Barbecue rubs are an essential component of great BBQ. They are a blend of spices, herbs, and other seasonings that add flavor and texture to meats before cooking. Rubs come in various flavors and can be tailored to different types of meat, making them versatile for a range of BBQ styles and preferences. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or baking, the right BBQ rub can elevate your dish to new heights.
Top Picks
- Meat Church BBQ Rub Combo: Honey Hog (14 oz) and Holy Gospel (14 oz) BBQ Rub and Seasoning for Meat and Vegetables, Gluten Free, One Bottle of Each
- One 14 Ounce Bottle of BBQ Rub
- The one rub you need for every cook; beef, chicken, pork, seafood vegetables and more! Gluten Free, No MSG
- This blend is great on ribs, chicken and beef!
- CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ RUB - HOT BBQ rub was developed and is used by the Killer Hogs Championship BBQ team
- HIGHEST RATED RUB - We've been making this rub for over 10 years, shipping tens of thousands across the United States, and satisfying professional pitmasters, amateurs, backyard BBQ enthusiasts, chefs, and everyone in between
- DESIGNED FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS - We developed this rub so you don't have to worry about seasoning your meat or veggies. HOT BBQ Rub provides a consistent and delicious flavor you can count on time and time again
- NO RISK AND NO HASSLE - For almost a decade, we have been delighting customers. If you are not satisfied with your purchase of any Killer Hogs product, please contact us and we'll gladly refund your money. That's it - no questions, no hassle, no risk.
- MADE IN THE USA - We pride ourselves in manufacturing all our products in the USA using the highest quality ingredients
Criteria for Evaluating BBQ Rubs
When reviewing BBQ rubs, several factors come into play:
- Ingredients: The quality and balance of ingredients can significantly impact the flavor profile.
- Flavor: The complexity, depth, and suitability of flavors for different meats.
- Texture: The consistency and how well it adheres to the meat.
- Versatility: Whether it works well across various BBQ techniques.
- Value for money: The price relative to the quality and quantity provided.
Best BBQ Rubs
Let’s dive into detailed reviews of some of the best BBQ rubs available:
1. Oakridge BBQ Dominator Sweet Rib Rub
Ingredients: Sugar, salt, spices including paprika, dehydrated garlic, celery, mustard flour, natural flavor, and extractives of paprika.
Flavor Profile: This rub has a sweet and slightly spicy profile, with hints of garlic and mustard. It’s well-balanced and works wonderfully on ribs.
Texture: Fine texture, clings well to meat.
Versatility: Great for ribs and pork, but also works on chicken and even vegetables.
Value for Money: Mid-range price, but worth it for the quality.
Overall: Oakridge BBQ Dominator is a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts for its sweet-spicy balance and versatility.
2. Meat Church Holy Gospel BBQ Rub
Ingredients: Salt, sugar, spices including paprika, monosodium glutamate, dehydrated garlic and onion, natural flavors, and extracts of paprika.
Flavor Profile: A well-rounded blend of sweet and savory flavors, with a touch of heat. Ideal for brisket and pork.
Texture: Coarse texture that forms a nice bark on meats.
Versatility: Mainly used on brisket and pork, but can also work on chicken and fish.
Value for Money: Slightly higher priced, but a little goes a long way.
Overall: Meat Church Holy Gospel is praised for its robust flavor and ability to create a good crust on meat.
3. Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub
Ingredients: Salt, sugar, spices including paprika, dehydrated garlic and onion, monosodium glutamate, and extractives of paprika.
Flavor Profile: A balanced and savory rub with a bit of sweetness. Perfect for chicken.
Texture: Fine texture, adheres well.
Versatility: Primarily designed for chicken, but also works on pork and vegetables.
Value for Money: Reasonably priced for the quality.
Overall: Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub is a favorite for chicken due to its versatile and well-balanced flavor.
4. Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub
Ingredients: Brown sugar, sugar, salt, spices including paprika, dehydrated garlic and onion, monosodium glutamate, and natural flavor.
Flavor Profile: Sweet with a touch of heat, great for pork and ribs.
