Sesame Free Memphis-Style Dry Rub
Dry rubs can be a sneaky source of hidden sesame — some blends use sesame oil or toasted sesame seeds for depth, and pre-mixed commercial seasonings rarely make it easy to know what's actually inside. This one is built entirely from scratch, so every ingredient is visible, traceable, and completely free of that concern. The blend leans on warm, aromatic spices like turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, and mace alongside classic savory notes from garlic, onion, thyme, and oregano — it's complex in the best way without relying on anything you'd need to second-guess. Coconut sugar adds just enough sweetness to encourage a gorgeous crust when the meat hits the heat, while the fine sea salt draws out moisture and locks in flavor during that refrigerator rest. Memphis-style barbecue is all about the bark — that deeply seasoned, slightly caramelized exterior — and this rub absolutely delivers. Mix it in minutes, store it in a jar, and you've got a pantry staple that's ready to go for ribs, chicken, or pork shoulder whenever the craving hits.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 tbsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground mace
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sea salt, coconut sugar, turmeric, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, Ceylon cinnamon, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl and whisk until evenly blended with no visible streaks of any single spice.
- 2
Transfer to an airtight jar or container. Store at room temperature, away from heat and light, for up to 3 months.
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