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    Smoky-Sweet BBQ Spice Blend

    clock-icon3 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A versatile spice blend that adds a smoky-sweet BBQ flavor to meats, vegetables, and more.

    Ingredients for Smoky-Sweet BBQ Spice Blend

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    units in
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    serves
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    Whole White Peppercorns

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sweet Paprika

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Smoked Paprika

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Raw Cane Sugar

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fine Sea Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Onion Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Cumin

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chili Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cayenne Pepper

    pinches

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Smoky-Sweet BBQ Spice Blend

    1. Grind White Peppercorns

    Take 1 teaspoon of whole white peppercorns and grind them to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. This fresh grinding releases the peppercorns' essential oils, enhancing their flavor.

    2. Combine Ingredients

    Combine the ground white peppercorns with 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika, 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of raw cane sugar, 2 teaspoons of fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in the same mortar. Grind these together until you have a uniform mixture.

    3. Toast the Spice Mixture

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the spice mixture to the skillet. Toast the spices for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You'll know it's ready when the spices become fragrant, which means their essential oils have been released, enhancing the blend's flavor.

    4. Cool and Store

    After toasting, transfer the spice mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely. Once cooled, store your Smoky-Sweet BBQ Spice Blend in an airtight container. This blend will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Toast Your Spices

    Before grinding, toast spices like cumin, coriander, or mustard seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant to deepen the flavors.

    Freshness Matters

    Use fresh spices, preferably ground from whole, and purchase in small quantities for the best flavor.

    Quality of Smokiness

    Choose high-quality smoked paprika, like Spanish pimentón, and select the heat level that suits your preference.

    Store Properly

    Keep your spice blend in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve flavors.

    Balanced Sweetness

    Consider a blend of sugars like brown sugar, honey powder, or maple sugar to add complexity and avoid clumping.


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