What Does Rub Mean in BBQ? Dry Rub, Wet Rub and Binder
A BBQ rub is a dry seasoning blend applied to meat, fish or vegetables before cooking.During grilling, the spices add flavour, colour and a crisp outer layer known as bark.
The word comes from the English verbto rub, meaning to work something over a surface. Unlike a marinade, a dry rub contains no liquid.
What does rub mean in BBQ?
A rub is a mixture of salt, sugar, herbs and spices applied to the outside of food. The mixture stays on the surface and develops a concentrated flavour during cooking.
A dry rub differs from a wet rub or marinade. You can still use a thin coating of oil or mustard as a binder to help the seasoning adhere.
A rub mainly adds flavour and bark. A marinade adds moisture and flavour. A binder helps a dry rub adhere but is not itself a marinade.
What goes into a rub?
The exact ingredients vary by flavour, but many rubs use four groups of ingredients:
Salt
Enhances other flavours. Check the product information if you want to use less salt.
Sugar
Adds sweetness and colour but can burn at very high heat. Watch the temperature.
Paprika
Adds colour, mild sweetness and sometimes a smoky flavour.
Herbs and spices
Pepper, cumin, garlic, onion and chilli shape the character of the rub.
How do you use a BBQ rub?
- Pat the meat or vegetables dry.
- Optionally apply a thin layer of oil or mustard as a binder.
- Sprinkle the rub evenly over all sides and rub it in lightly.
- Cook straight away or leave the seasoning on longer for flavour. There is no mandatory minimum waiting time.
- Keep meat covered in the fridge while it waits, stay within its use-by date and follow safe cooking instructions.
You can cook straight away. A longer rest is a flavour option, not a required step. Choose a time that suits the food, salt quantity and recipe. Keep pre-seasoned meat and fish covered in the fridge and within their use-by dates.
Dry rub versus wet rub
A dry rub generally produces the strongest bark because the surface can dry and brown. A wet rub contains ingredients such as oil, mustard or yoghurt and adheres quickly but adds moisture to the surface.
For more detail, readDry versus wet rub: which is better for BBQ?and discover howbark and the smoke ringdevelop.
Which rub suits which meat?
Chicken
Spiced blends with paprika, garlic, citrus or chilli. Chicken takes on flavours quickly.
Pork
Sweet, smoky rubs work well with spare ribs and pulled pork.
Beef
Bold rubs with pepper, cumin and garlic suit brisket and short ribs.
Fish and vegetables
Choose milder seasonings to keep the natural flavour recognisable.
→Which BBQ rub suits which meat?
→How much BBQ rub per kilogram of meat?
- → Dry versus wet rub The difference between rub, binder and marinade
- → Bark and the smoke ring How does the crisp crust form?
- → Smoking wood for BBQs and smokers Which wood suits which rub?
- → BBQ rub guide for beginners The complete overview for beginners
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