Rubs - DryRub Techniques and Recipes

Well, it looks like there are some BBQ enthusiasts who are ready to take grilling to the next level - using rubs! Rubs, also known as dryrubs, are a magical combination of spices and herbs that add flavor and texture to your meat.

If you haven't heard of rubs yet, get ready to be blown away!

In this guide, we'll discover everything there is to know about BBQ dryrubs, from the basic ingredients to the most popular recipes for each of the major American BBQ styles.

So get ready to rock and roll and wow your friends and family with your grilling skills and remember, even though there are recipes out there it's always more fun to put your own spin on it!

To learn more about bbq, check out these other introductory smoker guides:

• BBQ Cooking Techniques in Quebec
• Cold Smoking Techniques in Quebec
• Hot Smoking Techniques in Quebec
• Brining Techniques and Brining Recipes
• Types of wood for smoking
• Types of smokers
• Best vegetables for smoking
• Most Popular Smokehouses
• BBQ Sauce Styles
• How to start your smoker
• How to clean your smoker

What is a dryrub?

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

BBQ rubs, also known as dry rubs, have a long history in Southern American cooking. The origins of this cooking method date back to the time of the European settlers, who brought with them techniques for preserving meat.

They used mixtures of salt and spices to preserve meat during the winter months. Over time, these mixtures evolved to include a variety of spices and herbs, and were used to add flavor to the meat before cooking.

American bbq rubs are now a staple of Southern American cooking and are used to add incredible flavor and texture to a variety of meats.

How do you make a dry rub?

To make a dry rub, simply mix the ingredients (dry, duh!) in a bowl until they are well combined.

Common ingredients for a dry rub include paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar and mustard powder.

Next, rub the mixture generously over the meat, making sure it is evenly distributed. Let the meat sit for at least an hour before smoking or grilling to allow the flavors to soak in.

Dry rub is a simple and effective way to add flavor to your meat without the need for a sauce or marinade.

Dry Rub Recipes

Texas Style Dryrub Recipe

Texas Style Dryrub: This is probably the most famous dryrub, originating in Texas. It usually consists of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin and chili powder. Variations can include herbs like thyme or oregano, as well as brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.

Here's a Texas-style dryrub recipe that would work well for seasoning beef or pork:

Photo by Sonika Agarwal on Unsplash

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the meat, making sure it covers all sides.
3. Cook the meat in the method you prefer, whether it's on the barbecue, in the oven or in the pan.

This Texas dryrub is perfect for beef or pork and gives your meat a smoky, spicy taste, giving you the best taste experience. If you are looking for a milder taste, you can adjust the proportions of cayenne pepper to your taste. This mixture can be stored in an airtight jar for several months, so feel free to prepare a large quantity for your future barbecues. Enjoy!

Memphis dryrub recipe - great for ribs or brisket

Memphis dryrub is a little sweeter than Texas dryrub and often contains brown sugar, mustard powder, black pepper and paprika. It is often used for ribs and pork.

Memphis dryrub is a combination of flavors that is very popular in the southern United States. Unlike the spicier Texas version, Memphis dryrub is milder and sweeter. Here's a simple recipe for making your own Memphis dryrub:

Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together.
2. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
3. Rub the mixture over your meat, making sure to cover all parts.
4. Let it sit for at least an hour before cooking your meat.

Memphis Dryrub is perfect for pork, especially ribs. It can also be used for other meats such as chicken or beef. With its mild, sweet flavor, this dryrub is sure to please any barbecue lover.

Kansas City style dryrub recipe

Photo by Simona Sergi on Unsplash

Kansas City dryrub is a bit sweeter than Memphis dryrub and often uses brown sugar and sweet paprika. Spices also include garlic powder, onion powder and mustard powder. This is a great option for ribs and pork.

Kansas City style is known for its balanced blend of sweet and smoky spices, as well as its gritty texture. Here is a simple recipe for Kansas City dryrub:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
2. Generously rub the spice mixture onto your meat, making sure to cover the entire surface.
3. Let the meat sit for at least an hour before smoking or grilling.
4. Store the remaining spice mixture in an airtight container for later use.

This Kansas City dryrub recipe is perfect for meats like pork, beef or chicken. The balanced combination of sweet and smoky spices creates a flavorful crust on the meat when smoked or grilled.

Dryrub Jerk or Caribbean Recipe

Caribbean-style dryrubs are often spicier and use spices such as allspice, thyme and cinnamon. They may also include raw sugar and cilantro. These rubs are great for grilled meats and seafood, but it is the Chicken Jerk that is gaining more and more popularity in recent years, of which this is a recipe below:

Photo by Angelo Pantazis on Unsplash

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of paprika
• 2 tablespoons of salt
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon ginger powder
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
2. Place the mixture in an airtight jar and store in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it.
3. Generously sprinkle Jerk Dryrub on your meat of choice before smoking, making sure to cover the entire surface.
4. Smoke the meat according to your smoker's instructions and enjoy!

This dryrub Jerk is perfect for pork or chicken, but can also be used with other types of meats to add a touch of Jamaican flavor to your barbecue.

Asian Style Dryrub Recipe

Asian style dryrub is often less spicy and often contains spices such as ginger, coriander and lemongrass. They may also include raw sugar and soy sauce. These rubs are great for grilled meats and vegetables.

Here's a recipe for Asian barbecue dryrub:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
2. Sprinkle the dryrub generously over the meat you want to smoke.
3. Let the meat sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour before smoking.

This Asian dryrub recipe will give your meat a sweet and spicy flavor, with a touch of ginger and Chinese five spice. You can use it to smoke pork, chicken or even salmon.

Conclusion: What is the best Dryrub?

In addition to the classics detailed in this guide, there are of course many other variations and combinations of dryrub, each with its own flavors and origins.

The choice of dryrub will often depend on the type of meat or fish you are cooking, as well as your personal taste preferences.

Enjoy!