Texture: Fine texture, easy to apply.
Versatility: Mainly used on pork, but also works on other meats.
Value for Money: Higher priced, but highly regarded for competition BBQ.
Overall: Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub is known for its championship-winning flavor profile and ease of use.
5. Dizzy Pig Dizzy Dust BBQ Rub
Ingredients: Spices including paprika, dehydrated garlic and onion, salt, sugar, and celery seed.
Flavor Profile: Balanced and flavorful, with a nice blend of sweet and savory. Good for all types of BBQ.
Texture: Medium texture, adheres well.
Versatility: Works well on all meats, from ribs to chicken to brisket.
Value for Money: Mid-range price, good value for the quality.
Overall: Dizzy Pig Dizzy Dust BBQ Rub is celebrated for its versatility and balanced flavor profile.
What rubs do pitmasters use?
Pitmasters, the masters of barbecue, often have their own secret blends of rubs that they use to create award-winning meats. While each pitmaster may have their unique recipe, there are some common characteristics and ingredients that are frequently used:
- Salt and Sugar: These are fundamental ingredients in most rubs, providing a basic balance of flavor and helping to enhance the natural taste of the meat.
- Paprika: Provides color and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Garlic and Onion: Adds depth and savory notes.
- Chili Powder or Cayenne: Adds heat and complexity.
- Herbs and Spices: Depending on the regional style, you might find ingredients like cumin, mustard powder, or even coffee grounds.
Pitmasters often tweak their rubs based on the type of meat they are cooking and their personal preferences. The best rubs not only enhance the flavor of the meat but also contribute to the formation of a flavorful bark during the smoking process.
What’s the difference between BBQ seasoning and BBQ rub?
BBQ seasoning and BBQ rub are terms often used interchangeably, but they do have subtle differences in their usage and composition.
BBQ Seasoning: BBQ seasoning typically refers to a blend of spices and herbs used to season meat before it’s cooked. It’s generally applied in smaller quantities compared to a rub and is often used to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. BBQ seasoning can be versatile and used in various cooking methods, including grilling, smoking, and baking. It tends to be finer in texture and may include ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. BBQ seasoning is more about enhancing the natural flavors of the meat without forming a significant crust.
BBQ Rub: A BBQ rub, on the other hand, is a blend of spices, herbs, sugars, and salts that is applied generously to the surface of the meat. The rub forms a flavorful crust (also known as bark) during cooking, enhancing both the flavor and texture of the meat. BBQ rubs often include a combination of sweet, savory, and spicy ingredients, such as brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and mustard powder. The texture of a BBQ rub is typically coarser than seasoning to help it adhere to the meat and create a delicious crust.
In summary, while both BBQ seasoning and BBQ rub are used to flavor meat, the key difference lies in the texture, application method, and the formation of a crust or bark during cooking.
What are BBQ rubs?
BBQ rubs are blends of spices, herbs, sugars, salts, and other seasonings that are used to flavor meat before cooking. They are applied generously to the surface of the meat to create a flavorful crust (bark) during the cooking process, enhancing both the taste and texture of the meat.
How do BBQ rubs enhance the flavor of meat?
BBQ rubs enhance the flavor of meat by imparting a blend of sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors. The ingredients in the rub penetrate the meat’s surface, infusing it with a depth of flavor that complements and enhances the natural taste of the meat.
What meats are BBQ rubs suitable for?
BBQ rubs are suitable for a wide variety of meats, including pork ribs, brisket, chicken, turkey, pork shoulder (pulled pork), beef ribs, and even fish and vegetables. Different rubs may be better suited to different meats, so it’s essential to choose one that complements the specific meat you’re cooking.
How do I use BBQ rubs?
To use a BBQ rub, simply coat the meat generously with the rub, ensuring that all sides are evenly covered. For best results, let the meat sit with the rub on it for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. BBQ rubs can be used for grilling, smoking, or baking meats.
Are BBQ rubs spicy?
BBQ rubs can vary in spiciness depending on the blend of spices used. Some rubs may have a mild heat, while others can be quite spicy. It’s essential to read the label or description of the rub to determine its spiciness level before use, especially if you prefer milder flavors.
