The Best Redrub Recipe for Grilled, Roasted & Smoked Meats
Nothing elevates your barbecue game quite like a perfectly crafted red rub. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a versatile red rub recipe that adds incredible depth and flavor to any meat.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your BBQ journey, this foolproof recipe and technique will help you achieve restaurant-quality results.
What is redrub?
Red rub is a spice rub made by combining dried herbs and spices. It is applied to the surface of meat before or after cooking. No matter the recipe, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin are usually included in a redrub’s ingredients list.
You can flavor a piece of meat or fish by redrub-ing it. The use of rubs is not limited to BBQ cooking, despite the fact that it is very common.
You can use it whenever you want to add flavor but don’t have time to marinate for several hours, though letting the food marinate for several hours in the refrigerator is also fantastic.
To have on hand whenever you want to grill or cook, it’s a good idea to make a large batch of your favorite redrub. It works well with chicken, beef, or even fish, like swordfish, tuna, or salmon.
Essential Equipment:
- Mixing bowl (medium size)
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container
- Small whisk or spoon
- Glass jar for storage
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
Classic Red Rub Recipe Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Ingredient Selection and Preparation:
Start with fresh, high-quality spices. Check expiration dates and replace any stale ingredients. Break up any clumps in the brown sugar using your fingers.
Mixing Process:
Combine all ingredients in your mixing bowl. Use the whisk to thoroughly blend the spices, ensuring even distribution. Pay special attention to breaking up any remaining clumps.
Texture Refinement Optional:
Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to achieve an ultra-smooth consistency. This step helps the rub adhere better to your meat.
Storage:
Transfer your red rub to an airtight container or glass jar. For up to three months, it can be store in a cold, dark location.
How do you Use a Dry Rub?
In a large bowl, stir together the tablespoons of cumin, paprika, granulated garlic, granulated onion, chili powder, brown sugar, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
Spread the combined dry rub in a big bowl or a baking sheet with a rim, depending on what kind of meat you’re using. Add the meat, liberally coat it with the dry rub, and then rub it in.
Keep in a freezer-safe plastic bag or store in an airtight container. Additionally, it can be kept for up to six months in a refrigerator or cool location in an airtight jar.
A dry rub is made up of sugar, herbs, and spices. It is essentially a mixture of dry ingredients and spice ingredients for coating and flavoring meat. It is a great way to give meat a ton of flavor.
How do you Use a Wet Rub?
A wet rub is comparable to a dry rub but also contains a liquid component. Mix all of your spices together in a bowl. Make a paste by combining some oil, vinegar, beer, juice, and/or other flavoring liquids. Apply the paste to the meat and/or toss everything in a bowl or zip-top bag to evenly coat.
Application Tips:
- Always apply the rub generously, creating an even coating
- Use paper towel to dab your meat dry before applying the rub
- Apply 1-2 hours before cooking for better flavor penetration
- For extra adhesion, brush meat with a light coating of mustard first
- For every pound of meat, use about 1 tablespoon of rub.
Customization Options:
Different meats call for subtle variations in your red rub recipe. Here are some adaptations:
For Pork:
- Increase brown sugar to 3 tablespoons
- Add 1 teaspoon ground coriander
For Beef:
- Reduce brown sugar to 1 tablespoon
- Add 1 tablespoon coffee grounds
- Increase black pepper to 2 tablespoons
For Poultry:
- Reduce cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon
- Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Increase garlic powder to 3 tablespoons
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Rub Not Sticking:
Ensure meat is pat dry and consider using the mustard technique mentioned above.
Too Spicy:
Reduce cayenne pepper by half or omit entirely. Increase brown sugar slightly to balance heat.
Too Sweet:
Reduce brown sugar and increase savory elements like garlic and onion powder.
Clumping:
Store with a few grains of rice to absorb moisture, or use a food processor to break up clumps.
Success Tips:
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Temperature Matters
Apply redrub at room temperature for better adhesion.
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Layering Technique
Apply in layers, pressing gently between each application for better coverage.
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Rest Period
Allow the rubbed meat to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking.
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Storage
Keep your rub in an airtight container away from heat and direct sunlight.
How do you make BBQ sauce from scratch?
You will primarily need ketchup, prepared yellow mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot sauce to make your barbecue sauce recipe. Unlike other recipes, this one doesn’t require vinegars at all.
Simply combine the above mentioned ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to dissolve the sugar. You can now use your barbecue sauce.Instead of brown sugar, you can substitute with honey or molasses; Dijon mustard can be used in place of regular yellow mustard; and some of the ketchup can be replaced with tomato sauce.
Then, to deepen it even more, add additional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or all of the aforementioned! Finally, you can optionally add more spices, such as cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper, to make it more complex. There are indeed endless options.
Recipe Video: How to Make Red Rub
Video Title: How to make Redrub
Learn how to make redrub. This is a video on how to prepare your redrub.
FAQs
How long does homemade red rub last?
When stored properly in an airtight container away from heat and light, homemade red rub can last up to 3 months while maintaining optimal flavor.
Can I make red rub without brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or omit it entirely for a sugar-free version. Adjust other seasonings to compensate for the lost sweetness.
What’s the difference between red rub and regular BBQ rub?
Red rub specifically uses paprika as its base, giving it the characteristic red color and smoky flavor, while regular BBQ rubs might use various base spices.
How much red rub should I use per pound of meat?
Generally, use 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of meat. Adjust according to personal preference and meat type.
Can I use red rub on vegetables?
Absolutely! Red rub works great on grilled vegetables, especially corn, bell peppers, and potatoes. Use about 1-2 teaspoons per cup of vegetables.
Should I apply oil before the red rub?
While not necessary, a light coating of oil can help the rub adhere better. However, many prefer the mustard method for better adhesion.
Can I make my red rub less spicy?
Yes, reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper and black pepper. You can also increase the paprika and brown sugar for a milder flavor profile.
Conclusion…
Mastering this red rub recipe opens up endless possibilities for your BBQ adventures. The key to success lies in understanding the balance of flavors and proper application techniques.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this red rub will become a staple in your culinary arsenal. Remember to store your rub properly and adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
With practice and attention to detail, you’ll becreating professional-quality BBQ that will impress family and friends alike. Store your red rub creation in a cool, dry place, and it will be ready to transform your next BBQ masterpiece.