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Home » Recipes » Grilling Recipes

Spice Rub - easy to make!

Published: Sep 4, 2019 · Modified: Mar 31, 2020 by Bowl Me Over · 46 Comments

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Easy and tasty this Spice Rub Recipe takes only five minutes to make and adds big delicious flavor for pork, seafood, chicken or beef! It's a versatile seasoning that is simple to store in a jar in your pantry

Homemade spice rub recipe in glass jar with spoon
This spice rub recipe is so easy to make you can use it on chicken, shrimp, pork or beef!

Easy Spice Rub

I've been using this rub for years, but never put it on paper. When Mom was here we made it a couple of times and now I finally have it written down to share with you!

You're going to seriously love this recipe!

Spoon with herbs and seasoning.
Five minutes to make and easy to store you're going to love this recipe for spice rub!

BBQ Spice Rub

I really love making my own seasoning mixes - my Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe is the BEST I've ever tried! I mix it up every six weeks or so. It's got great flavor whether you're using on steak, chicken or even a sprinkle in pasta salad adds great flavor!

Have you ever tried making your own? It's so simple, I hope you give it a try!

What is a dry rub?

A dry rub is a mix of spices and herbs blended together. Spices can be toasted (or not). They are combined together, mixed and stored until ready to use.

To learn more about using herbs and spices check out this article! With tons of tips and advice from experts, it will be sure to answer any questions!

Popular dry rubs are Cajun - bringing some hot spicy heat! Jamaican - a smokey, spicy blend and Old Bay Seasoning Mix great for seafood and fish.

Why make your own seasonings?

  • It's easy to do with ingredients you have on-hand.
  • Cost! It's a ton cheaper than buying the pre-made mixes.
  • No preservatives, you control the ingredients!
  • It's not all sodium - you control the spice levels.
  • It won't be too spicy or too blah because you can make it to your preference!
  • My best reason? It tastes 100 times better than store-bought!
A glass jar filled with spice rub.
Save money by making your own Spice Rub

Easy Spice Rub

Ingredients for Spice Rub

  • Cumin - for warm, earthy flavor.
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds - with a subtle nutty flavor they bring a slight crunch to the rub.
  • Red Chili Powder - for fruity heat
  • Turmeric - mildly aromatic, it's a mixture of ginger and orange
  • Oregano - pungent and earthy, it adds depth to this rub.
  • Sumac - tangy and lemony, without the tartness!
  • Salt - to balance and enhance the flavors!

Simple enough to make right? You got this!!

Now there are a couple ingredients on the list you may not keep regularly in your spice cabinet.

  • No turmeric? Your best substitute would be dried ginger. It will change the taste of the rub a bit, but if you don't want to buy a spice you may not use again just substitute with dried ginger. What I love about turmeric is the bright yellow beautiful color!
  • No Sumac? Substitute lemon pepper seasoning. Again this will change the flavor a bit but I'd hate for you to be purchasing spices and seasoning you don't ordinarily use.

Make this. Use it. Love it! I know we do!!!

A spoon filled with herbs and seasoning.
An easy combination of spices combine to make this rub.

Spice Rub Recipes

How to store the dry rub?

What is the best way to store the mix? A small glass jar with a screw top lid or Tupperware type container. Kept in a cool, dark they will last longer.

More homemade spice blends from the blog!

Homemade Taco Seasoning
Taco Seasoning is super easy to make, tastes 100 times better than the seasoning in the packet and saves you money! Plus you can customize to your taste - spicy, mild - whatever you enjoy. So why not make it yourself?
Check out this recipe
Spice mix in jar.
Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe
Big robust flavors in this copycat recipe. Montreal Steak Seasoning Spice Mix is easy to make! Liven up your meal with this perfect balance of flavors.
Check out this recipe
Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning in jar with measuring spoon.
Sweet Rib Rub Recipe
Easy to make sweet rub recipe with the best flavor. Great for pork, chicken and shrimp!
Check out this recipe
Homemade pork rub in mason jar with wooden measuring spoon on the side.
Fajita Spice Mix
Easy to make, spice up your meal with this easy recipe!
Check out this recipe
Spice mix in jar with spoon.

Measuring Spoons - they are easy to measure with and the shape fits right into spice jars - love that!!

Spice Rub

Homemade spice rub recipe in glass jar with spoon
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Chef's Blend Spice Rub Recipe

Easy and Tasty Chef's Blend Spice Rub Recipe takes only five minutes to make and stores easily in your pantry. It's simple to make and you can easily store it in your spice cabinet. It's delicious on pork, seafood, chicken or beef. So versatile and so flavorful!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course: Sauces and Dressing
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 26kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Cost: $6
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon sumac
  • 1 tablespoon salt

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Add the sesame seeds to a dry skillet over medium/low heat. Shake frequently and toast the seeds until golden brown. When you smell them toasting - good chance they are done! Do not let them burn (turn black) remove from the skillet as soon as they are toasted as if you leave them in the skillet they will continue to cook.
  • Combine the ingredients and mix together well.
  • Store in an airtight container. For use on chicken, seafood, pork or beef. Enjoy!

Notes

No turmeric? Your best substitute would be dried ginger. It will change the taste of the rub a bit, but if you don't want to buy a spice you may not use again just substitute with dried ginger.
What I love about turmeric is the bright yellow beautiful color!
No Sumac? Substitute lemon pepper seasoning. Again this will change the flavor a bit but I'd hate for you to be purchasing spices and seasoning you don't ordinarily use.

