When it comes to grilling and smoking meat, seasoning is key. And if you've spent any time browsing the spice aisle at your local grocery store, you've probably noticed that there are two popular options for seasoning your BBQ: BBQ seasoning and BBQ rub. While both can add flavor and enhance the taste of your meat, there are some key differences between the two.
BBQ Seasoning
BBQ seasoning is a blend of spices that are typically used to flavor meat before it is cooked. It is usually a dry mix of spices like salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Some BBQ seasonings may also include sugar or other sweeteners to balance out the heat of the spices.
BBQ seasoning is designed to be applied to the surface of meat, giving it a flavorful crust that enhances the taste of the meat as it cooks. It is generally used in smaller amounts than BBQ rub, and can be sprinkled on meat just before cooking, or used as a marinade by mixing it with oil and other liquids.
One of the benefits of using BBQ seasoning is that it allows you to customize the flavor of your meat based on your personal preferences. You can adjust the amount of salt, sugar, and other spices to create a blend that is perfectly suited to your tastes.
BBQ Rub
BBQ rub, on the other hand, is a blend of spices that is used to both flavor and tenderize meat. It is generally applied to meat before it is cooked, and is designed to be rubbed into the surface of the meat. The spices in the rub penetrate the meat and help to break down tough fibers, resulting in meat that is more tender and juicy.
BBQ rubs can contain many of the same spices as BBQ seasonings, but they may also include additional ingredients like brown sugar, chili powder, and dried herbs. Some BBQ rubs may also include ingredients like mustard powder or Worcestershire sauce, which help to tenderize the meat.
The main difference between BBQ rub and BBQ seasoning is that rubs are generally applied more heavily to the meat, and are left on for a longer period of time. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and develop over time, resulting in a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Seasoning for Your BBQ
When it comes to choosing between BBQ seasoning and BBQ rub, there is no right or wrong answer. Both can be used to add flavor and enhance the taste of your meat, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
If you're new to grilling and smoking, you may want to start with BBQ seasoning. It is easy to use, and allows you to experiment with different spice blends to find the one that best suits your tastes. As you become more experienced, you may want to start experimenting with BBQ rubs to create more complex and nuanced flavors.
When choosing a BBQ seasoning or rub, it's important to consider the flavors you want to achieve. If you're looking for a classic BBQ flavor, a seasoning blend that includes salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder is a good place to start. If you're looking for something with a little more heat, a blend that includes cayenne pepper or chili powder may be more your style. And if you're looking to create a more complex flavor profile, a rub that includes a variety of spices and herbs may be the way to go.
In conclusion, both BBQ seasoning and BBQ rub can add flavor and enhance the taste of your meat. The main difference is that rubs are generally applied more heavily and left on for a longer period of time, resulting in a more complex and nuanced flavor profile. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, and the flavors you want to achieve. So come into Joes and see the wide range of rubs and sauces for your next BBQ.
