Nightshade Free Kansas City Spice Rub
Classic BBQ rubs are almost always off the table when you're avoiding nightshades, since paprika, chili powder, and cayenne are the backbone of most blends. This version rebuilds that smoky-sweet Kansas City character from the ground up using warm spices like turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon alongside coconut sugar and maple granules for that signature caramelized crust. The result is a rub that's genuinely bold and complex — not a compromise version, but something you'd be proud to slather on ribs, chicken, or a pork shoulder before it hits the grill. Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano round out the savory depth so nothing feels missing. Whisking everything together until the turmeric is fully incorporated is the key step — it ensures every pinch of rub delivers the same balanced flavor. Store it in an airtight jar and you'll have a ready-to-go seasoning blend for up to three months, which makes weeknight grilling feel effortless. One batch goes a long way, and once you taste that crust, you won't miss the old stuff at all.
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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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