Traeger offers some of the best rubs on the market for all your grilling needs — but at around $10 apiece, they can add up quickly.
Luckily, you probably already have the ingredients for this blend right in your kitchen, so there’s no need to spend extra cash.
What You’ll Need
Rub recipes are easy to make. All you need is to figure out the right ratio of spices. And for this one, you’ll need these pantry staples:
- Salt and pepper, the classic duo that forms the base of any great rub.
- Brown sugar, for just the right hint of sweetness.
- Onion and garlic powders, for that aromatic touch.
- Paprika, for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Cumin, adds depth with its warmth, earthiness, and nuttiness.
- Chili powder, for an extra layer of flavor with just the right amount of heat.
- Oregano, adds richness that pairs perfectly with a good grill char.
- Basil, a versatile herb that brings in those fresh notes.
What Makes It an All-Purpose Rub
Traeger’s BBQ rubs are usually made for specific meats — like prime rib, chicken, pork, or even jerky. But this one? It’s ultra-versatile and it’s a real all-rounder.
You can throw it on pretty much anything because it’s got the right mix of sweet, savory, and salty flavors.
Grilled Dishes that Pair Perfectly With This Rub
Need some inspo? Take a look at some of the recipes you can make with this all-purpose rub.
- Pan-seared Salmon: Start by patting the fish dry, then coat both sides with this seasoning before searing it in the pan. The result? A delicious salmon for a quick and easy dinner!
- Spice-rubbed Ribs: No BBQ spread is complete without ribs! This rub helps create the perfect bark, delivering incredibly tasty ribs that everyone will rave about.
- Savory Pork Roast: For a tender, juicy pork roast, season your pork loin generously with this spice blend, then roast it in the oven for a mouthwatering finish!
- Grilled Veggies: These are a perfect side dish for any cookout. Level up the taste of your veggies by replacing your regular ol’ salt and pepper with this complex seasoning!
The Right Way To Apply a Rub
Whatever you’re preparing, the rub makes a difference in how it comes off the grill. Here are a few tips for applying this spice blend the right way.
First off, you want to make sure that your meat is ready to go. Whether you need to marinate it, tenderize it, or trim it, do all the prep work before adding the seasoning.
From there, use a clean paper towel to pat it dry. You want the surface to be as free of moisture as possible. Doing so helps make the herbs and spices stick better.
Another tip: Don’t be stingy with the seasoning. Liberally sprinkle the rub all over, and use your hands to work it into every area. Once it’s completely covered, press the mixture firmly to lock in the flavors.
Last but not least, let it sit for at least 15 minutes — or up to a few hours.
If you’re not cooking right away, wrap your seasoned beef, chicken, fish, or pork in food-grade plastic and pop it in the fridge.
Copycat Traeger Rub
Here’s a spice rub recipe that you can use for any grilled dish, whether that’s BBQ ribs, pork chops, chicken, or mixed veggies!
Ingredients
- 4½ teaspoons of salt
- 4 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 4 teaspoons of cumin
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 2 teaspoons of oregano
- 2 teaspoons of basil
Instructions
- Measure out all of your ingredients.
- Then, grab a mixing bowl, and pour them all in. Use a whisk to combine.
- If you spot any clumps, break them up with a fork or give the mixture a quick pulse in the blender for a smoother, consistent texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a spice jar or an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. (Note: Keep it away from heat sources. Exposure to an active stove or grill can cause the sugar to clump and the spices to lose their flavor faster.)
Notes
Image credit to @hunniscutts.
Featured image credit to @pepperdine_bbq.
