Artificial Flavors Free Kansas City Spice Rub
That smoky-sweet magic you get from a great Kansas City-style rub doesn't have to come from a packet loaded with mystery ingredients. This blend pulls its depth from real pantry staples — coconut sugar, maple sugar, and a warm lineup of turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon — so every pinch is exactly what it says it is. Store-bought spice blends are notorious for sneaking in "natural and artificial flavors" as a catch-all, which makes this scratch version a genuinely smart swap. The combination of sweet, savory, and earthy hits all the classic notes you want on ribs, chicken, or a thick pork shoulder before it goes on the grill or into the smoker. Ceylon cinnamon keeps things subtly fragrant rather than overpowering, while thyme and oregano add a herby backbone that rounds out the heat. Just whisk everything together, press it firmly onto your protein, and let the rub do its thing. It keeps for up to three months in a jar, so you can make a big batch and have it ready whenever the craving for something smoky and caramelized strikes.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup granules sugar or maple sugar
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- 1
Combine the coconut sugar, maple sugar, turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl and whisk until evenly blended with no visible streaks of turmeric.
- 2
Transfer to an airtight jar and store at room temperature for up to 3 months.
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