Chili Lime Spice Rub

Chili Lime Spice Rub

A smoky, tangy blend that seasons grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables in minutes.

Total 10 min Makes 16 oz Calories 12/serving

Dietary

Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free, Halal, Kosher

This dry rub combines chili powder and lime zest with cumin, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar for a balanced mix of heat, citrus brightness, and subtle sweetness. Rub it onto chicken, shrimp, steak, or corn before grilling or roasting for a deeply flavored crust. Mix a batch ahead and store it in a sealed jar for quick weeknight seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chili powder
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 3 tablespoons lime zest, finely grated
  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Method

  1. Spread the lime zest on a plate and let it air-dry for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.

  2. In a medium bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, dried lime zest, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  3. Whisk the mixture together until evenly blended and no clumps of brown sugar remain.

  4. Transfer the rub to an airtight jar or container, pressing out any air pockets.

  5. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months, shaking or stirring before each use.

Rate this recipe

★ 3.9 (1)

Chili Lime Spice Rub

This dry rub combines chili powder and lime zest with cumin, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar for a balanced mix of heat, citrus brightness, and subtle sweetness. Rub it onto chicken, shrimp, steak, or corn before grilling or roasting for a deeply flavored crust. Mix a batch ahead and store it in a sealed jar for quick weeknight seasoning.

10 min 16 oz 12 cal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chili powder
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 3 tablespoons lime zest, finely grated
  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Method

  1. 1

    Spread the lime zest on a plate and let it air-dry for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, dried lime zest, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  3. 3

    Whisk the mixture together until evenly blended and no clumps of brown sugar remain.

  4. 4

    Transfer the rub to an airtight jar or container, pressing out any air pockets.

  5. 5

    Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months, shaking or stirring before each use.