In BBQ rubs the most dominant spice is usually sugar. I’ll give you a couple of rubs for meat, BBQ and one for fish to get you started. Then use my rubs as a base to add flavors you like and develop your own blends. Also, some people recommend applying the rub a few hours or even the day before cooking. Personally I have never found that to make a difference. Applying the rub just before cooking seems to work just fine. Do your own experimenting however and see which you prefer. Now let’s take a look at some rubs!
Some Spice Rub Recipes to Get You Started
First here’s a great chicken rub!
Blend
3 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons thyme
Blend all ingredients together and sprinkle liberally on chicken before frying or roasting. I usually put the chicken in a food storage bag along with a couple of tablespoons of mix and shake. Cook however you prefer but what I do is to brown chicken in a little olive or vegetable oil, then transfer to 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes until done.
Other Spices you might consider for this mix are: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, any dried herb and lemon pepper. Of course those are just ideas to get you thinking. Use your imagination and try others as well.
A Great Steak Rub!
Next let’s go over a good rub for beef. It is good for all cuts of meat that you will grill or roast. I especially like this rub on grilled steaks.
Blend
2 tablespoons coarse salt
2 tablespoons coarse black pepper (freshly ground if possible)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
Blend and rub this into meat generously. Make sure you rub the mixture firmly into the meat on both sides. The small amount of sugar aids in producing a nice crust on the meat. Cook to desired doneness but medium rare produces the more tender meat.