Are you craving that fiery, tangy buffalo flavor but tired of messy sauces? Then you've come to the right place! This buffalo dry rub recipe is the answer to your flavorful dreams. It's incredibly easy to make, delivers a fantastic punch of flavor, and is incredibly versatile. Forget sticky fingers and messy cleanup – this dry rub delivers all the buffalo wing goodness without the fuss. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive game-day gatherings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade buffalo flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
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Combine the magic: In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Make sure everything is well combined for an even distribution of flavor.
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Season generously: Pat your protein of choice dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and develop a nice crispy crust. Then, generously rub the spice mixture all over your chosen food. Don't be shy!
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Let it sit (optional): For maximum flavor penetration, let the seasoned food rest for at least 30 minutes, or even up to a few hours in the refrigerator. This step isn't essential, but it's highly recommended.
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Cook to perfection: Cook your food according to your preferred method. This dry rub works wonderfully on chicken wings (baked, fried, or grilled!), chicken breasts, pork chops, vegetables, and even tofu! Adjust cooking times based on your chosen protein and cooking method.
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Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, let your delicious buffalo-flavored creation rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness!
Cooking Tips for Buffalo Dry Rub Success:
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Spice it up (or down): Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder flavor, start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. For extra heat, feel free to add more!
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Get creative with your protein: This dry rub isn't limited to chicken wings! Experiment with different proteins and vegetables to discover your favorite combinations.
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Don't overcrowd the pan: When baking or frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Delicious Variations:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup for a sweeter, more balanced flavor.
- Smoky Buffalo: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a delicious smoky twist.
- Garlic Lover's Buffalo: Double the garlic powder for an extra garlicky kick.
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon of dry rub):
This information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 25-30
- Fat: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-7g
- Fiber: Approximately 1g
- Sugar: Approximately 2g
This buffalo dry rub is a simple yet effective way to elevate your cooking. It's a quick and easy recipe for healthy meals, a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire, and a perfect example of delicious homemade cooking. It's one of the best recipes for those who love buffalo flavor, and we're confident it will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!