Kansas City Sweet and Smoky Barbecue Rub

Name: Kansas City Sweet and Smoky Barbecue Rub
Yield: Makes about 2 1/2 cups
Ingredients: 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup sweet or smoked paprika; 1/4 cup seasoned salt, preferably Basic Seasoned Salt, or a good commercial brand, such as Lawry’s; 1/4 cup homemade smoked salt, or use a good commercial brand; 1/4 cup onion salt; 1/4 cup celery salt; 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons pure chile powder (not a blend); 2 teaspoons mustard powder; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

By Steven Raichlen

May 1, 2017

This Kansas City rub is the most ecumenical of barbecue seasonings. Sweet rather than salty, flavorful rather than fiery, it contains mustard in the style of a Memphis rub and chili powder in the style of Texas. This open-mindedness reflects KC’s central geographic location. Beef and pork are equally popular here and sauces and seasonings tend to be mild and sweet, rather than strongly flavored or spicy. A well-mannered rub, this recipe—from my friends at the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the source of so much good information about barbecue—will produce the sort of sweet, smoky ribs most of us would identify as perfect barbecue. Note the use of smoked salt to add a smoky dimension to the rub. You can make your own or use a good commercial brand.

Try This

Sprinkle on ribs, pork shoulders, briskets, and chicken 30 minutes to 2 hours before smoking. If desired, sprinkle more rub on during cooking and give a final hit just before serving.

Recipe notes

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