A simple wet rub made from spicy and fruity crushed Calabrian chili peppers, Italian herb seasoning, turmeric powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and held together with olive oil great for seasoning any protein, making this the best chili pepper wet rub.
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Versatile Wet Rub with a Kick
This simple yet flavorful wet rub is made with spicy and fruity crushed Calabrian chili peppers, Italian herb seasoning, turmeric powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, all held together with olive oil. It's perfect for seasoning any protein, making it the best chili pepper wet rub for fresh fish, grilled meats, and tofu.
This blend adds a kick of heat and great flavors to your dishes, turning them into the perfect summer meal.
The Indian Connection
Originating from South Asia, particularly India, turmeric is a key ingredient in many cuisines. Known for its earthy, slightly bitter flavor and vibrant yellow color, turmeric offers various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects. It is widely used in soups, curries, and even hot drinks like the turmeric latte, which I love to make for its warm, comforting taste.
The Italian Connection
Calabrian peppers hail from the Calabria region in southern Italy and have gained popularity in the United States for their spicy, fruity flavor. These peppers are perfect for Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern cuisine, as they pair well with spice blends from these regions, as well as with tomatoes, red bell peppers, and grains, making them incredibly versatile.
I love using Calabrian peppers because they add a robust kick of heat to dishes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
More Delicious Dinner Inspirations
- Air Fryer Calabrian Chili Salmon and Vegetables Bowl
- Easy Roasted Curry Spatchcocked Chicken and Vegetables
- Calabrian Pepper & Lemon Yogurt Baked Chicken and Vegetables
- Harissa Carrot Salad
Ingredients and Instructions
To make the wet rub, combine crushed Calabrian chili peppers, Italian herb seasoning, olive oil, turmeric powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl until well blended.
Culinary Glossary
- Turmeric - A yellow spice from South Asia with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor, known for its health benefits.
- Calabrian Peppers - Spicy, fruity peppers from Calabria, Italy, popular for adding heat to Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern dishes.
- Smoked Paprika - A spice made from dried, smoked red peppers, imparting a rich, smoky flavor.
- Italian Herb Seasoning - A blend of dried Italian herbs, such as basil, oregano, and thyme, used as a convenient way to add Italian flavors to dishes.
See the recipe card for quantities below.
What Can it Be Used For?
Perfect for vegetables before throwing them on the grill, roasting, or sauteing them.
Get the Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set.
Make it a one-pan meal, toss both your vegetables and protein, and roast in the oven.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free
- Yay! This recipe is already dairy-free.
Gluten-Free
- Whoo Hoo! This recipe is already gluten-free.
Vegetarian
- Awesome! This recipe is already vegetarian.
Convenience
- Calabrian Chili Peppers - Substitute with chopped hot red pepper, red pepper flakes, or other chili powders. Just be aware that Calabrian chili peppers have a distinct fruity, spicy taste, and your substitute might change the flavor profile of the wet rub.
- Turmeric Powder - Substitute with curry powder for a similar color profile, but it will change the flavor. Like always, I encourage experimentation; this might actually be a delicious substitute.
- Smoked Paprika - Use regular paprika with a pinch of cumin for smokiness.
- Olive Oil - Substitute with some type of vegetable oil or any neutral cooking oil, like avocado oil.
- Italian Herb Seasoning - This blend is typically made of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sometimes sage or parsley, so you can replace it with the fresh version of these herbs or just use a combination. Just be aware that marjoram, rosemary, and sage are very potent.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl - Used to combine the ingredients. I used the Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set for this recipe.
- Spatula or Spoon - Used to combine the ingredients. Looking for a rubber spatula? Get the OXO Good Grips 3 Piece Silicone Spatula Set.
Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Storage
- Refrigerator - To store it in the fridge, store it in an airtight container. The meal will last up to one week.
- Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process mentioned above. Then, place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container or freezer-sage bag. It might last up to three months.
Airtight Food Containers - I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clipping lids or wooden push-ins. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, they hold food without staining, and the glass keeps the food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer. Try the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Containers or the Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers.
Cooking Tip
Let it Marinate - Let the wet rub marinate on your protein for at least 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor.
Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab. Click here for an extended live Culinary Glossary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s great on grilled or roasted vegetables like red bell peppers and crisp greens.
It has a medium kick of heat, but you can adjust by adding more or less Calabrian chili peppers.
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
It’s perfect for chicken wings, fresh fish, and tofu.
New Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Easy 15-Minute Marinade for Beef Kabobs
- How to Make Multigrain Rice | Purple Rice Recipe
- Healthy Haitian-Style Creole Spicy Shrimp Pasta
- Healthy Spicy Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers with Salad
Sauces Recipes
Looking for other sauce recipes like this? Try these:
📖 Recipe
Easy Spicy Turmeric Calabrian Chili Pepper Wet Rub
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon crushed Calabrian chili peppers
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Equipment
- Spatula or Spoon
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Make the Wet Rub: Combine Calabrian chili peppers, Italian herb seasoning, olive oil, turmeric powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl.
Notes
Nutrition
Video
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