Jeff’s Original Rub Recipe: Easy Copycat Guide

I am absolutely obsessed with Jeff’s Original Rub! It’s smooth, delicious, and you can use it with smoked pork cuts, grilled chicken breasts, and roasted veggies too!

This copycat of Jeff’s Original Rub recipe will take you less than 5 minutes to make! It is incredibly easy, very versatile, and can be used in endless amounts of ways!

If you are looking for guides on cooking meats that go well with it, you can start by taking a look at my tutorial on How Long To Bake Pork Chops, or how to cut steak against the grain.

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About Jeff’s Original Rub Recipe

If you are an advent grill master or lover of barbecue, you’ve likely come across this world-famous spice brand called Jeff’s. They obviously have a ton of different options, but the one that stands out above most is Jeff’s Original Rub.

This specific barbecue seasoning mix goes incredibly well with virtually all kinds of meats and vegetables. It helps enhance the natural flavors that are already there while at the same time adding a delicious blend of sweet and savory undertones.

It’s developed to help build onto flavors, not completely change them. What makes this specific rub even better is that it adds beautiful color to the food.

If you want to use this spice rub, it’s best to apply it to cuts that will be smoked, grilled, or roasted. The smoky flavors from these cooking methods also pair incredibly well with the spices they use.

What Goes Into Jeff’s Original Rub?

The main reason I have decided to develop my own version of this rub is that I can never find it in the store. Even when I look for it online, it’s almost always sold out. That speaks volumes to the tastiness and versatility of this all-purpose rub.

So, after experimenting with a bunch of different combinations of spices and ratios as well, I’ve finally created the best copycat recipe! And you will be surprised to see how little ingredients actually go into it!

Also, check out my Louisiana rub wingstop recipe.

Paprika

First off, the bulk of this spice mix is made from paprika. I experimented with both regular and smoked options.

The regular is best for a more neutral flavor. But if you like smokiness and want to enhance that in the meat, you should consider buying smoked paprika instead.

You can even substitute part of the regular paprika with this alternative.

Sugar

Jeff’s Original Rub has a noticeable sweetness to it.

I also did a lot of testing here. I ended up using a combination of brown and white sugar. 

The brown sugar helps add a tarter, more caramelized sweetness while the white sugar helps brown the meat nicely.

For the best results and an exceptional rub, this combination is ideal.

Salt And Pepper

I don’t like to hold back on either, considering you are cooking meat.

I’ve also used sea salt flakes instead of fine salt because they have a cleaner flavor.

Cumin

An essential in most meat dry rubs! You cannot make this recipe without cumin, and I don’t recommend using an alternative.

You can also make ground cumin at home with cumin seeds.

Chili Pepper And Cayenne Pepper

You can start using only half of the chili powder and cayenne pepper. Then, build on this initial addition and adjust it accordingly.

As I always say, you cannot take away spiciness, but you can always add more. The same goes for salt!

How To Use Jeff’s Original Spice Rub

With pork specifically, you have to try this spice mix with larger cuts. It helps build on the already meaty flavors, and during longer cooking times (at lower heats) it develops into something extraordinary!

Simply speaking, it’s best to rub it all over literally. Wear gloves when you do this because it does get a little messy! And the paprika and chili stain your hands too!

When you rub the spice mix over the meat, make sure it covers it extremely well. It’s also crucial that you ensure the spice is evenly applied.

How to store Jeff’s Rub seasoning

Once you make this rub, it can be stored within a sealed container safely for a duration of 3 to 6 months. It’s important that the container is completely sealed and kept away from any moisture or exposure to heat.

If you decide to make a large batch, I suggest that you only mix as much as you think will be used in the near future. That way, the rub is at its freshest and tastiest when used.

Optimal Storage Conditions 

Jeff’s Original Rub is best kept in an airtight container away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The optimal temperature for storing your rub is between 65 – 70°F degrees Fahrenheit (18-20 degrees Celsius).

Keeping the container properly sealed will help preserve the flavor of the spices and prevent them from becoming stale or losing their aroma over time.

You may want to invest in a vacuum sealer if you plan on keeping large amounts of the rub at once; this will help keep out any excess moisture or air that could affect the taste. 

Labeling Your Containers 

Don’t forget to mark each container with the storage date and any other significant details like ingredients or use-by dates (if needed). This will streamline your tracking process of which containers must be used first and when they should be thrown out if they become too old.

Additionally, labeling your containers allows you to easily identify different batches of Jeff’s Original Rub if you decide to experiment with different flavors or recipes. 

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