BBQ Rubs

BBQ Rubs for Brisket

BBQ rubs are made from spices, herbs and other ingredients that make your bbq sing. They add flavor, texture and don't burn as easily as bbq sauces. When you choose or make your rub, you want to keep in mind that most people don't want to be overwhelmed by the rub when they eat. They want a rub that complements the meat and brings out its natural flavors.

Trial and error is a perfectly acceptable way to come up with your own rub recipe. Start with something simple, like salt and sugar. Kosher salt is good, as are many of the specialty salts on the market. For sugar, you can use white, brown, raw, palm or any number of sweeteners on the market. Molasses or maple syrup works well for a wet rub.

Next, think about paprika. This is a mild spice, but it can really make a difference. You can vary from the normal paprika by choosing smoked paprika or sweet paprika. Now you have a base. What do you add next?

The best bbq rubs offer something to all parts of your palate. Black or white pepper can make a difference, adding a new dimension. Garlic or onion powder can be a great addition. If you like things a bit spicy, consider some cayenne. If you prefer savory foods, add some herbs like oregano, rosemary, thyme and basil.

Wet bbq rubs combine both dry and wet ingredients to make a paste that you apply to the surface of the meat. Dry rubs go on dry, but pull moisture from the meat to create their own paste. No matter what you put the rub on, let it cook for about half its total cooking time before you apply mop sauce so you don't wash off the seasoning. Let it form a nice crust first.

If you like things spicy, try this rub recipe.

Spicy Brisket Rub

Ingredients:

1/4 cup chili powder

2 Tablespoons paprika

2 Tablespoons chipotle pepper powder

2 Tablespoons onion powder

2 Tablespoons black pepper

2 Tablespoons sugar

2 Tablespoons oregano

1 Tablespoon ground cumin

1 Tablespoon cayenne powder (can increase this if you like it hot)

Mix up all the ingredients. This can be done ahead of time as long as you store it in an airtight dish in a dark, cool cupboard. If you want to keep it refrigerated, it can last for up to three months.

Apply the rub liberally to all surfaces of your brisket. You can cook immediately or let the brisket sit in the spices overnight. Cook over low heat for several hours until tender.

Try this recipe or another on your next brisket. You could make one up from scratch. Use the flavors you like. Your brisket will have a delicious seasoning, no matter if you keep it basic or add a lot of ingredients. Just be sure you choose seasonings that will enhance the beef, not overwhelm it. You're investing a lot of time into a brisket, so you want to go with bbq rubs that complement your meal.