How to make your own Texas Style Brisket Seasoning (making Spg seasoning)
How to make your own Texas Style Brisket Seasoning (making SPG seasoning) is a easy American (Texas BBQ) recipe that serves 4. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With The Andersons on YouTube.
Prep: 6 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 11 min
Cost: $0.43 total, $0.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (Fine grain, enhances meat flavor)
- 3 tablespoons Black Pepper (Coarsely ground for texture)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder (Granulated, not fresh garlic)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
Collect kosher salt, coarsely ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Have your measuring spoons ready.
Time: PT1M
Measure Salt
Measure 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and pour it into the shaker jar.
Time: PT1M
Measure Black Pepper
Measure 3 tablespoons of coarsely ground black pepper and add it to the shaker jar.
Time: PT1M
Measure Garlic Powder
Measure 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and add it to the shaker jar.
Time: PT1M
Mark Levels
Using a marker, draw a line on the jar at the top of the mixture for future reference.
Time: PT1M
Combine the Rub
Secure the lid and give the jar a vigorous shake for about 30 seconds until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Time: PT30S
Store
Store the sealed jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use as needed for brisket or other meats.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 20
- Protein
- 0.5g
- Carbohydrates
- 2g
- Fat
- 0.5g
- Fiber
- 0.3g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Vegan, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt, Table salt (use half the amount)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper, Smoked paprika (for a different flavor)
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Granulated garlic, Onion powder (half amount)
Equipment Needed
- Measuring Spoons
- Shaker Jar
- Marker (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Maintain the 3:1:1 pepper‑to‑salt‑to‑garlic ratio
- Mark the jar so you can quickly replicate the batch
- Shake thoroughly to ensure even distribution
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky depth, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the mix
- Use coarse sea salt instead of kosher for a slightly different texture
- Shake the rub into a dry skillet and toast for 1 minute before applying to meat for a crustier bark
Troubleshooting
Rub tastes too salty
Reduce the salt to ½ part and increase pepper to 3½ parts, maintaining overall balance.
Pepper flavor is weak
Use freshly cracked black pepper or toast the pepper briefly before measuring.
Clumps form in the rub
Sift each ingredient through a fine mesh sieve before adding to the jar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Not required; keep at room temperature
Freezer: Not recommended
Room temperature: Airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare a larger batch and store in multiple labeled jars for quick access
- Toast the black pepper lightly before measuring for a deeper flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Texas Style Brisket Seasoning in Texas BBQ cuisine?
Texas style brisket seasoning, often called the SPG rub (Salt, Pepper, Garlic), is a cornerstone of Central Texas barbecue. It reflects the region’s minimalist approach, letting the meat’s natural flavor shine while emphasizing a bold pepper profile that has been used by pitmasters for decades.
What are the traditional regional variations of Texas Style Brisket Seasoning within the United States?
While the classic 3:1:1 ratio is standard in Central Texas, West Texas pitmasters sometimes add a pinch of cayenne for heat, and East Texas cooks may incorporate brown sugar for a sweeter crust. However, the pure pepper‑forward SPG remains the most iconic.
What occasions or celebrations is Texas Style Brisket Seasoning traditionally associated with in Texas culture?
The rub is a staple for weekend barbecues, family reunions, and state fairs. It’s also featured in competitions like the Texas BBQ Championships where judges look for a clean, peppery bark on the brisket.
How does Texas Style Brisket Seasoning fit into the broader American BBQ tradition?
American BBQ varies by region; Texas focuses on beef and a simple pepper‑heavy rub, whereas Kansas City adds sweet molasses and Memphis emphasizes pork with a dry rub. The Texas SPG rub showcases the state’s love for pure, smoky beef flavors.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Texas Style Brisket Seasoning versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients are kosher salt, coarsely ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Acceptable substitutes include sea salt for kosher salt, white pepper or smoked paprika for black pepper, and granulated garlic for garlic powder.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Texas Style Brisket Seasoning at home?
Common errors include using too much salt, grinding pepper too fine (which can become powdery), and failing to shake the mixture thoroughly. Also, not labeling the jar can lead to inconsistent future batches.
Why does this Texas Style Brisket Seasoning recipe use a 3:1:1 pepper‑to‑salt‑to‑garlic ratio instead of a different proportion?
The 3:1:1 ratio delivers a dominant pepper flavor while keeping the salt level low enough to let the meat’s natural juices shine. Garlic adds a subtle background note without overpowering the pepper, creating the classic Texas bark.
Can I make Texas Style Brisket Seasoning ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the rub weeks in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in a cool, dry pantry; it will stay fresh for up to six months. Label the jar with the date for best quality.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking With The Andersons specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cooking With The Andersons specializes in family‑friendly American comfort food, backyard grilling, and step‑by‑step tutorials that make classic dishes approachable for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking With The Andersons' approach to Texas BBQ differ from other BBQ channels?
Cooking With The Andersons focuses on simplicity and minimal ingredient lists, like the three‑ingredient SPG rub, whereas many other BBQ channels use complex spice blends. Their videos emphasize practical tips such as labeling jars for repeatability.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
