BBQ Rub Spice Mix

BBQ seasoning recipe for chips

My purpose in sharing this spice, back in the day, was that it could be used on homemade potato chips. but I know that the whole thing wasn’t written so well then.

As a homemade BBQ potato chips recipe, the post was kind of lacking. I’ve decided that it’s more useful as a spice mix recipe and post. Sure, you can still use this as a BBQ seasoning for chips. But it can be so much more!

Is BBQ seasoning the same as a rub?

Really the name that you call it really comes down to how you want to use it. It also gives you a hint as to the texture of the mix. But regardless of the name, it’s delicious!

BBQ seasoning powder tends to be more finely ground, and is ideal for using in a marinade or sprinkling on food before cooking.

BBQ rub has a coarser texture and is often used to create a crust or bark on grilled or slow cooked meats.

How to make

This simple BBQ seasoning recipe takes just minutes to make, and comes down to a few measurements and mix it all together. Then just store it in a ziplock bag or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Storage

You can make this ahead of time, and just keep it in a sealed airtight container and store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

You could even make a double or triple batch and you’ll have enough to use all summer long.

How do you use BBQ spice?

This all-purpose BBQ spice mix pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef. You can use it on vegetables and potatoes as well. Here are a few ideas:

• Sprinkle it on burgers before grilling them to add flavor
• Add it to chicken like my roasted chicken or to chicken wings
• Bake Potato Chips, and as soon as the chips come out of the oven, sprinkle with spice mix. Barbecue chips are easy to create at home with this simple mixture. You could even add this spice mix to bags of store-bought potato chips.
• Steak
• Pork chops, roast, or tenderloin
• Add a sprinkle to baked potatoes
• Veggies shine with some added spice. Try it on cauliflower, broccoli, or corn on the cob
• Spice up some tofu
• it’s great as a dry rub on ribs
• Add it to bottled BBQ sauce to up the flavor

This can also be used as a dry rub or brine on meats to help enhance the flavor. Pat the meat dry using paper towels. Add the seasoning directly onto the meat or apply a small amount of oil over the surface before coating generously with the dry rub. Massage it in until it sticks to the surface. Leave the rub on the meat for up to 48 hours.

You don’t have to add liquid to a dry rub to use it as a marinade. The natural juices from the meat will combine with the spices to create a flavorful marinade. However, if you want a wet marinade, you can add a small amount of broth, vinegar, or oil to the spices to create a liquid marinade.

This mixture also makes a great gift. Simply pop the spice mix in a small jar and tie it with a pretty ribbon.

Changes to the recipe

My basic recipe just includes the spices, no salt and no sugar. I think it makes the basic recipe more versatile.

Feel free to add in salt or sugar as you like. I suggest adding ½ teaspoon salt and/or ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar or brown sugar.

More spices. Add more zing with red pepper flakes, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, or celery seed.

Substitute chipotle or ancho powder for the chili powder.

Are you a garlic lover, feel free to double the garlic in the recipe.

More Seasoning Mix Recipes