Imagine a magical blend of spices that can instantly elevate any meat from ordinary to extraordinary. This Sweet Savory Citrus Dry Rub is not just a seasoning - it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen! With a perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, zesty citrus, and bold spices, this homemade rub will become your secret weapon in the kitchen, turning simple dishes into restaurant-worthy masterpieces that will have everyone asking, "What's your cooking secret?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Gather all the dry rub ingredients and a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Using a fine grater or microplane, carefully zest the orange and lemon, ensuring only the outer colored part of the peel is used and avoiding the bitter white pith.
- In the mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
- Add the fresh orange and lemon zest to the dry ingredients, using your fingers to break up any clumping and distribute the zest evenly.
- Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring that the zest is well incorporated and there are no large sugar or spice clumps.
- Transfer the dry rub to an airtight container or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for storage.
- Store the dry rub in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
- Before using, give the dry rub a quick shake or stir to reincorporate any settled ingredients.
Tips
- Zest with Precision: When zesting citrus, only remove the colorful outer layer. The white pith underneath can make your rub bitter.
- Storage Matters: Use an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place to maintain the rub's potency and flavor.
- Versatility is Key: This rub works wonderfully on chicken, pork, fish, and even roasted vegetables.
- Fresh is Best: Try to use freshly grated zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the salt and sugar levels to suit your preference.
- Shake Before Use: Always give your dry rub a quick shake before applying to redistribute any settled ingredients.
- Application Tip: Pat your protein dry before applying the rub to help it adhere better and create a delicious crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 15kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
