This Homemade BBQ Seasoning blend is not only incredibly simple to make but it's also perfect for gift-giving and a fantastic way to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Whip up a batch today!
It's backyard grilling season and I am ready. From meat to fish to veggies the smoky, charred flavor of grilled food brings a smile to my face. Plus, grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, the extra daylight hours and keep the house a little cooler in the summer.
The best way to add tons of flavor when grilling is to use a BBQ rub, and there is something truly satisfying about crafting your own seasoning blend, especially when it's as versatile and delicious as this Homemade BBQ Seasoning. I love making this blend because it's incredibly simple, requiring just a few pantry staples and a couple of minutes of effort. I always keep a jar of this seasoning on hand because it effortlessly elevates the flavor of so many dishes.
Not only does this BBQ seasoning recipe add a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors to my favorite barbecue dishes, but it also works wonders as a dry BBQ rub for meats or a seasoning for vegetables. It's my go-to blend whenever I want to add a kick of flavor to a meal without a lot of fuss.
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Ingredients
- Sweet Paprika – Adds a mild, sweet flavor and vibrant red color to the seasoning. It's made from ground, dried sweet red peppers.
- Kosher or Sea Salt – Provides the seasoning with a savory base and helps enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Ground Black Pepper – Adds a pungent and spicy kick to the seasoning.
- Garlic Powder – Gives the seasoning a savory, garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Adds a sweet and slightly pungent onion flavor to the seasoning.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make BBQ Seasoning
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk until no lumps remain and the ingredients are fully combined.
- Store in an airtight container, at room temperature, in a dry area, for up to 3 months.
Hint: This recipe can be doubled or tripled to make a larger amount. Decant into small jars with airtight lids for gift-giving or storing for up to 3 months.
Variations/Substitutions
- Smoked Paprika - Add smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy - Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a hot and spicy version.
- Sweet - Add a tablespoon of brown sugar for a subtle sweetness.
- Coffee - A tablespoon of instant coffee grounds adds a unique flavor to the rub.
Storage
The BBQ seasoning recipe should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a spice cabinet or pantry. The mixture can keep well for about 3 months before it starts to lose flavor.
Top Tips
- Mix the spices well to create a uniform blend. This will help distribute the flavors evenly when you use the seasoning.
- Adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your taste preferences. You can add more salt for a saltier flavor or increase the amount of garlic or onion powder for a stronger taste.
- For the best flavor, use fresh spices that are not expired. Old spices can lose their potency and affect the overall flavor of the seasoning.
- Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor for up to 3 months.
- Customize the seasoning to suit your preferences. You can add smoked paprika for a smokier flavor or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- If you use this seasoning frequently, consider doubling or tripling the recipe to have a larger batch on hand. This can save you time in the long run.
- Consider packaging the seasoning in a jar with a ribbon or label to give as a thoughtful gift to friends or family who love to cook.
FAQ
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade BBQ seasoning can last for up to 3 months.
This seasoning is perfect for both grilling and smoking. Simply sprinkle it over your meat or vegetables before cooking or use it as a dry rub. It can also be added to a marinade.
While there is a very mild spiciness to the black pepper, most people would consider this a mild seasoning. For a spicy seasoning, add cayenne pepper to taste.
How to Use Homemade BBQ Seasoning
To use this Homemade BBQ Seasoning, simply sprinkle it generously over your meat or vegetables, ensuring an even coating before grilling or smoking. For vegetables, brush with a light coating of oil before adding the bbq rub. Try it in this Grilled Veggie Antipasto recipe.
The amount you use will depend on your personal taste preferences and the size of the piece of meat. As a general guideline, you can use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat. However, feel free to adjust the amount based on how seasoned you like your food. I find that this recipe makes enough to cover a rack of ribs or a large roaster chicken.
For best results, let the seasoned meat sit for about 15 to 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate. This seasoning is incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, beef, and even vegetables. It adds a deliciously smoky, savory flavor that will elevate your BBQ dishes to the next level.
Use this seasoning in these delicious grilled recipes:
- Juicy Grilled Pork Chops with Beer
- Easy BBQ Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
- The Perfect Burger for your BBQ
- Air Fryer BBQ Shrimp
More Homemade Seasonings and Rubs
Here are more homemade rubs and seasonings for you to try:
If you like this bbq seasoning recipe, please leave a 5-star rating below.
RECIPE
Homemade BBQ Seasoning
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Sweet Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Kosher or Sea salt
- 1 tablespoon Ground Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk until no lumps remain and the ingredients are fully combined.
- Store in an airtight container, at room temp, in a dry area, for up to 3 months.
Notes
- This is a great all around rub that can be used on just about anything going on the grill or in the smoker.
- For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. Or add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like a spicy seasoning.
- The amount in this recipe is great for a large rack of ribs or even a large roaster chicken, just to give an idea of how much you will end up using.
- Recipe can be doubled or tripled to make a larger amount.,
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