A great seasoning if you like spicy but not too hot seasoning to use on beef, pork, chicken, or even fish. Make it up ahead and always have the taste of Memphis in your kitchen.

Introduction
This recipe is from the famous Marlowe Restaurant in Memphis (on Elvis Presley Boulevard, of course) for their Black Magic Seasoning. If you watch a lot of Food Network, you have seen them. It is the mandatory stop in Memphis for ribs. I have cut the size down to home-friendly.
The recipes were given to Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives by the restaurant. But the original rub recipe (apparently already cut down) produced 12 cups of seasoning.
My Rating
A five rating - a very nice Memphis seasoning.
Recipe Size
Not really "Cooking For Two" friendly nor home cooking friendly as originally published. So I cut them down.
I cut the recipe down by 1 teaspoon for each cup of recommended seasoning. A 1:48 reduction was making about 4 tablespoons. It is now home-friendly.
Storage
This will keep fresh in tightly closed containers for up to 6 months. You can go longer, but most of the flavor is lost after the bottle is opened, and by 9 to 12 months, it should be tossed.
It is better to be away from light and cooler but not the refrigerator where moisture could condense on the container during use and then damage the spices later. A full container is good, and a vacuum-sealed would be great.
Memphis Recipes
Memphis Barbecue Sauce - A Wonderful Thing
The Best Grilled Pork Tenderloin - Memphis Style
Grilled Memphis Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
📝Recipe
Marlowe's Black Magic Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Mix well.
- Store in an airtight container.
Your Own Private Notes
Recipe Notes
Pro Tips
- This recipe has been cut down in size for home use. It is a 1 to 48 reduction. A cup of a spice became a teaspoon.
- Adjust to the amount you want.
- This will keep fresh in tightly closed containers for up to 6 months.
- It is better to be away from light and cooler but not the refrigerator.
To adjust the recipe size:
You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.
Nutrition Estimate
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Editor's Note: Originally published June 26, 2010. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.
dennisakins
Hi,
I am very about the measurements Marlowe's black magic seasoning 2t(cupd) can you makes this clearer for me, thanks
Justin
I'm going to have to try this rub especially since my name is in it. Perfect!
Dan Mikesell
It must be your destiny. Try the restaurant if your near Graceland.