Texas Style Rub Recipe – Just 4 Basic Ingredients

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This Texas style rub recipe is a great all-purpose seasoning for a variety of smoked meats, from brisket to pulled pork. And with just 4 simple ingredients that you already have in your pantry, you can make a batch quickly and easily.

When I need an all-purpose barbecue style rub that doesn’t have too much of a distinctive flavor profile, then I reach for my simple Texas rub. It’s not the typical brown sugar-based, sweet seasoning that you probably think of when you hear the word “barbecue”, and it’s not too spicy that my wife and kids won’t eat it.

It really is the perfect balance of classic salt, pepper, and garlic (or SPG, as it’s sometimes called), and it can be used for a wide variety of smoked or grilled meats.

We’ve used this Texas style seasoning for everything from smoked prime rib to pork butt to brisket. And we’ve even used it as a base seasoning for Mexican birria tacos.

So if you’re looking for a great homemade seasoning blend for the pellet grill, here’s how to make my easy Texas rub:

Ingredients for All-Purpose Texas Rub

One of the best things about this simple Texas-style rub recipe is that it only requires four essential ingredients: seasoned salt, granulated garlic, coarse black pepper, and kosher salt.

Here are my suggestions for specific ingredients for your Texas-style barbecue rub:

Seasoned Salt

I have always been a fan of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, and that’s the brand that I used for this rub recipe. Most seasoned salts contain a blend of salt, sugar, and spices, making them the perfect starting point for a homemade seasoning.

Kosher Salt

Kosher salt, with its larger grains, not only contributes to the overall saltiness but also helps create an appealing crust on the meat. This ingredient is crucial for achieving that authentic Texas bark. I use the Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt – you can find the link with my other favorite grilling accessories here.

Granulated Garlic

Granulated garlic is coarsely ground to a sand-like consistency, whereas the more popular garlic powder has a finer, flour-like consistency. For homemade rub recipes, I always use granulated garlic because the larger granules adhere to the meat better and distribute more evenly when blended with other spices.

Coarse Black Pepper

The coarse grind of black pepper provides a nice bold kick to this Texas rub recipe, and the larger texture helps with the crust on smoked meats also.

How to Make Your Own Texas Style Rub

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients – seasoned salt, granulated garlic, coarse black pepper, and kosher salt.
2. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
3. Store the rub in an airtight container until ready for use. I use empty seasoning bottles from other blends that I’ve already used up. Just be sure to wash and dry the bottles thoroughly before reusing for other rubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store the homemade Texas rub?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, this rub can last for several months. However, for optimal flavor, I recommend using it within 3-4 months. Spices can lose their potency overtime, so it’s best to not store them for too long.

The rub recipe below makes a small batch, and it’s a great all-purpose rub with many uses, so you shouldn’t have a problem going through it in that time period.

Can I use this Texas style rub recipe on other meats besides beef?

Absolutely! While this rub is designed with Texas-style BBQ in mind, it complements various meats, including pork, chicken, and even lamb. The versatile and simple flavor profile adds a savory kick to any protein.

Can I adjust the proportions to fit my tastes?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with the ratios to tailor the rub to your personal taste. You can even add brown sugar or chili powder to change the flavors a bit.

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