Lipsmackin' Barbecue Rub

Barbecue Rub and Pork ShoulderBarbecue Rub Being Sprinkled on a Pork Butt

A good barbecue rub is essential for real, lip-smacking barbecue. You're in for a real treat and I'm excited for you!

What you are about to discover about these "specialized spice blends" will help you turn out some of the best barbecue you've ever tasted!

And isn't that why you're here?

You may think that there are magic and secret formulas involved in coming up with these spicy mixtures.

Mysterious concoctions mixed together by smoky, voodoo magicians and witch doctors under the light of the full moon.

And you'd be right...Kinda.

I mean, you can make them as easy or as complicated as you'd like. Just like anything else! In some places they use just salt and pepper, in other places, it's a list of ingredients a mile long. 

But always remember the basics; only use ingredients that will enhance or add to the flavor of whatever you're cooking.

I know it may sound complicated at first, but don't worry, I'm going to make it really easy for you.

And fun as well!

Barbecue Rub Basics

The basic formula I use most of the time is; a third, a third, a third...

1-part sugar, 1-part salt and 1-part spices. Then I throw in some additional herbs and spices, depending on what I'm using it for.

Check out my barbecue dry rub recipe to learn more about the secret formula and how to come up with your own!

Critical to Making Fantastic Barbecue!

To make great barbecue, you need a great rub. Why? Because these spice mixes are critical to making great, authentic tasting barbecue.

Unlike the spice mixtures used for grilling, the ones we use for barbecue often contain quite a bit of sugar. Do not confuse the two; if you use a spice blend for grilling that is really intended for cooking foods over low heat with wood smoke, in other words barbecue, your food will burn because of all the sugar.

On the other hand, a spice blend used for grilling may work very well for barbecue. You don't have to use sugar. But if you like a little "sweet" in your "sweet and spicy", then my barbecue dry rub and barbecue chicken rub are perfect for you.

The salt and sugar help pull the flavors of the herbs and spices into the meat. They also dry the surface of the meat, slightly, so the herbs and spices can form a nice crust.

And of course, they add intense flavor to your meat. If you're not rubbing your barbecue with some herbs and spices...you're not making real barbecue!

So, enjoy, make some great barbecue and have fun...

What's that you say?

You don't know how to make your own?

Well, we can't have that!

Check out the links below to get some great recipes and ideas.

Barbecue Dry Rub Recipe

Barbecue Chicken Rub

Brisket Rub

Pork Rub

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