Basic Dry Rubs

Many dry rub recipes include a long list of ingredients. These basic dry rubs are much simpler, and only require a few ingredients. And because of that, they can be used on a wide variety of meats, poultry and seafood.

Easy Texas Dry Rub

Because this basic rub contains no sugar, it's a good one to use when grilling over direct heat. It's also a great on to start with when working up your own dry rub recipes. Use it as is, then experiment with other added seasonings until you have a flavor that works for you.

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup non-iodized salt
1/4 cup mild paprika
1/4 cup black pepper

This one is a good, basic seasoning and works on poultry, beef, pork and seafood. It contains a large percentage of salt, so don't overdo it when applying it to foods.

Sweet Onion Dry Rub

This one's good on beef, and also works nicely on pork spareribs. The onion flavor comes through nicely.

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Makes one quarter cup, enough for one sparerib slab. Double up on the recipe if you're going to season a whole brisket.

Three Pepper Rub

This one is really good if you like it kind of hot. The smoky flavor of chipotle peppers gives it a lot of interest.

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon powdered chipotle peppers
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar

The paprika and chili powder aren't too hot, but the chipotle pepper does add some heat. If you want it hotter yet, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and change the name to 4 pepper rub! This is really good used on beer can chickens, or any other chicken recipe for that matter.