Copycat Kinder’s Brown Sugar BBQ Rub
A homemade version of Kinder's Brown Sugar BBQ Rub — sweet, smoky, and built to caramelize into that dark, lacquered crust on ribs, chicken, and pork. The sweetness leads; the smoke and spice support it.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
- 1 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for a kick
Instructions
- Stir or whisk ingredients together until well blended.
- Store in a half-pint mason jar with a tight lid in a cool, dry place.
- To use: Sprinkle generously over chicken, pork, ribs, or even roasted veggies before grilling, smoking, or baking.
Notes
Pat meat dry before applying — moisture prevents adhesion. Use dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor. Grill over indirect heat to prevent burning; finish over direct heat to set the crust. Brown sugar can clump in humidity — break up with a fork before using