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1208mg | Potassium: 116mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 820IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2.1mg
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First Published: March 16, 2018... Last Updated: September 4 2019

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julie

    April 02, 2018 at 6:59 am

    5 stars
    I love using dry rubs and have never had one with sumac! I'm going over the spice store today so will definitely add it to my list. I am so glad that I got my instant pot when I did and love the convenience and the yummy recipes for using it!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 03, 2018 at 7:39 pm

      I love the flavor sumac gives this rub - it gives it more richness and body - really delicious! I hope you give it a try!!

      Reply
  2. Madi

    March 31, 2018 at 9:31 am

    5 stars
    What a great spice blend! I can't wait to give this a try!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 01, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      Wonderful! It has so much flavor - enjoy this recipe!

      Reply
  3. michele

    March 30, 2018 at 6:20 pm

    5 stars
    Its so much better when you make them homemade... I like that you add the sesame seeds... what a great idea!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 31, 2018 at 8:33 am

      The toasted sesame seeds really give it a great flavor - thank you Michele!!

      Reply
  4. Michele Phillips

    March 30, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    5 stars
    Homemade spice rubs are the best! This one looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 01, 2018 at 12:06 pm

      Thank you Michele!

      Reply
  5. Jennifer A Stewart

    March 30, 2018 at 1:01 pm

    5 stars
    Making my own spice rubs at home has become my new favorite past time. I love that I can use the spices I have at home, customize it to my tastes and my family's taste, and it doesn't have any fillers, preservatives, or so much extra salt that it is almost inedible. This one looks very tasty and I do have some sumac that I need to use up!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 01, 2018 at 12:09 pm

      That's totally the case, right? Store bought is so full of preservatives and things you can't pronounce! When you make it at home your options are so much bigger and you only need to make what you need! Love sumac, it's such an interesting spice!

      Reply
  6. Sandra Shaffer

    March 29, 2018 at 10:46 pm

    5 stars
    I would make your ribs with this amazing rub! I need to make a big batch so I can use it anytime!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 01, 2018 at 12:12 pm

      Wonderful - enjoy Sandra! Today we're using this rub on lamb chops - so yummy!!!

      Reply
  7. Michaela Kenkel

    March 29, 2018 at 8:26 pm

    5 stars
    Look at that spice rub!! So many flavors -- I can only imagine how this tastes! I am whipping up a batch this weekend!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 01, 2018 at 12:15 pm

      Wonderful you going to love it Michaela!

      Reply
  8. Ashlyn

    March 29, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    5 stars
    My mind is full of ideas of ways to use this rub! Thank you for the substitution suggestions as well. I have everything but sumac so will try it with the lemon pepper!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 01, 2018 at 12:16 pm

      Wonderful! It's so versatile, enjoy Ashlyn!!!

      Reply
  9. debi at Life Currents

    March 27, 2018 at 6:55 am

    5 stars
    I've seen so many great IP recipes, I think I'd start with a cheesecake though. That sounds like fun!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 29, 2018 at 4:51 am

      Mmmm!!!! Cheesecake, sounds delicious!

      Reply
  10. Angela

    March 27, 2018 at 6:13 am

    5 stars
    A perfect blend of spices!!! I have almost all the ingredients! Will have to pick up the rest because this sounds like it would be great in so many dishes! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 29, 2018 at 4:52 am

      I use this spice blend ALL THE TIME! Great flavor and so much better than store bought! Thank you Angela!!

      Reply
  11. Richa Gupta

    March 23, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    5 stars
    Such a wonderful idea, something I would like to try at home anytime!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 25, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      I hope you give it a try, this is such a versatile rub - enjoy!

      Reply
  12. Megan @ MegUnprocessed

    March 23, 2018 at 3:18 pm

    Homemade spices are so much better than store-bought!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 25, 2018 at 8:23 pm

      All day long Megan! I hope you give this a try!

      Reply
  13. Lauren Taylor

    March 22, 2018 at 9:03 pm

    I love the idea of incoporating sea food! I Will have to try this

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 25, 2018 at 8:26 pm

      I’ve used it both on shrimp kabobs and shrimp pasta - so good! I hope you really enjoy it!

      Reply
  14. Megan

    March 21, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    Love the idea of making your own dry rub.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 25, 2018 at 8:28 pm

      I use it to season almost everything!

      Reply
  15. Jersey Girl Cooks

    March 21, 2018 at 1:33 pm

    5 stars
    Great spice blend and thanks for the giveaway chance!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 25, 2018 at 8:28 pm

      You bet - best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
  16. Michelle Turner

    March 18, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    This is wonderful. I use it for so many things, even throw a tsp or more into soup. Hope your black eyes go away soon.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      Love the tip for soup Michelle! Yesterday I tossed it on top of oven roasted veggies, yummy!!!

      Reply
  17. J

    March 16, 2018 at 6:15 pm

    If I won I would make the Instant Pot potato soup and ham first.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:30 pm

      That one is one tasty soup! Good luck J!!!

      Reply
  18. Michele Hall

    March 16, 2018 at 4:19 pm

    5 stars
    I would make a whole chicken if I won... I love the fact how quick it is!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:29 pm

      Instant Pot’s are the BEST!! Good luck Michele!!

      Reply
  19. Wendy Forbes

    March 16, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    I would make a lot of different recipes if I won, everything from lasagna to cheesecake for starters.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:29 pm

      All great options, good luck to you Wendy!

      Reply
  20. Liza

    March 16, 2018 at 12:51 pm

    5 stars
    Sometimes all you really need to make a dish special is that "secret rub"! I'm learning it a hard way from my husband constantly complaining at the lack of flavor in my cooking! Knowing this formula can make a break your cooking! And this rub is that perfect, delicious answer!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:28 pm

      It’s got big flavor Liza, mix some up so you have it handy! I don’t believe that about your cooking though, I’m pretty sure everyone is standing in line looking for seconds!!

      Reply

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