Texas-Style Spicy Hot Links with Dry Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork hot links spiced with a fiery Texas-style dry rub and grilled to smoky perfection. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes pairs links (about 3 lbs) pork sausage links, brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder to make the Texas dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 12 pork sausage links (about 3 lbs) and rub the spice mixture evenly on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 2 tbsp olive oil over the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the hot links for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the casing is nicely charred and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Texas-Style Spicy Hot Links with Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Texas-Style Spicy Hot Links with Dry Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown sugar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Texas-Style Spicy Hot Links with Dry Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Texas-Style Spicy Hot Links with Dry Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Texas-Style Spicy Hot Links with Dry Rub?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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