All-Purpose BBQ Seasoning
This is for those of you who need or want a great basic all-around
barbeque seasoning (or "rub"). This is also a great base recipe for creating
your own signature seasoning.
This recipe is very close to what I use in competition cooking. I've left out
a few (
very few) "secret ingredients" so that I can maintain a competitive
edge. Take it and make it your own.
When I say that this is "all-purpose", I mean it. This rub works well on
every kind of meat, and even vegetables or popcorn.
It's key to remember that any seasoning is only as good as its ingredients.
Quality fresh ingredients are what separates a great rub from the pack.
Buy the best you can find and you will be amazed at the difference. For
outstanding spices I strongly recommend
World Spice Merchants.
Ingredients
1 c Sea salt, medium fine (no table salt, please)
1/2 c
Unrefined evaporated cane sugar (no table sugar, please)
1/2 c Dark brown sugar, dried (instructions below)
2 Tbs Sweet Hungarian paprika (the
real deal, please)
2 Tbs Chili powder (
Spice Islands is a good store-bought brand)
2 Tbs Granulated onion (not onion "powder")
2 Tbs Dry mustard (I prefer
Colman's)
1 Tbs Granulated garlic (not garlic "powder")
2 tsp Black pepper, ground fresh (I use a separate
coffee grinder for spices)
2 tsp Celery salt
2 tsp Ground ginger
1 tsp Ground cayenne
Method
Preheat your oven to 170°.
Pour the sea salt and dark brown sugar on a large sheet pan, mix well, and
spread the mixture evenly over the entire pan.
Bake the salt/sugar mixture 60 minutes, or until the sugar is very dry.
Notes: Drying the sugar prevents clumping and ensures an even
distribution in the final product. Drying it with the salt helps prevent the
sugar from becoming a solid sheet. It's happened to me, and it's bad.
That's how I developed this method.
Combine the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
When the sugar is dry, remove the pan from the oven and let cool. Once
cool, grind the mixture well
in the pan by rolling it with a rolling pin. Do this
several times in alternating directions.
Sift the salt/sugar mixture into the mixing bowl. I use a fine mesh strainer
and a
pestle to break it up further. Toss out any rock-like clumps.
Mix all the ingredients very well (I use a large whisk) and store in an
airtight container.
-----
John
