This post is sponsored by Barbecues Galore
Spice rubs are a great way to enhance and complement the flavour of your next barbecue feast. That’s not all they can do, though – you can transform even the most famously boring cuts of meat into delicious delicacies with a good spice rub. You’ll fall in love with this simple yet effective seasoning method as soon as you take the first bite!
What is a spice rub?
A spice rub is a mixture of common spices which have been blended together thoroughly, then literally rubbed into meat. It allows your meat to take on a lot of the flavour from the spices you choose, giving you new twists on old favourites.
How to make a rub
The best part about spice rubs is that they are super easy to prepare. Choose your seasonings, measure them out (there are plenty of spice rub recipes available online) then simply put them in a bag and shake vigorously to ensure they are mixed evenly.
Applying the spice rub
This is the fun part! Be prepared to get your hands messy – pour your spice rub on your meat and massage it in firmly. Try and get it all over the meat, and don’t forget the underside. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of spice mix per 500g of meat so you get the right balance. Once applied, dust off any loose seasoning. If you have time, take a break here and wrap your meat in plastic wrap for as long as possible (even up to 24 hours works) to really let your meat take on maximum flavour.
Once your meat has sat in the spice, unwrap it and lightly brush your meat with oil. Then you can throw it on the barbecue, ready to impress your friends and family. Don’t have a barbecue? Don’t despair – you can cook your meat indoors if you want to, or just pop in to a specialist barbecue store like Barbecues Galore to pick up a quality barbecue.
Pick the right rub for your meat
Of course, there is a massive selection of meats and cuts available, and many have unique flavours. While there are some great all-rounders when it comes to spice rubs, it definitely pays to consider what meat you are cooking with and then choose a spice mix that complements those specific flavours. If you have no idea where to start, you can often pick up dry spice mixes at the supermarket, and these often have suggested serving ideas and guides.
If you are feeling a bit more confident, try experimenting with your own different combinations. For a fun, social afternoon, try inviting your friends over for a barbeque and season different pieces of meat with different spice mixes, then slice and share each piece. You could have a voting system where everyone decides their favourite flavour combos. That way you have a library of popular mixes ready for future feasts – just be sure you record what you put in each mix, and have some way of identifying each one as it’s consumed!
Are you a spice rub fanatic? What’s your favourite recipe? Share it here and grab some new ideas while you’re at it!
SB Spices
Spices are a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of your food. They add depth and complexity to even the simplest dishes and can also provide various health benefits.