Sweet Carolina Rub: A Staple in the Southern BBQ Experience

This sweet Carolina BBQ rub is a quintessential element of the Southern barbecue experience, and you need only a handful of ingredients to create it. 

With the right balance of brown sugar, paprika, and a hint of cayenne, this blend will bring out the smoky, savory flavors in any dish you grill.

A Little Background on This Sweet Carolina BBQ Rub

This dry rub traces its roots back to the Carolinas’ rich culinary heritage, where local ingredients come together to create a truly distinctive taste.

The Carolinas have been a melting pot of flavors, blending indigenous spices, locally-produced sugar, and a love for slow-cooked dishes. 

And this seasoning is a testament to that legacy, bringing out the depth and warmth of Southern barbecue with every bite.

How To Craft the Perfect Blend

To create the perfect blend, there are two things we need to consider: tradition and personal interpretation. 

In other words, while we want to stay true to the authentic recipe, there should still be room for customization. To do that, we need to keep these three key components in mind:

• Sweetness: Brown sugar brings in notes of caramel that perfectly complement the smokiness of any grilled dish. 
• Spice: This adds warmth to the mix, and the two spices we’ll use for this recipe are cayenne and paprika.
• Complexity: We want to achieve a multifaceted flavor profile, so incorporating other herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder is a must. 

Breakdown of the Essential Ingredients

OK, now that we know the components we’re working with, let’s break down the ingredients. 

At its base, we have brown sugar and smoked paprika.

Then, ground mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder step in. Together, they add sharp, aromatic notes that balance the sweet and smoky flavors.

There’s also chili powder, which adds a touch of complexity and mild heat, and cumin brings an earthy undertone that anchors the whole profile. 

And of course, we can’t forget kosher salt and cracked black pepper — essentials in any dry rub recipe!

Mixing Guide

The mixing process is pretty straightforward, but if you want to achieve a harmonious blend, I’ve got a couple of tips for you.

1. Measure exactly: Stick to the exact measurements first. Once you get a feel for your taste preferences, you can try experimenting with the ratios of herbs and spices.
2. Mix thoroughly: Use a whisk to blend the ingredients completely. Then, use a fork to get rid of any clumps. 
3. Rest: Let the rub rest for at least an hour before you use it. Waiting a bit allows the flavors to meld more fully. 

Pairs Perfectly With…

This blend works well on brisket, chicken, corn, potatoes, and other grilled veggies. You can even infuse it into a pizza sauce, but the ultimate pairing for the Carolina BBQ rub has to be pulled pork!

A Carolina-style pulled pork is a classic BBQ dish that’s seasoned with this spice mix, smoked for hours, and slathered in a tangy vinegar-based sauce.

Sweet Carolina BBQ Rub

Yield: 12 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This Carolina dry rub is a traditional and authentic BBQ seasoning for pork, beef, chicken, and ribs. So, if you’re planning a cookout anytime soon, this is a good recipe to have on hand!

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Ingredients

• ⅓ cup of smoked paprika
• ⅓ cup of dark brown sugar (+ more if you want it sweeter)
• 1 tablespoon of granulated garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of granulated onion powder
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 4 teaspoons of ground mustard
• 2 teaspoons of cracked black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of cumin (alternatively, use ground coriander seeds)
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Make sure to measure each ingredient exactly to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. 
2. Pour them into a small bowl and whisk together until fully blended. To remove any clumps, use a fork. This will help you crush any big pieces and create a consistent mixture. 
3. After that, transfer it to a spice jar and let it rest for about an hour before using. 
4. Once the timer’s up, feel free to season your pulled pork, ribs, or grilled veggies with this spice rub.
5. If you don’t plan on using your seasoning yet, store it in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. 

Notes

Image credit to @chefsteps.

Featured image credit to @iambearcarlos.