Tired of those high spice prices in supermarkets? Would you like to bring the cost down and at the same time get a gourmet chefs reputation? Well read on because I’m going to tell you how to make your own custom spice blends, easier and cheaper than you ever thought possible! I’m also going to include a few recipes to get you started.

Why You Should Make Your Own Spice Rubs

Nothing flavors and adds character to meats and seafood like a good spice blend. Even marinating does not flavor as much as a good rub. A good rub liberally applied not only adds flavor but also aids in the forming of a nice tasty crust. Checking the spice isle in your local supermarket for rubs however makes you think you might need a new tax bracket! Pre-mixed rubs can be very pricy to say the least. The prices make you think there must be some mystery to making them, and there’s not.

Making Your Own is Easy!

Making custom spice rubs is as easy as blending a few ingredients. All you need is a tablespoon and a jar to store the blend in. The real trick if there is any, is in finding a blend you really like. All that takes is some simple experimentation. In fact, in my opinion that’s the fun part! Let’s go over some of the basics.

• First make sure you have fresh spices. Old spices lose a lot of flavor.
• If using herbs, only use dried herbs.
• For maximum flavor buy spices whole and grind them yourself.
• To extract maximum flavor heat lightly before use. (Only blends without sugar)
• Store blends in a tightly sealed jar in a cool dark space.
• For best flavor use blends within 2 months. They will last longer but the flavor will deteriorate over time.
• When you find a blend you like make extra for gifts.

Believe it or not those rules are as complicated as it’s going to get. Anyone can make a great spice rub. Develop a great recipe and you might even find yourself in business! Ok, let’s go over a few spice rubs for meat. Please note that in most spice blends for meat (Beef, Pork, Chicken and even lamb and fish) salt is the primary spice used. The best salt to use is not the Iodized kind. Coarse Sea or Kosher salt is a much better choice and flavors the food better. All of the rubs below are made with Kosher salt. I highly recommend you buy some. I can almost guarantee that after you get used to using it you will never go back to Iodized again. If you try and make the rubs with Iodized salt I would definitely use much less than what the recipe calls for. Iodized salt has a much sharper flavor.

When to use the Rub

In BBQ rubs the most dominant spice is usually sugar. I’ll give you a couple of rubs for meat, BBQ and one for fish to get you started. Then use my rubs as a base to add flavors you like and develop your own blends. Also, some people recommend applying the rub a few hours or even the day before cooking. Personally I have never found that to make a difference. Applying the rub just before cooking seems to work just fine. Do your own experimenting however and see which you prefer. Now let’s take a look at some rubs!

Some Spice Rub Recipes to Get You Started

First here’s a great chicken rub!

Blend

3 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons black pepper

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons dry mustard

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons thyme

Blend all ingredients together and sprinkle liberally on chicken before frying or roasting. I usually put the chicken in a food storage bag along with a couple of tablespoons of mix and shake. Cook however you prefer but what I do is to brown chicken in a little olive or vegetable oil, then transfer to 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes until done.

Other Spices you might consider for this mix are: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, any dried herb and lemon pepper. Of course those are just ideas to get you thinking. Use your imagination and try others as well.

A Great Steak Rub!

Next let’s go over a good rub for beef. It is good for all cuts of meat that you will grill or roast. I especially like this rub on grilled steaks.

Blend

2 tablespoons coarse salt

2 tablespoons coarse black pepper (freshly ground if possible)

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon sugar (optional)

Blend and rub this into meat generously. Make sure you rub the mixture firmly into the meat on both sides. The small amount of sugar aids in producing a nice crust on the meat. Cook to desired doneness but medium rare produces the more tender meat.

Here's a Great BBQ Rub for Beef or Pork

Blend

3 tablespoons white sugar

½ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons salt

3 tablespoons fresh cracked black pepper

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon cayenne (use more or less to taste)

Apply liberally to meat and rub in well. Cook meat with indirect heat so coals are not directly underneath. This is also a great rub for smoking.

Finally My Favorite Seafood Blend

Actually it is more of a coating than a rub. I usually pan fry my fish when using this. You could also use this when deep frying.

Blend

½ cup white flour

¼ cup corn meal

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon dried dill

1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper

As with my chicken rub I usually put fish in a plastic bag and shake with seasoning to coat well.

You Can Do This!

Well that should be enough to get you started and experimenting. Remember there are no hard and fast rules as to what spices you should use. Adjust and add seasonings according to your tastes. Just make sure you write down everything you do. You might develop a rub you really like and forget how you made it!

If you need some supplies your local grocery should have most of what you’re looking for. If not, or if you want to buy in bulk just do a search online for “dried herbs”. You will find many good suppliers. You might also do a search online if you really get serious and need spice jars. Remember a good spice rub makes a real nice gift for someone. So when you develop a good recipe make extra for friends and family. It’s a good way to become very popular!

Have fun.