How much BBQ rub per kilo of meat? Exact dosage per type of meat
Deel
One of the most frequently asked questions by BBQ enthusiasts: how much rub should you actually use? Too little, and you won't taste anything. Too much, and the spices will overpower the meat. In this article, we provide the exact amounts—per rub and per type of meat.
The golden rule: 40–45g per kilo of meat
As a general rule for most dry rubs: 40 to 45 grams per kilo of meat. This is enough for an even coating without the spices overpowering the meat.
But every rub is different. Warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon and cumin (think Shawarma) require a higher dosage than milder rubs. Below are the exact quantities per The Rub Kitchen rub.
Dosage per rub and meat type
| Rub | Chicken thighs (skinless) | Chicken wings | Spare ribs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Gold | 65g per 1.5 kg | 60g per 1.5 kg | 70g per 1.5 kg |
| Jamaican Jerk | 65g per 1.5 kg | 60g per 1.5 kg | 70g per 1.5 kg |
| Tex Mex | 65g per 1.5 kg | 60g per 1.5 kg | 70g per 1.5 kg |
| Memphis BBQ | 65g per 1.5 kg | 60g per 1.5 kg | 70g per 1.5 kg |
| Korean Rub | 65g per 1.5 kg | 60g per 1.5 kg | 70g per 1.5 kg |
| Shawarma | 85g per 1.5 kg | 75g per 1.5 kg | 90g per 1.5 kg |
Why does Shawarma require a higher dosage? The warm, aromatic spices in the Shawarma rub—cinnamon, cumin, coriander—only release their full flavor at a higher concentration.
How much rub do you need for a BBQ evening?
For 4 people:
- Chicken thighs: ±1.5 kg meat → 65g rub
- Chicken wings: ±1.2 kg meat → 50g rub
- Spare ribs: ±2 kg meat → 90g rub
Recipes with the correct dosage
Check out our step-by-step recipes—including the exact rub quantities per dish:
- Spare ribs recipe BBQ—low & slow at home
- Pulled pork recipe BBQ—step-by-step guide
- Jamaican Jerk chicken on the BBQ
- Korean BBQ chicken—recipe with gochugaru
- Brisket on the BBQ—Texas style
- Shawarma from the BBQ—recipe with dry rub
Ready to grill? Check out the Starter Pack · 3 flavors or all rubs. Need large quantities? Check out our BBQ rubs for hospitality & catering.