Nothing gets your taste buds working overtime like a great BBQ rub. It’s the secret ingredient that can turn your everyday BBQ meat into a mouthwatering main event.
BBQ rubs are a quick and easy way to bring out the flavours in your meat, creating a flavorful, crispy crust on the surface. This highly prized bark forms when sugars in the rub caramelise during cooking, locking in moisture while delivering the smoky-sweet crunch we all know and love.
At Hark BBQ we stock the best range of ridiculously flavorful, competition-winning BBQ rubs in Australia. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right BBQ rub to deliver that heavenly flavour you’re after with every bite?
Stick with us as we navigate the fiery world of BBQ rubs and explore the incredible flavours available for you to try at home.
What Makes a Great BBQ Rub?
A great BBQ rub is a harmonious blend of sweetness, saltiness, smokiness, and spiciness that enhances the flavour of your meat without totally overpowering it and making it taste like, well, BBQ shapes.
For a rub to pass the Hark BBQ test, high-quality ingredients are crucial. We only stock rubs made of fresh spices that are filler-free. A top rub enhances the flavour of your meat rather than masking it; the meat flavours meld with the rub spices, creating flavour that can't be replicated.
Best Rubs for Different Meats
You need to choose the right rub for the kind of meat you’re cooking. Red meats work better with a more robust rub than lighter meats like chicken and seafood.
- Beef: Sturdy rubs like Darkside of the Grills Mel Toro Big Beef Rub or Clark Crew Jack'd Brisket Rub are great options for beef. These impart a rich, smoky taste and add to the richness of the beef.
- Chicken: Lighter, more fragrant rubs work better on chicken. Four Monkeys BBQ Chicken Rub and Jack Daniel’s® Chicken Rub are excellent choices. These rubs develop the natural flavour of the chicken by giving it a tangy, somewhat spicy touch.
- Pork: Sweet and smoky flavours go great with pork. Popular options include Four Monkeys BBQ Pork Rub and Jack Daniel’s® Honey BBQ Rub. These rubs give pork an incredible crust and strike that balance between sweetness and a touch of spice.
- Lamb/Game: If you’re interested in trying a stronger rub, pair it with a gamey meat like lamb. Four Monkeys BBQ Lamb Rub and Butcher BBQ Grilling Addiction Rub are both great choices. The herbs and spices in these rubs combine well with lamb for mouthwatering results.
- Seafood/Vegetables: Lighter alternatives such as Darkside of the Grill Killer Shroomz Shitake Szechuan Rub really work with seafood or vegetables. These BBQ rubs impart a mild flavour that doesn't dominate the dish.
How to Apply Rubs
Applying a BBQ rub is an art that requires a bit of technique to get right. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Clean and Pat Dry the Meat: To make sure the rub is applied evenly, clean and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Apply a Thin Layer of Oil or Mustard: This will help the rub stick. It’s an optional at Hark we don’t recommend taking any risks with your meat! Generously Coat with Rub: Sprinkle a generous coating, ensuring all sides are coated evenly.
- Let it Rest: To allow flavours to penetrate deeper into the meat, let it rest for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.
- Achieving the Perfect Crust: To achieve the perfect BBQ bark, ensure the meat is cooked at between 107°C and 135°C. Low and slow cooking allows the Maillard reaction to occur gradually, creating a flavorful, caramelised crust without burning the meat.
Popular BBQ Rub Brands
Here are some of our favourite rub brands:
- Boars Night Out: If you like garlic, these versatile rubs are a must-try.
- Butcher BBQ: Offers a range of rubs, including the Grilling Addiction Rub and Sweet Chipotle Rub, perfect for enhancing beef and pork dishes.
- Dark Side of the Grill: With products like Killer Shroomz Shitake Szechuan Rub and Fire in the Hole Rub, these guys are famous for their fun and unique flavour profiles.
- Four Monkeys BBQ: This brand provides a range of meat-specific rubs.
- Jack Daniel’s: Bourbon-inspired flavours make these a top choice for many hardcore meat enthusiasts.
- Fergolicious BBQ Rub: A mouthwatering meat miracle.
- Eat Barbeque: Developed by national BBQ champions, these versatile rubs are sure to be a winner on everything.
- Three Little Pigs Rubs : A flavour boost for just about anything you want to add flavour to! Possibly Australia's favourite rub.
Where to Buy the Best BBQ Rubs in Australia
Finding the right BBQ rubs in Australia is easier than ever. At Hark BBQ we offer a wide selection of tasty and unique BBQ rubs from top brands. Our flavorful and filler-free rubs are a must-try for passionate pitmasters seeking to improve their grilling game!
You can buy our BBQ rubs here.
Shop The Best BBQ Rubs at Hark BBQ
BBQ rubs are a quick and easy way to ensure melt-in-your-mouth crunch every time you BBQ! We stock classic flavours and innovative blends that are designed to enhance the natural taste of your meats without being overpowering. Shop our range at HARK BBQ today and wow friends and family next time you don the apron and tongs.
