A list of the best spice rubs for grilling, including recommendations for specific meats and vegetables.
Grilling is one of the most popular methods of cooking, especially during the summer months. One way to elevate the flavor of grilled meats and vegetables is by using spice rubs. These blends of herbs and spices add depth and complexity to dishes, taking them from ordinary to extraordinary.
In this post, we’ll share some of the top spice rubs for grilling, along with recommendations for specific meats and vegetables.
Great Homemade Spice Rubs For Grilling
Save money by putting your own homemade spice blends together. Here are a few easy-to-make blends to start with.
- Classic BBQ Rub: This is a must-have for any grilling enthusiast. A classic BBQ rub typically includes a mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. This rub works well on all types of meats, including chicken, beef, pork, and ribs.
- Jamaican Jerk Rub: If you’re looking for a spicy, flavorful rub, Jamaican jerk seasoning is a great option. This blend typically includes allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers. It pairs well with chicken, pork, and seafood.
- Moroccan Spice Rub: This is a blend of warming spices, including cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, and paprika. It works well with lamb, chicken, and vegetables, such as eggplant and zucchini.
- Herbes de Provence Rub: This French-inspired blend includes herbs like lavender, thyme, and rosemary, as well as garlic and black pepper. It works well on chicken, fish, and vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini.
- Southwest Spice Rub: This is a blend of spices that includes chili powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. It pairs well with chicken, beef, and vegetables like corn and bell peppers.
Step By Step Instructions For Using A Spice Rub
Here’s a table that outlines the basic steps for using a spice rub with different types of foods. Read the table from top to bottom for each food item.
| Steps | Beef | Chicken | Pork | Fish | Vegetables |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat dry the meat or vegetables with a paper towel. | Pat dry the chicken with a paper towel. | Pat dry the pork with a paper towel. | Pat dry the fish with a paper towel. | Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces or slices. |
| 2 | Generously rub the spice mixture onto the beef, covering all sides. | Generously rub the spice mixture onto the chicken, covering all sides. | Generously rub the spice mixture onto the pork, covering all sides. | Generously rub the spice mixture onto the fish, covering all sides. | Drizzle the vegetables with oil and sprinkle the spice mixture over them, tossing to coat evenly. |
| 3 | Let the beef sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. | Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. | Let the pork sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. | Let the fish sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. | Let the vegetables sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. |
| 4 | Grill the beef over high heat, flipping once, until desired doneness is achieved. | Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, flipping once, until cooked through. | Grill the pork over medium-high heat, flipping once, until cooked through. | Grill the fish over medium heat, flipping once, until cooked through. | Grill the vegetables over medium-high heat, tossing occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred. |
| 5 | Let the beef rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. | Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. | Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. | Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving. | Serve the vegetables as a side dish or use as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. |
Final thoughts
When using a spice rub, it’s important to remember to coat your meats or vegetables generously with the rub and let it sit for at least an hour (or overnight) in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, grill over indirect heat to prevent the rub from burning.
Spice rubs are an easy and delicious way to add flavor to your grilled dishes. Whether you prefer a classic BBQ rub or something more exotic like Jamaican jerk seasoning or Moroccan spice rub, there are countless options to choose from.
So, fire up your grill and get ready to take your next barbecue to the next level!