Generally, dry rubs contain garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, or all three - something for a bit of heat, and sometimes brown sugar for a bit of sweetness. Dry rub and BBQ seasoning recipes can be adjusted to your tastes very easily. Consider adding dry mustard, rosemary, cumin, maple sugar, or any of your favorite herbs and spices. We love this Texas Dry Rub for its smoky flavor. If you're making your own rub for this recipe, or if you're purchasing a pre-made rub, we recommend staying away from dry rubs with a lot of added sugar. The maple syrup contributes a good amount of sweetness, so any added sugar is unnecessary and can make your salmon taste too sweet.