Although this collection of spices might seem overwhelming, you don’t have to purchase everything at once. I picked these seasonings because in my experience, these seasonings are not only common but also incredibly versatile. You’ll likely find most recipes use some of them, and the recipes I will be posting here will use these more than any other seasonings. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it provides a solid starting point. Buying these in bulk may seem like an upfront investment, yet they can easily last over a year and help you save money compared to dining out.
For these rubs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
–Onion Powder
–Garlic Powder
–Chili Powder
–Cayenne Pepper
–Smoked Paprika (regular paprika works in place, but smoked adds a nice flavor)
–Rosemary
–Basil
–Thyme
–Cumin
–Oregano
–Turmeric
–Ground Mustard (also referred to as ground mustard seeds)
I’m not necessarily recommending that you buy these exact brands, especially on Amazon, as prices can vary greatly. It’s worth shopping around to find the best deals. I’ve provided links to show you the specific seasonings I’m referring to. You can also consider purchasing from bulk stores like Sam’s Club or Costco, ordering online, or visiting local Indian or international markets where spices are often sold in larger, more economical quantities. In contrast, regular grocery stores typically offer small containers (usually 1-2.5 ounces) for around $5, while bulk options can provide much more value (sometimes up to 8-16 ounces) for under $10.
BBQ Rub
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
Savory Herb Rub
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp ground mustard
Southwest Rub
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper
Curry Inspired Rub
1 tbsp turmeric
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Cajun Style Rub
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
½ tsp ground mustard
I put these in a head to head test!
My opinion on these rubs
I just want to start out and say that I think all these rubs came out really well, and tasted like the name of the rub. My favorite was really difficult to choose between the Curry Inspired rub and the BBQ rub, but I think the Curry Inspired rub narrowly beats the BBQ. After that I think Savory Herb comes in third, followed by Cajun and then Southwest. Overall, I think these are a solid staple rubs to have ready in your pantry. These all taste different from each other and can give you a good variety with only staple seasonings. I personally keep all 5 of these dry rubs in my cabinet and use a different one each time I meal prep. Give them a shot and I hope you enjoy them!
