By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on December 9, 2023 | Last Updated on February 24, 2024
Desert heat dry rub is a delicious and flavorful way to spice up your chicken wings. With a blend of aromatic and savory spices, this rub adds a complex depth of flavor to the already versatile and tasty chicken wings.
Whether you prefer grilling or baking, this dry rub will elevate your wings to a whole new level, creating an explosion of taste with every bite. So why settle for plain, boring wings when you can easily create a flavorful and delicious dish with just a few simple ingredients?
Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to make these mouthwatering desert heat-dry rub chicken wings. Let’s get cooking!
What is Desert Heat Dry Rub?
Desert heat dry rub is a blend of aromatic and savory spices that when combined, create a delicious flavor profile for your chicken wings. The rub consists of black peppercorn, vegetable oil, kosher salt, chili powder, brown sugar, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin seeds.
Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor to the rub, resulting in a complex and well-balanced taste. This dry rub is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food, as it incorporates cayenne pepper and chili powder for a spicy kick.
However, you can easily adjust the amount of these ingredients to your personal preference. This versatile rub can be used on chicken wings, but it can also be used on other cuts of chicken or even meat.
Why You’ll Love This Desert Heat Dry Rub?
One of the main reasons why you’ll love this desert heat dry rub is because of its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful and delicious dish that will impress your taste buds.
Another reason to love this rub is its versatility. You can easily adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper and chili powder, making it suitable for everyone in the family.
Moreover, this dry rub can be used on various types of meat, making it a staple ingredient to have on hand for any BBQ or grilling occasion. Whether you’re cooking chicken wings, pork chops, or even beef ribs, this dry rub will add a burst of flavor to any dish.
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The Ingredients
- Black peppercorn: Ground black peppercorns add a spicy kick to this rub. You can adjust the amount to your personal preference.
- Vegetable oil: Adding vegetable oil helps the rub stick to the meat and create a delicious crust when cooked.
- Kosher salt: A staple ingredient in most dry rubs, kosher salt helps enhance the flavor of the spices and balance out the sweetness from the brown sugar.
- Chili powder: This adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the rub.
- Brown sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized crust when cooked.
- Mustard powder: Adds depth of flavor and a bit of tanginess to the rub.
- Cayenne pepper: Add as much or as little cayenne pepper as you like for some extra heat.
- Paprika: Another staple ingredient in most dry rubs, paprika adds a rich color and smoky flavor.
- Garlic powder: Used to add a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the rub.
- Chicken wings: You can use fresh or frozen chicken wings for this recipe. Just make sure they are thawed before cooking.
- Cumin seeds: Ground cumin seeds add a warm and earthy flavor to the rub.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the rub
- In a small bowl, mix together the black peppercorn, vegetable oil, kosher salt, chili powder, brown sugar, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin seeds.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients and create a smooth paste.
Step 2
Coat the chicken wings
- Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and pour the rub mixture over them.
- Use your hands to massage the rub into the wings, ensuring that they are evenly coated on all sides.
Step 3
Refrigerate
- Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken wings.
Step 4
Cook the chicken wings
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F.
- If using a grill, place the chicken wings on the grates and cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If using an oven, place the wings on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5
Serve and enjoy
- Once fully cooked, remove the wings from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy your delicious desert heat dry rub chicken wings!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub depending on your spice preference.
- For a sweeter version, add more brown sugar to the rub mixture.
- Make sure to use fresh or high-quality spices for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Variations
- If you don’t have cumin seeds, you can substitute ground cumin.
- You can also add some honey to the rub mixture for a touch of sweetness.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Desert Heat Dry Rub Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- plastic wrap
- grill
Ingredients
- 2 tsp black peppercorn ground Ground black peppercorn adds a bold and robust flavor, creating a depth of warmth and spice to the dish.
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil Vegetable oil when heated, imparts a luscious and smooth texture to the ingredients, ensuring a perfect coating for the chicken wings.
- 2 tbsp kosher salt Kosher salt with its coarse texture, enhances the overall seasoning, providing a satisfying crunch and a well-balanced taste.
- 2 tbsp chili powder Chili powder brings a smoky and piquant essence elevating the dish with a harmonious blend of heat and flavor.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar Brown sugar introduces a subtle sweetness and caramelizing during cooking to impart a rich and delightful complexity to the wings.
- 2 tsp mustard powder Mustard powder contributes a sharp and tangy kick infusing the dish with a distinctive zing that complements the other spices.
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper adds a fiery element creating a tantalizing heat that intensifies the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tsp paprika Paprika imparts a vibrant color and a mild smoky undertone, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor complexity of the wings.
- 2 tsp garlic powder Garlic powder provides a savory and aromatic essence ensuring a well-rounded and savory taste to the chicken wings.
- 4 lbs. chicken wings fresh or frozen Fresh or frozen chicken wings, when properly prepared, serve as the canvas for the flavor explosion, absorbing the rich blend of spices and seasonings.
- 2 tsp cumin seeds ground Ground cumin seeds contribute a warm and earthy undertone, adding depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Instructions
- Firstly, gather all the necessary ingredients for your desert heat dry rub. In a small bowl, combine black peppercorn, vegetable oil, kosher salt, chili powder, brown sugar, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin seeds. Mix well to create a smooth paste that will serve as the base for the rub.
- Take your chicken wings and place them in a large bowl. Pour the prepared rub over them, ensuring that each wing is evenly coated on all sides. Use your hands to massage the rub into the wings, allowing it to penetrate and infuse every inch with its rich flavors.
- For best results, refrigerate the coated wings for at least 2 hours or, better yet, overnight. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and marinate the wings.
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F. If using a grill, place the chicken wings on the grates and cook for approximately 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. If using an oven, place the wings on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
- Once fully cooked, remove the wings from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and create moist and tender chicken wings. Serve hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub depending on your spice preference.
- For a sweeter version, add more brown sugar to the rub mixture.
- Make sure to use fresh or high-quality spices for the best flavor.
FAQs
How to store Desert Heat Dry Rub?
This desert heat dry rub can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months. If you have any leftover coated chicken wings, they should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten within 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Desert Heat Dry Rub?
Yes, you can freeze this dry rub in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months. Make sure to thaw it before using it.
What other meats can I use this rub on?
This desert heat dry rub is versatile and can be used on various cuts of chicken, pork, beef, or even fish. The possibilities are endless!
Is this rub vegan?
Yes, this rub is vegan as it does not contain any animal products. However, when using it on meat, make sure to use vegan-friendly substitutes if desired.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying out this delicious desert heat dry rub recipe. We hope you enjoyed the flavorful and spicy chicken wings!
Don’t forget to adjust the ingredients to your personal preference and try using this versatile rub on different types of meat.
Make sure to share this article with your friends and family, and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