How should BBQ rubs be stored?
BBQ rubs should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keeping them properly sealed in their original containers or in airtight containers will help maintain their freshness and flavor.
Can BBQ rubs be used with BBQ sauce?
Yes, BBQ rubs and BBQ sauces complement each other well. Rubs provide a flavorful base layer of seasoning, while sauces add moisture and additional flavor during or after cooking. Many BBQ enthusiasts use both rubs and sauces to achieve a balanced and delicious BBQ flavor.
What should I look for when choosing a BBQ rub?
When choosing a BBQ rub, consider the flavor profile (sweet, savory, spicy), the type of meat it’s best suited for, the texture (fine or coarse), and any special dietary considerations (gluten-free, low sodium, etc.). It’s also helpful to read reviews and recommendations to find a rub that matches your taste preferences.
Can I make my own BBQ rub?
Yes, you can easily make your own BBQ rub using a combination of spices, herbs, sugars, salts, and other seasonings. Experimenting with different ingredients allows you to customize the rub to your taste preferences and the type of meat you’re cooking.
What are some popular brands of BBQ rubs?
There are many popular brands of BBQ rubs, including Oakridge BBQ, Meat Church, Plowboys BBQ, Killer Hogs, Dizzy Pig, and many more. These brands offer a variety of flavors and styles to suit different tastes and cooking techniques.
How long do BBQ rubs last?
BBQ rubs typically have a shelf life of several months to a year, depending on the ingredients and how they are stored. It’s best to check the expiration date on the packaging and use the rub within that timeframe for optimal flavor.
Can you dry rub meat the night before?
es, you can definitely dry rub meat the night before cooking. In fact, many pitmasters and BBQ enthusiasts prefer to dry rub their meat well in advance to allow the flavors to penetrate and enhance the meat’s taste.
Benefits of Dry Rubbing Meat the Night Before:
- Flavor Infusion: Allowing the rub to sit on the meat overnight allows the spices, herbs, and other seasonings to permeate the surface and flavor the meat deeply.
- Enhanced Bark Formation: Dry rubbing helps create a flavorful crust, known as bark, during the cooking process. This bark adds texture and enhances the overall taste of the meat.
- Convenience: Preparing the meat the night before saves time on the day of cooking. You can simply take the meat out of the refrigerator and start cooking.
- Consistent Results: Dry rubbing in advance ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the meat, leading to more consistent and delicious results.
Tips for Dry Rubbing Meat the Night Before:
- Even Application: Ensure the rub is applied evenly and generously on all sides of the meat. Pat the rub gently onto the surface to help it adhere.
- Refrigeration: After applying the rub, wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight. This prevents cross-contamination and keeps the meat safe.
- Timing: Ideally, let the meat sit with the rub on it for at least 8-12 hours. This allows enough time for the flavors to meld with the meat.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, take the meat out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
Types of Meat You Can Dry Rub:
Dry rubbing is suitable for a variety of meats, including:
- Pork Ribs: Both baby back ribs and spare ribs.
- Brisket: Particularly large cuts of beef like brisket.
- Chicken: Whole chicken, chicken thighs, and chicken wings.
- Pork Shoulder: Used for pulled pork.
- Beef Ribs: Also known as beef back ribs or short ribs.
Dry rubbing meat the night before cooking is a common practice among BBQ enthusiasts and pitmasters. It allows the flavors to meld and enhances the texture and taste of the meat, resulting in delicious and flavorful BBQ dishes. Just remember to refrigerate the meat after applying the rub and bring it to room temperature before cooking for the best results. Enjoy your BBQ!
The bottom line on the best bbq rubs
Choosing the best BBQ rub depends on personal taste, the type of meat you’re cooking, and the flavor profile you prefer. The rubs reviewed here are among the best in terms of flavor, texture, and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard griller, these rubs can take your BBQ game to the next level. Experiment with different rubs to find your favorites and enjoy the delicious results they bring to your BBQ dishes. Happy grilling!
