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Desert Heat Dry Rub Copycat Recipe

Desert Heat Dry Rub Recipe

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.
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Author: Dr. Leah Alexander
Course: Rub
Cuisine: American
Ready in: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 165kcal

Equipment

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.
Keyword: Desert Heat Dry Rub Recipe