Chris's Best Ever Rub

From Chris Schlesinger, cookbook author, restaurateur, and good friend. This is, hands down, the best run in my repertoire. It's versatile and flavorful, spicy without being hot, and just a touch of sugar provides a deeply colored crust. Delicious on ribs, salmon, chicken, vegetables -- just about everything.

Author: "How to Grill Everything", Mark Bittman

Ingredients

2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp paprika
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp black pepper
1 Tbsp chili powder

Instructions

Stir the sugar and spices together in a small bowl.
Store in an airtight container away from heat and light for up to several months.

Notes

Best Ever Rub with Five-Spice

Incredibly fragrant: Substitute 2 tsp five-spice powder for the chili powder

Best Ever Rub with Chipotle

Amp up the heat level: Substitute 1 tsp chipotle chili powder (or to taste) for the chili powder.

Best Ever Rub with Pimentón

Both this rub and Best Ever Rub with Chipotle are great ways for the gas griller to add smoke flavor without having to add wood to the grill: Substitute smoked paprika (pimentón) for the regular paprika.