We can all agree that meat tastes better when it is grilled. For “purists,” that grilling might only need salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of the meat. However, there are many grill aficionados who have perfected the art of grilling with dry rubs. For some, a good BBQ has to include a dry rub. If you’re ready to put the rub into action, then these are the recipes to try:

All-Purpose Meat Seasoning

This is a general kind of rub that you can used as a “foundation” rub. You can adjust to your own tastes and come up with other combinations but this specific recipe will caramelize fast on any meat that is seared on the grill or skillet.

The Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons paprika
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Espresso Steak Rub


This rub is equal parts spicy and sweet. That makes for a powerful taste combination that works great on cuts of steak, especially a rib eye.

The Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup instant espresso powder
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Spice-Rubbed Ribs

This is a rub that was made for grill ribs but it also works on tenderloins and steaks. Perfect for shaking on all kinds of meats.

The Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 4 teaspoons onion powder
  • 4 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 4 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 4 teaspoons pepper

Garlic-Pepper Rub

Are your burgers “blah?” These tangy blend of spices can change that. Lemon and garlic flavors aren’t just for chicken!

The Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Savory Steak Rub

You probably have a few spices on your rack that you never use but they came with the set. Marjoram might be one of those spices and this rub makes it the starring spice. Definitively worth a try for your next steak.

The Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano

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