Easy Spicy Turmeric Calabrian Chili Pepper Wet Rub

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.

Table of Contents

Jump to:

• Versatile Wet Rub with a Kick
• The Indian Connection
• The Italian Connection
• So, What is a Wet Rub?
• You Are Doing It Wrong
• Ingredients and Steps
• Culinary Glossary
• What Can it Be Used For?
• Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage
• Cooking Tip
• Frequently Asked Questions
• New Recipes
• Sauces Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• Video
• Have a Comment or Question?

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.

They pair well with spice blends from these regions and 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.

So, What is a Wet Rub?

A wet rub is a flavorful paste made from a mix of herbs, spices, and liquid ingredients like oil, vinegar, or even citrus juice. Unlike a dry rub, which is a powdery mix of spices, a wet rub adds moisture, helping the seasoning stick to your protein or vegetables while infusing them with bold flavors.

Wet rubs are perfect for grilling, roasting, or even pan-searing, as they create a rich, flavorful crust when cooked. You can use wet rubs on everything from chicken, beef, and pork to fish, tofu, or hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini. Just spread it on, let it marinate if you have time, and cook to bring out all those delicious flavors!

You Are Doing It Wrong

A common mistake when making a wet rub is over-blending. You want the rub to be smooth, but too much blending can make it too runny, so it won’t stick well to your meat or veggies.

Another thing to watch out for is using too much rub—it’s easy to go overboard, but with the heat from the Calabrian chili peppers, a little really does go a long way! Start with a light layer and add more if you need it.

The goal here is balance—each bite should have a nice blend of flavors without being overwhelming. Taste as you go, and adjust to your spice level!

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 Steps

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?

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.

Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Video

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