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How to Make the Best Grilled Fruit
Discover the secrets to transforming simple fruits into smoky, caramelized delights with this easy-to-follow guide on grilling fruit.
Read More April 1, 2024 | Blain's Farm & FleetThe Ultimate Guide to BBQ Rubs, Seasonings, and Sauces
BBQ rubs, seasonings, and sauces are more than just add-ons. They’re the secret weapons that can transform a good piece of meat into a delicious meal. But with so many different options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
Whether you’re just beginning to get into barbecuing or simply looking to up your grilling game, mastering the art of BBQ rubs, seasonings, and sauces is a surefire way to impress at your next cookout. Learn about what sets each of these apart and how to use them to their full potential with this guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
BBQ Rubs
Dry rubs are mixtures of spices and herbs you can apply to meat before cooking it. They act as the foundation for barbecue dishes, as they create a crust that enhances flavor and texture.
BBQ Rubs
Blacks 16 oz Original Rub
Price: $8.99
Plowboy’s 14 oz Yardbird Rub
Price: $14.99
Jack Daniels 11.5 oz Barbecue Chicken Rub
Price: $10.99
Jack Daniels 9 oz Barbecue Beef Rub
Price: $10.99
Loot N’ Booty 14 oz Jolly Roger Jalapeno Garlic Rub
Price: $14.99
Bad Byrons 9 oz Butt Rub
Price: $6.88
Lambert’s 12.5 oz Sweet Rub O’Mine
Price: $12.99
Jack Daniels 11 oz Barbecue Pork Rub
Price: $10.99
PS Seasonings Notorious P.I.G. Pulled Pork Rub
Price: $8.99
PS Seasonings Prime Time Buttery Beef Rub
Price: $8.99
Three Little Pigs 12.25 oz Sweet BBQ Rub
Price: $12.99
Boars Night Out 10.5 oz BBQ Rub
Price: $14.99
Types of Rubs
The kind of rub you choose depends of the type of meat and the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Here is a good rule of thumb to follow:
- Pork: Opt for sweeter rubs with ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Beef: Go for bolder flavors like black pepper, onion powder, and cumin.
- Chicken: Use a balanced mix of sweet and savory flavors, with spices like thyme and rosemary.
Applying Rubs
- Dry your meat by patting it with a paper towel.
- Apple a thin coat of oil to the meat. This will help the rub stick better.
- Generously sprinkle your rub onto the meat. Then, rub it in to make sure it’s evenly covered.
- Allow the meat to sit with the rub on for at least an hour before cooking.
BBQ Seasonings
While rubs provide a base flavor, you can also add additional seasonings while cooking to compliment your dish. Think of seasoning as a way to fine-tune your meat’s flavor profile.
BBQ Seasonings
Jack Daniels 10.25 oz Barbecue Steak Seasoning
Price: $10.99
Country Bobs 8 oz Seasoning Salt
Price: $3.44
Boars Night Out 12.3 oz Midwest Dust Seasoning
Price: $14.99
Meat Mitch 10.5 oz Steer Season
Price: $7.88
2 Gringos 7 oz Brisket Magic
Price: $6.99
2 Gringos 7 oz Steak Seasoning
Price: $6.99
Boars Night Out 14.5 oz White Lightning Seasoning
Price: $14.99
Big Poppa 14 oz Sweet Money Rub
Price: $14.99
Big Poppa 14 oz Double Secret Steak Rub
Price: $12.99
Big Poppa 14.2 oz Jallelujah Jalapeno
Price: $12.99
Blazing Star 13.8 oz Scorpion Rub & Seasoning
Price: $7.88
Plowboy’s 13.7 oz The Jerk Seasoning
Price: $12.99
Lodge Sizzling Citrus Sear Blend, 5.3 oz
Price: $6.99
Lodge Fireside Garlic & Herb Sear Blend
Price: $6.99
Lodge Tennessee Smoke Sear Blend
Price: $6.99
Types of Seasonings
- Salt and Pepper: These tried-and-true seasonings can elevate the natural flavors of the meat you’re cooking.
- Herbs: Things like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can add a fresh, complex flavor.
- Spices: Things like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder can add a little heat to the dish.
Applying Seasonings
- Always taste your dish before adding more seasonings.
- Start with small amounts, and add gradually as you grill. Add as much or as little as you like according to your personal preference.
BBQ Sauces
Barbecue sauces can transform a dish. They add moisture, richness, and layers of extra flavor. You can apply them before, during, or after cooking, depending on your desired outcome.
BBQ Sauces
Curley’s 20 oz Famous Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce
Price: $3.88
Riffs 16 oz Voodoo Child BBQ Sauce
Price: $6.99
Jack Daniels 19.5 oz Honey BBQ Sauce
Price: $7.99
Meat Mitch 21 oz Whomp Competition BBQ Sauce
Price: $6.99
Meat Mitch 21 oz Naked BBQ Sauce
Price: $6.99
Riffs 16 oz Sweet Child O’Mine BBQ Sauce
Price: $6.99
Heartbeat 6 oz Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce
Price: $9.99
Heartbeat 6 oz Red Habanero Hot Sauce
Price: $7.44
Lambert’s 20.3 oz Sweet Sauce O’ Mine
Price: $9.99
Three Little Pigs 19.1 oz Kansas City Sweet
Price: $7.44
Heartbeat 6 oz Scorpion Hot Sauce
Price: $7.44
Heartbeat 6 oz Dill Pickle Serrano Hot Sauce
Price: $7.44
Rub Some Butt Carolina Style Barbeque Sauce
Price: $4.44
Types of Sauces
- Sweet: These sauces often contain molasses or brown sugar, and they’re perfect for pork or chicken wings.
- Tangy: These sauces are often vinegar based and work well with both chicken and pork.
- Spicy: Hot sauces are ideal for those who enjoy a spicy kick, and they can complement any kind of meat.
Applying Sauces
- For a subtle flavor, brush the sauce onto the meat during the last few minutes of cooking.
- For a stronger taste, consider marinating the meat in the sauce beforehand.
By understanding BBQ rubs, seasonings, and sauces, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grill master. Remember, the key to a great barbecue lies in experimenting with different flavors. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and alter recipes to suit your personal taste.
For more guides like this one, check out our other Grilling & Smoking articles.
