BSL Basic BBQ Rub

OK! This is ground zero for BBQ Rub Recipe. If you only ever make one seasoning blend for your backyard cooks, make this one. This is the foundation — the balance of sweet, salt, smoke, and heat that works on just about everything you throw on the pit. Pork shoulders, ribs, chicken wings, brisket, even grilled vegetables — this BBQ rub recipe lays down the flavor base that builds bark, enhances smoke, and creates that unmistakable BBQ profile.

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Ingredients

• 1/4 cup – firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup – sweet paprika
• 3 tablespoons – fresh cracked pepper
• 1 tablespoons – kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon – season salt
• 2 teaspoons – garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons – onion powder
• 2 teaspoons – celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon – cayenne pepper

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What makes this basic BBQ Rub blend special isn’t complexity — it’s balance. The brown sugar helps develop color and caramelization. Paprika brings body and a deep red hue. Kosher salt and seasoning salt build the backbone. Fresh cracked pepper adds bite. Garlic and onion powder round everything out. A touch of cayenne gives it just enough heat to wake things up without overpowering the meat.

This is the rub I reach for when I don’t want to overthink it. It’s dependable, versatile, and repeatable — which is exactly what you want when you’re dialing in your backyard process.

Mix it. Store it in an airtight container. Shake before each use.
And remember — seasoning is where great BBQ starts. New to smoking meats? Check out my [Beginner’s Guide to Smoking].

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Other Considerations

Best Uses for This BBQ Rub

Use this bbq rub recipe on ribs, pulled pork, chicken thighs, wings, and even roasted potatoes. It’s balanced enough for long smokes but still pops on hot-and-fast cooks.

How Much Rub to Use

As a rule: ½ to 1 tablespoon per pound of meat. Coat evenly until the surface looks “sandy,” then let it sit 20–30 minutes before cooking (or overnight for deeper flavor). I use a shaker to apply then “rub” into the Meat.

Storage

Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cabinet. This rub stays fresh up to 3 months (longer is fine, but the spices lose punch over time). Shake before each use.

Simple Variations

• More heat: add 1 extra teaspoon cayenne
• More smoky: add 1–2 teaspoons chipotle powder
• Less sweet: reduce brown sugar by 1–2 tablespoons

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