House BBQ Spice Rub

Every great American-style BBQ recipe starts with a great BBQ rub. This blend of spices contains some proper nutritional powerhouses. 

Oregano and garlic are fabulous antimicrobials that help act as natural enemies to bugs and nasties. Garlic is also anti-inflammatory, as is cumin which is great for balancing blood sugar levels and turmeric. 

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are so well known that the main anti-inflammatory agent in it, curcumin, is now even packaged as a supplement in most health stores. 

Curcumin goes up another level when its paired with piperine, a substance in black pepper – so we’ve included some of that too for both its functional and organoleptic properties. As we consistently say, we’re educational not evangelical, so if you want to swap in or out a spice or two, due to preference or availability, then not a problem. 

The key three really are salt, sugar and smoked paprika, with the remaining ratio needing to be the balanced by spices / herbs. Other highly appropriate additional spices to add in would be mustard powder, ground coriander seeds, ground cardamom, dried sage, really any spice/dried herb that adds flavour and nutritional value.

Remember we’ve consciously left out chilli/cayenne pepper as we wanted a family- and child-friendly appeal. Add it in if you wish to spice up the rub and therefore dishes you cook with it. Then it’s your bespoke, house rub!