepper as well.
How to Make a BBQ Dry Rub
Simply mix everything up in a jar or an airtight container and give it a good shake to break up any clumps. That’s it!
Use as needed as a spice rub recipe for grilled, smoked, or baked meats!
When you are cooking a large juicy cut of pork (a pork shoulder or pork butt) or a whole chicken, coat the meat at least 8 hours ahead of time – chicken breasts or ribs only require a few hours!
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How to Store It
Store the spice rub in an airtight container or jar in a cool dark place, like a cabinet or your pantry.
Ways to Use a Sweet Rub
A sweet rub is perfect for:
Pork Recipes
Oven Baked Ribs
Crockpot Pulled Pork with Chipotle BBQ Sauce and Coleslaw
Smoked, Grilled, or Baked: Pork Butt, Pork Shoulder, Pork Ribs, and Thick Pork Chops.
Chicken Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
Smoked, Grilled, or Baked: Chicken Thighs, Chicken Breasts, Chicken Wings, Whole Chicken, or Chicken Legs.
Beef Recipes
Smoked, Grilled, or Baked: Brisket and Ribs
Note, if you are smoking meat, do not aggressively rub the sweet rub into the meat. You want to make sure the smoke can penetrate the meat. Gently sprinkle the rub on the surface of the meat, wrap it and refrigerate it, then place it in the smoker. (When baking, you can rub that stuff all over.)
Have You Tried This Recipe?
Please rate it and leave a comment below. I would love to hear what you think!
Sweet BBQ Dry Rub
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix everything up in a jar or an airtight container and give it a good shake to break up any clumps.2 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin, 1 pinch nutmeg
- Use as needed as a spice rub recipe for grilled, smoked, or baked meats!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate and is automatically calculated, so should only be used as a guide.
