If your spice cabinet is already stocked, you’re one bowl and 5 minutes away from a homemade BBQ seasoning you can use on vegan ribs, grilled vegetables, or to level up everyday meal prep.
This homemade BBQ rub came together because I had the spices, I had the time, and I wanted something I could call my own. It ended up being the secret behind the best vegan BBQ ribs I've ever made.
What Does This BBQ Seasoning Taste Like?
Better than store bought! That is because you customize it to your tastebuds. Want more smokiness? Add more smoked paprika. Want more salt or sweetness? Scale those up and down to your desire.
In this recipe, most of that sweetness comes from alternative brown sugar, which gives you all the taste of traditional brown sugar without the same glycemic spike. And smell of that smoked paprika is amazing!
Homemade BBQ Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup smoked paprika note 1
- 2 tablespoon alternative brown sugar (I use Swerve) note 2
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon smoked salt note 3
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Equipment
Instructions
- Measure out all your ingredients in the appropriate amounts. Add them all to a mason jar or container and mix together. Store in your pantry or use immediately for a variety of recipes. It tastes fantastic on my vegan ribs recipe!
Notes
- Regular paprika can be used instead of smoked paprika if that is all you have on hand however I HIGHLY recommend smoked paprika as it gives that traditional BBQ taste.
- I used a sugar free alternative brown sugar to keep the sugar content low, however if that doesn't bother you, you can use only regular light brown sugar.
- Smoked salt is another key ingredient for that traditional smokey BBQ taste. This can be substituted for regular sea salt. However, I recommend you keep at least ONE smoked ingredient. If you're not using smoked paprika, used smoked salt. If you are not using smoked salt, used smoked paprika. You can also lower the salt amount to keep the sodium low or omit entirely to make it sodium free.
- Makes approximately 117 g (39 teaspoons). One teaspoon is approximately 3 g.
- View below recipe card for step-by-step photo instructions, specific serving suggestions, and detailed storage requirements.
Nutrition
BBQ Seasoning Step by Step Photos
Step One: Gather and measure out all your ingredients in the appropriate amounts. Add all those ingredients to a bowl or jar and mix together. It's that simple!
Storage Tips
- How to Store? Store in a tight air container in your pantry. Make sure your container is airtight as the brown sugar in it can dry out. I like storing mines in small mason jars.
- How long does it keep? It can keep for 6 months. Honestly even longer than that.
What to Use it On
This rub is versatile enough to become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Here's where I reach for it most:
- Vegan BBQ Ribs: This is where it was born and where it shines brightest. The rub creates a smoky crust that makes these ribs the centerpiece of any plate.
- Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich: The rub layers beautifully under a good BBQ sauce. Pile it on a bun and don't look back.
- BBQ Tofu Meal Prep Bowl: Coat your tofu before baking or air frying, then build your bowl around it.
- BBQ Snacks: If you are a real DIYer, use this spice to make your own chips, roasted lentils, and/or roasted chickpeas!
Making it Work for Your Vegan Curves
Whether you are bulking, cutting or maintaining, well-seasoned food is a meal prep motivator. When your food actually tastes like something, you're more likely to stick to what you planned instead of reaching for something else.
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
Visit my Seasonings page for other homemade spice blends that uses basic pantry ingredients!
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© Gina Marie Hoskins. Vegan With Curves. All Rights Reserved. Unless noted otherwise, all images, recipes, & content are copyright protected and registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. My images and written content are NOT to be used without prior permission. Read full Copyright Disclosure.
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