Homemade BBQ Seasoning

This homemade bbq seasoning is a simple way to add a big boost of smoky, sweet, and spicy BBQ flavor to everything from veggie burgers and tofu to grilled veggies and dips. Plus it's quick and easy to make this healthy, gluten free, BBQ seasoning from scratch in just 5 minutes!

I love making my own flavorful spice blends. They are a cinch to throw together and totally customizable. Just like my DIY taco seasoning recipe, sage and onion seasoning, and KFC seasoning, this homemade bbq seasoning recipe is healthier and cheaper than store bought versions. If you're obsessed with smoky sweet flavor, this BBQ spice blend pairs well with my epic homemade BBQ sauce for layers of BBQ flavor.

Why this BBQ Seasoning Recipe Works

Other than the obvious smoky-sweet flavor situation, here’s why you’ll be head over heels for this DIY BBQ seasoning:

• Healthier and 100% customizable: Making your own spice rub is simple and tastes way better than store bought seasoning packets plus there's no added MSG, no fillers, and no gluten! This seasoning recipe is totally customizable - make it perfect for YOU! Watching your sodium intake? Reduce or eliminate the salt. Like more heat? Bump up the cayenne. Sweeter or less sweet? Adjust the sugar. etc.
• Inexpensive and pantry friendly: You probably have all the spices you need to make this BBQ spice rub in the pantry right now. Pro Tip: The bulk store is a great spot to grab fresh spices in any amount from a teaspoon to a cup or more!
• Quick and easy!: Whisk up a double batch in only 5 minutes and reap the rewards for months.
• Stores well: Keeps well in the pantry for up to 6 months in an airtight jar or container.

BBQ Seasoning Ingredients

Here's the ingredients you'll need to make your own barbecue seasoning rub from scratch:

• Paprika: Use smoked paprika for extra smoky, savory flavor.
• Chili powder and cayenne pepper: Adds a kick of smoky, spicy flavor and some heat.
• Brown sugar: I like dark brown sugar for the rich molasses sweetness it adds.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Punches up the classic BBQ flavors.
• Salt and pepper: I use fine salt and coarse black pepper.
• Hickory salt: I always add hickory salt for the smoky, salty flavor; but if you can't find it, just skip.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Mustard: If you like mustard and are not allergic, mustard is a popular ingredient in BBQ spice blends. Use ½ - 1 teaspoon mustard powder.
• How sweet it is: Everyone's taste is different, if you prefer a sweeter barbecue flavor, add the extra tablespoon dark brown sugar. If you follow a refined sugar free diet, use coconut sugar or add another unrefined dry sweetener of choice.
• Salt free: You can use less or no salt in this BBQ seasoning for reduced salt and salt free diets.
• Celery seed or celery salt: Lots of BBQ rubs include celery, if that's your thing, add a ¼ teaspoon or more to taste.
• Make it extra hot and smoky: Add a teaspoon of chipotle powder or ancho chili powder for extra smoky heat (I usually do!). Hot red pepper flakes add a nice extra kick of heat too.

How to Make the BEST BBQ Seasoning

Once you see how ridiculously easy it is to make your own BBQ seasoning blend, you'll never buy store bought again. Here's how simple it is to make:

1. Gather the ingredients together.
2. Measure the ingredients into a jar or container. Stir or shake to combine.
3. Storage: Store the spice blend in a jar, container with an airtight lid or zip top bag.

How to Use BBQ Seasoning

Smoky, sweet and spicy, this BBQ rub is my go-to seasoning blend for grilling or roasting any plant protein, but don't stop there! Once you have a jar on hand you'll find a million ways to use this all purpose BBQ spice. Here's a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice up vegan tacos: Adds the perfect smoky, BBQ flavor to vegan tacos, roasted cauliflower tacos, tofu taco bowl, and spicy taco Buddha bowl. Use in place of taco seasoning in these or any recipe.
• Bump up flavor in tofu recipes: Perfect BBQ dry rub to elevate tofu dishes (air fried tofu, pan fried, grilled or baked tofu). Double up the BBQ flavor and make a quick and spicy dipping sauce whisking together BBQ Sauce mayo and sriracha sauce.
• As a spread or dip: Stir some BBQ seasoning into mayonnaise, hummus or vegan cream cheese for a spicy condiment or dip to enjoy with veggie burgers, fries, bagels, veggie platters and more!
• Flavored butter: Mix BBQ seasoning with softened plant based butter or margarine and slather it on hot corn on the cob or drizzle it over popcorn on movie night!
• Roasted or grilled veggies: Boost up the flavor of baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower or any other veggie.

Buying and Storing Spices

• Buy vibrant, fresh spices for the best, most potent flavor. Check the expiry date.
• Buying directly from a spice merchant (either in person or online) should ensure the freshest spices. Shop for smaller amounts or unusual spices a your local Bulk Food Store.
• Storing: I recommend storing spices in a jar in a cool, dry, dark place like the pantry or a spice cupboard (not near the stove). This homemade BBQ seasoning blend has a shelf life of up to 6 months.

More Ways to Add BIG Flavor

If you love BIG BOLD flavors like my family does, here's a few of our favorite vegan sauces and dressings to add another layer of flavor to your plant based recipes!:

• Sweet and Spicy Tahini Sauce (it's the BEST!)
• Vegan Big Mac Sauce (OMG, obsessed!)
• Epic Vegan Queso Cheese Sauce
• Creamy Chipotle Sauce
• Check out all the vegan sauces and dressings!

Did you try this homemade BBQ seasoning recipe? Let me know in the comments below your favorite way to use it. Also snap a photo and tag me on Instagram 
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