Sometimes I just need something easy. Something I don’t need to put any thought into. Like after floating in the lake in all day, but still needing to feed my tribe. Enter The Very Best Seasoning Rub. I keep a jar of this in my cupboard at all times, read on to find out why you should too!
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This seasoning rub has saved my life many a time. Now, my husband says I’m a little dramatic, but let’s see him go without dinner! There is nothing easier than pairing this easy seasoning rub with your choice of protein (I’ve personally tried chicken, shrimp and tilapia) and tossing it on the grill. Voila. Dinner is served.
Check out my favorite colorful mixing bowls (affiliate link). Hint, the blue bowl (shown above) is perfect for a single serving of that amazing Chicago mix popcorn I buy from Costco. The red bowl is perfect for whipping up a carton of eggs to make scrambled eggs to feed the masses (or my tribe, who sometimes feel like masses!).
This seasoning rub is simple to throw together. Five simple ingredients (that you may already have in your kitchen). It also is easy to store. I’m partial to mason jars (affiliate link) for storage (simple, cheap, easy to clean). I also use a lot of glass jars to store common kitchen staples such as flour, sugar, salt and brown sugars. I’ve fallen in love with these flour jars (affiliate link) and these smaller jars (affiliate link) for kosher salt and brown sugar.
This seasoning rub gives your protein a smoky cumin flavor followed by a kick from the cayenne. The brown sugar in the rub helps to form a little bit of caramelization. What’s not to love?
The Very Best Seasoning Rub
This is a flavorful seasoning rub, perfect for an easy grilling dinner!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cumin
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons salt
- 1 Tablespoon cayenne
Instructions
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In a glass container, mix all spices. Shake to combine.
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Store in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use.
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When ready to use, add a Tablespoon or two of the spice rub to a plastic ziplock bag. Add protein (chicken, shrimp, fish, pork, pressed tofu) and shake to coat.
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Allow to sit for 30 minutes up to overnight (if allowing to sit for more than 30 minutes, please store in the refrigerator).
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Cook protein as desired-my favorite is the grill! You can also bake or sauté.
Recipe Notes
Calories listed are for the seasoning rub only. (One Tablespoon will season approximately 4-6 chicken breasts, 4-6 skewers of shrimp, 4-6 tilapia filets)
This rub is fairly spicy, feel free to decrease the Cayenne if you are heat adverse!
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A good all-purpose rub is key – these flavors are great! Love having recipe shortcuts ready to go in an instant.
Shortcuts are the best!! A jar of this is gold for busy weeknights!
I love preparing my own seasoning at home. This works so well with chicken!
It’s so helpful having a jar of this mixed up!