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If you’re looking to add some flavor to your BBQ without the added sugar, then a sugar-free BBQ rub might just be the perfect solution for you. Traditional BBQ rubs are often loaded with sugar, which can not only affect the taste but also add unnecessary calories.

Here, we’ll share a delicious sugar-free BBQ rub recipe that will tantalize your taste buds without any guilt. You’ll learn how to blend savory herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering rub that’s perfect for seasoning your favorite meats before grilling or smoking. So get ready to elevate your BBQ game with this healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste!

Ingredients Of Sugar Free BBQ Rub

Sugar-free BBQ rubs are a great option for people who want to eat less sugar but still enjoy the great tastes of barbecue. You only need a few simple things to make this barbecue rub at home.

Brown Swerve – ⅓ Cup

Brown Swerve tastes sweet without having any extra sugar added. Because of how it was made, it has just the right amount of sweetness to go with the smoky and savory tastes of regular BBQ rubs. Brown Swerve is a popular choice for people who want to cut back on sugar without giving up taste. This makes it a great choice for making tasty and healthier BBQ meals.

Smoked Paprika – ¼ Cup

When you grill food, smoked paprika gives it a strong, smoky flavor without making it taste sweet. Smoked paprika is made from dried and smoked red peppers. It gives meats and veggies a unique flavor and makes your BBQ dishes taste better overall. People who want to add depth to their dishes without giving up the sugar-free part of their rubs like this one because of its deep color and strong smell.

Chili Powder – 2 Tablespoons

Grilled meats and veggies gain spice and depth of taste from chili powder. Its deep, smoky flavor can improve the rub’s whole profile and provide a great crust on the food when cooked. Apart from its strong flavor, chili powder has some health advantages since its capsaicin concentration can help increase metabolism and lower inflammation.

Garlic Powder – 1 Tablespoon

Its strong taste deepens and complicates the rub, therefore improving the meat’s taste overall. Garlic powder enhances the well-balanced mix created when coupled with other spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder, therefore transforming your BBQ cuisine.

Onion Powder – 1 Tablespoon

Onion powder gives the rub a savory and aromatic note, therefore improving the taste of the meat or vegetables being seasoned. Its delicate texture lets it mix easily with other herbs and spices, so producing a well-balanced taste sensation.

Ground Cumin – 2 Teaspoons

Ground cumin gives the mix a warm, earthy taste and aromatic attraction. This adaptable spice not only improves the rub’s whole flavor sensation but also gives the meat it is applied on depth and richness. Ground cumin complements other spices usually used in BBQ rubs, like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, so harmonizing flavors that can improve your grilling performance.

Dry Mustard – 1 Teaspoon

The blend gains a strong and acidic taste from dry mustard. Made from pulverized mustard seeds, it offers a strong kick that accentuates the rub’s taste overall. Versatile and used in many spice combinations to provide depth and diversity in taste qualities, dry mustard is

Kosher Salt- 2 Teaspoons

Using kosher salt elevates the flavor profile of the dish, allowing it to shine without relying on additional sweeteners. The rough texture of this ingredient contributes to a harmonious combination of spices that enhances the inherent taste of meats and vegetables.

Cayenne Pepper- ½ Teaspoon

Adding cayenne pepper to your grilled dishes brings a fiery and rich flavor to the table. Famous for its intense heat and vibrant red hue, cayenne pepper adds a fiery element that can enhance the flavor of your meats. When combined with other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs, cayenne pepper contributes to a harmonious rub that elevates the inherent flavors of the meat without the inclusion of additional sugars.

How to Make Homemade Barbecue Rub?

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, excluding the brown Swerve, and thoroughly mix them using a whisk.

Incorporate the Brown Swerve thoroughly. Prior to cooking, I apply it to my Instant Pot Pork Ribs, beef, or chicken.

Store in a well-sealed jar at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Tips for Perfect Rib Rub Recipe Without Brown Sugar

Consider these factors while preparing this delicious sugar-free pork rub recipe.

If you desire a more subtle flavor, consider reducing the amount of smoked paprika used.
Prefer a smoke-free flavor? Non-spicy paprika can be used as a substitute.
To achieve optimal flavor, it is recommended to utilize freshly sourced spices. You won’t have to purchase new spices for another 6 months.
A glass container is the most suitable option for storing spice mixes. I prefer using small mason jars.
This dry rub method can be applied to any cut of pork, but I personally enjoy using it on pork shoulder, pork ribs, or a delicious pork roast of your choice.

How to Use BBQ Rub Without Sugar?

Yes, this method for BBQ spice can be used in many ways.

That being said, I love making pulled BBQ chicken or pork with it. It’s also great for making BBQ ribs taste better.
The best thing about this BBQ spice mix is that it can be used in a slow pot, an instant pot, or a pressure cooker.
You can also use it as a dry rub to cook on the stove or grill.
If you have a grill, this BBQ spice mix would also be great.
You can change this BBQ sauce to fit your tastes, which is another great thing about it.
Add more pepper powder if you like it hot. Add more garlic powder if you like garlic. More of the things you like.
You can also add cumin, chipotle chili powder, and black pepper to the BBQ spice mix to make it even better. Do not be scared to try anything you like or know how to do.

How to Store BBQ Rub Without Sugar?

Plan to store any extra BBQ spice you make in a plastic or glass jar that won’t let air in. My best hack is reusing an old spice jar for something else. Just clean it up quickly and let it dry completely before adding your freshly made BBQ sauce. Now that it has a shaker built in, you can store your BBQ spice rub for chicken and pig in style.

Substitutions and Additions

You can easily change this sugar-free pork rub to your liking. Make these changes and add these things:

Instead of smoked paprika, use ground red pepper flakes to make it taste spicy.
Add some dried thyme or rosemary.
Instead of oregano, use Italian seasoning.
Add a little chili sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat.