The sunshine has arrived, and let’s say you have just bought your first BBQ. Images of outdoor parties with cold drinks and hot food are likely running through your mind, leading you to dust down the Supremo Carina garden furniture. There are some factors that newcomers to the grill need to know though – including how to prepare a BBQ rub.
What is a BBQ rub?
Fans of the BBQ are always keen to find ways of enhancing the flavour of the food. There are two methods for doing this: seasoning and a rub. People often assume that they are more or less the same thing, but there are subtle differences.
The main one is that seasoning is usually applied to the meat after it has been grilled, whereas a rub goes on beforehand. Both are designed to add extra flavouring and bring out the inherent meat flavours, but rubs also help to make the meat tender.
How do BBQ rubs work?
The rub mixture is added to the meat prior to grilling and is cooked at the same time. During the process, it seeps down into the meat, so that its various flavours permeate it.
What ingredients should you use for a BBQ rub?
Typical rub ingredients are a blend of sweet and savoury. You can make one out of sugar, salt, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, coriander and paprika. The salt and sugar are both essential, as the former helps the rub to penetrate past the surface of the meat, while the latter helps with crystallisation.
Use this guide to prepare the perfect BBQ rub this summer.
