Southwest Dry Rub

Transform your dishes with the bold, smoky, and zesty flavors of this Southwest Dry Rub—a quick and easy spice blend that’s perfect for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing. Featuring a robust combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a touch of brown sugar, this homemade rub delivers a balanced kick of heat and warmth with a subtle sweetness. The optional cayenne pepper and smoked paprika allow you to customize the heat and smokiness to suit your taste. Ready in just 5 minutes and made from pantry staples, this versatile dry rub pairs beautifully with chicken, beef, pork, vegetables, or even tofu, making it a must-have for spicing up any meal. Prep a batch, store it in a jar for up to six months, and elevate your weeknight dinners or BBQs with minimal effort.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:5 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Directions

Step 1

In a small mixing bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, and (if using) smoked paprika.

Step 2

Add the ground black pepper, kosher salt, brown sugar, and (if desired) cayenne pepper for heat.

Step 3

Mix all the spices thoroughly until evenly combined.

Step 4

Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or spice jar for storage. This dry rub can be kept in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Step 5

To use, generously coat your protein, vegetables, or grains with the dry rub and let sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate before grilling, roasting, or cooking as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(53.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	172.0

Total Fat 3.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 881.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 35.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 9.9g
Protein 3.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 122.8mg	0%
Iron 9.0mg	0%
Potassium 422.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.7%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 77.5%