Barbecue Seasoning (No Sugar)

Learn to make your own barbecue seasoning blend with just a few common spices and without any sugar. Perfect as a rib rub, on grilled chicken, pork chops and even roasted vegetables, you'll want to keep a batch of this on hand for all sorts of recipes.

Jump to:

• The Ingredients
• The Method
• Leftovers and Storage
• Ways to Use BBQ Seasoning
• Key Tips
• And if you liked this recipe...
• Recipe Card
• Comments

Knowing how to make your own seasoning mixes is, in my opinion, an underrated skill.

All you have to have on hand is basic spices in your pantry and then you have the potential to whip up whatever you need! Taco night and forgot to buy taco seasoning? No problem. Making some Cajun honey butter and don't have Cajun spice? No need to run back to the store.

Barbecuing some pork chops? Well, this recipe has you covered for that and so much more. You'll love it because:

• Made Without Sugar: Unlike most ribs rubs and barbecue seasonings which contain sugar (and may even be half sugar and half spices), this recipe is made solely of spices and it packed with fabulous flavor.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this dry rub is easy to prepare at home. You likely already have everything you need in your pantry.
• Versatile: From meats to vegetables and everything in between, this dry rub is incredibly versatile. Use it in wide range of dishes, from grilled ribs to roasted vegetables.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add more heat with extra cayenne, dial up the smokiness with smoked paprika or double the garlic powder.

The Ingredients

• Paprika- I typically just use regular paprika, but if you have smoked paprika it adds excellent flavor.
• Chili Powder- Be sure you are using a chili powder blend (made of ground red chili pepper with other spices such as cayenne, cumin, onion powder and garlic powder) and not just ground chiles which are very spicy. If you don't have any chili powder, you can replace it with ½ paprika, ¼ cumin and ¼ garlic powder.
• Fine Sea Salt- Table or kosher salt will also work. Or you can leave it out and salt whatever you are making separately.
• Black Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Cayenne Pepper- If you're sensitive to spice, you can leave it out.

The Method

1. Mix. Add all of the ground spices to a small bowl. Mix until well combined.

2. Use. Rub onto meat such as chicken or pork before cooking to add barbecue flavor.

Leftovers and Storage

To Store: Store in an airtight container or small mason jar at room temperature in a dry place for up to 1 year. 

Ways to Use BBQ Seasoning

If you're grilling or simply want to add some barbecue flavor to your dish whether you are baking, air frying and more, this seasoning is perfect! Try it on:

• Pork: This is my go-to dry rub when we are making pork ribs, grilling pork chops and more. It is also excellent on roasted pork tenderloin (and remarkably similar to the spices in this popular pulled pork recipe).
• Chicken: Use it to make barbecue chicken wings, to season chicken thighs or even to make a Roast Whole Chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Use it to season potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and more.

Key Tips

• Use Fresh Spices: For optimal results, use fresh spices as spices tend to lose their potency over time. If using older spices, you may need to use extra seasoning when cooking with it.

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And if you liked this recipe...

...you might also like:

• Cajun Seasoning
• Cajun Honey Butter

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