Sweet and Savory | Basic BBQ Rub

A sweet and savory bbq rub is just what the doctor ordered for the summer. There are many more BBQ days left for the summer. Whenever I go to grill I’m always searching for the best seasoning or a BBQ Rub for my meat. Sometimes I will pre-purchase a marinade or a seasoning but for this – it’s my own!

I like to use this rub for BBQ chicken, but it can be used on any meat (or vegetable).

There are some amazing grillers in my family. One of my Uncles has grilled for competition and he has a custom grill that turns heads everywhere he goes. To call it a grill is almost an insult because it’s a grill, fryer, smoker and all other duties as assigned. My brother and other Uncles have various styles of grills, custom smokers, and the list goes on and on. So to say I come from a family of grillers is an understatement. 

When I got married I would ask Hubs to grill ALL the time for me. He had learned how to grill from his Grandmother and he’s an excellent griller- but he doesn’t enjoy it. Too much heat and too much standing for him. After my repeated requests to grill, he finally said he would teach me how to grill once and for all. He taught me the mechanics: How to start a fire, lighting the coals, how to control the temperature, turning the meat etc. 

When I first started out he would light the fire for me and then supervise but I would do everything else. Once I got the basics down I was in the game. My quest for knowledge of anything new goes about as deep as possible. I wanted to learn more and more. And youtube has an abundance of excellent videos. Seeing those hardcore grillers always made me feel inadequate.  But now with tons of practice- I’m halfway decent. I also have a variety of grills like this Cast Iron Grill

This BBQ 101 series is very specific.  I want to reach those of you who have never grilled before and want to know where to start. I’ve been grilling consistently for about 5 years strong and I have grilled and smoked everything (with the exception of pork) and even recently finally successfully smoked a brisket. 

I’ve become a bit of a junkie when it comes to grilling accessories (which I plan to share in this new series as well). I am constantly grilling because I love it so much. I could grill every day of the week. But on the weekends, I enjoy setting up my grill, sitting in the shade and playing some tunes. It’s how I relax. 

You’ll find if you just google “bbq rub recipes” a ton of recipes will come up. It’s tough to know which one works and how the seasons work with each other. So like a true recipe maker- I tried them all. Scrapped them, then came up with my own. This one is MINE(s). And that’s why it’s called Drea’s Barbecue Rub. 

To describe it- it has a course texture but is perfect as a rub and the paprika gives your dishes a very nice finish. The complement of the brown sugar is not TOO sweet. It is perfectly balanced with the infusion of the kosher salt. If you want this recipe with a little more kick add more cayenne pepper. 

This recipe can be doubled or tripled depending on what you’re making. I’ve even used it on my smoked turkey! 

You can store this recipe (as I do) in a cool place. 

Also this same rub can be put in a canister that sprinkles and used as a seasoning. 

If you try my rub recipe, let me know! 

Next part of the Grilling 101 series I’ll be showing you guys about lighting your coals and sharing a “must have” grilling accessory. 

Stay Peachy!