Can I make this rub without honey granules?

Yes, you can substitute honey granules with an equal amount of dark brown sugar, turbinado sugar, or even maple sugar for a similar sweet profile.

Is this spice blend very spicy?

It has a medium heat level from chipotle and crushed red pepper. To reduce the spice, simply lower the amount of chili powder or omit the crushed red pepper.

How long does Hot Honey Rub last?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this rub can last up to 12 months without losing its flavor.

Can I use this rub on vegetables or seafood?

Absolutely. It works beautifully on roasted veggies, grilled shrimp, or baked salmon. Just be mindful of cook time differences.

Why doesn’t this rub include salt?

Leaving out the salt allows you to control seasoning based on your preferences or whether you're brining your protein separately.

Hot Honey Rub: A Sweet & Spicy Staple for Effortless Flavor

Name: Hot Honey Rub Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey granules; 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (or cayenne or ancho chili powder); 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder; 1/8 teaspoon powdered cloves; Morton kosher salt (use 1/2 teaspoon per pound of meat, added separately)

Description

This Hot Honey Rub is a sweet, smoky, and spicy homemade seasoning blend that’s perfect for meats, seafood, and vegetables. It’s salt-free and beginner-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey granules
2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (or cayenne or ancho chili powder)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
1/8 teaspoon powdered cloves
Morton kosher salt (use 1/2 teaspoon per pound of meat, added separately)

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Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine dark brown sugar, honey granules, chipotle chili powder, crushed red pepper, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin powder, and powdered cloves.
Stir the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and uniform in color.
Transfer the rub to an airtight container, label with name and date, and store in a cool, dry place.
When ready to use, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the rub per pound of meat or vegetables. Add salt separately according to taste or recipe instructions.

Notes

This rub is salt-free by design to allow separate control over sodium or brining.
Substitute smoked paprika for added depth and smokiness.
Add dried lemon zest or herbs like rosemary or thyme for flavor variety.
Works great on chicken, pork ribs, steak, seafood, and roasted vegetables.
Store in a sealed container for up to 1 year in a cool, dry place.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Spice Blend
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 45
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg