13 Easy Barbecue Rubs to Level Up Your Next Summer Cookout

Spice rubs are an easy, relatively inexpensive way to impart a ton of flavor into whatever you’re making—especially when it comes to the grill, smokeror barbebcue. And why fiddle with 14 different spice jars when you use a rub that hits all the right notes.

The best part of spice rubs is that you can make your own, customizing it to your tastes and budget. Here are a few go-tos we turn to when we’re cooking and grilling, great for beef, pork, poultry and even veggies. Try one out to see how these rubs can transform your next summer cookout!

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Stacey’s Hamburger Seasoning

France C

If you’re used to making burgers with just salt and pepper, try mixing it up with this Hamburger Seasoning spice rub that has nearly 300 five-star ratings. “This burger seasoning is what I use to season my hamburger patties before cooking them,” says one Allrecipes member. “It gives them a wonderful gourmet flavor that makes a so-so hamburger extraordinary. Season your burgers just before grilling or sprinkle over top while pan-frying.” Keep this rub on hand for other ground beef applications like meatloaf, ground beef tacos, or chili.

Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

You may be familiar with store bought Cajun spice mixes, like Slap Ya Mama or Tony Chachere’s. Hailing from Louisiana, Cajun cuisine blends Native American, West African, Caribbean, and French cooking styles—resulting in a distinct culinary tradition. But you don’t need to use a store bought rub to enjoy the familiar flavor profile. This mix has a bit of spice, herbs, and pepper that is great for shrimp, chicken and even things like Fettuccine alfredo.

Everything Pork Dry Rub

Allrecipes member Jamie recommends using this rub for smoking or roasting pork, or even for a pulled pork in the slow cooker. One reviewer, who used this rub on a three-pound pork shoulder said it’s their new “go-to.” Some Allrecipes members say there’s some heat to this rub, so make sure to adjust the chili and chipotle powder accordingly.

Memphis Dry Rub Recipe

Utilized throughout Tennessee for Memphis-style barbecue, this Memphis Dry Rub is both hot and sweet. One member loves how this rub helps impart tons of flavor to ribs, chicken, and pork shoulder without using tons of salt. With a rub this flavorful, do you even need barbecue sauce?

Ed’s Favorite Beer Can Chicken Rub Recipe

Allrecipes member @Rharejr shared this recipe from his Uncle Ed, one of the best pitmasters he has ever known. Ed typically used the rub to make a five-pound beer can chicken on the grill, but you can use it for just about anything! “I’m hooked and my guests liked it too,” says one reviewer. “I love a little heat and this was perfect. I loved the blend of spices for a more complex flavor. I will definitely make it again.”

Sweet Fire Rib Rub Recipe

“We loved this rub,” says Allrecipes Allstar What’s for dinner, mom?. “Followed the recipe precisely and then the recipe notes in regard to wrapping and refrigerating overnight. We slow smoked the ribs and then applied some homemade Bourbon BBQ sauce. Fantastic! Drove the neighbors crazy ALL DAY with the wonderful aroma! I will be using this recipe often.”

Mexican Dry Rub

One reviewer says this rub is “exquisite” on chicken breasts. Nice and herby with a little heat, this rub is versatile, but most Allrecipes reviewers are using it for chicken. Drumsticks on the grill, breasts on the stove, thighs in the oven—every cut works well with this great Mexican Dry Rub.

Jerk Seasoning

If you’ve never used Jerk Seasoning, you’re in for a treat. Hailing from Jamaica, and packed with Caribbean-loved ingredients like allspice and cinnamon, this piquant blend will perk up your next barbecue. “I used this first to spice up some chicken and next for red potatoes,” said one Allrecipes member. “Both were fabulous! This is a really nice versatile blend of spices.”

Steak Dry Rub Seasoning

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

Smoky paprika, earthy cumin, savory garlic, onion and more—this is a great overall meat rub. “Excellent rub! I used it on steaks, burgers, chicken, and pork chops,” says one reviewer. “Others frequently ask what kind of seasoning I use onto meat. The recipe makes a good sized batch. Be sure to save his recipe! You may go through it quickly!”

Rosemary Garlic Rub

Super bright and herbaceous, this Rosemary Garlic Rub is a classic for cuts like prime rib and lamb chops, but it’s so very versatile. Chicken, roasted potatoes, Cornish game hens, pork loin, you name it—this rub probably works on it. “Wonderful rub,” said one Allrecipes reviewer. “This really makes a chicken outstanding. I put a lot of the rub under the skin and it soaked in a lot of the flavor.”

Blackened Seasoning Mix

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Popular in Cajun and Creole cuisine, blackening seasoning creates a dark crust on fish and meats when cooked on a high heat. It’s bold, versatile and so darn tasty with foods like scallops, chicken breast and Mahi Mahi. Just make sure you add your own salt—this recipe is salt free. “I used this recipe to make black n blue burger with bacon,” said one Allrecipes community member. “Wow, possibly the best burger we’ve ever had!”

Best BBQ Rub in Texas

Is this the best barbecue rub in Texas? You tell us. Recommended for brisket, or any smoking meat, keep this recipe handy in the summer months. “It was out of this world,” said one reviewer. “Many, many compliments on the meat. The brisket was 12 lbs and we still had tons leftover. I would recommend this recipe. Thanks!”

BBQ Spice Rub