Easy Rubs for Barbeque

A rub is a blend of seasonings that is ‘rubbed’ onto the surface of meat before it is cooked. Using a rub is an easy way to dress up beef steaks and burgers with all kinds of seasoning combinations. Seasoning can be fresh or dried or a mixture. Sometimes a small amount of oil is added to the seasonings to make a paste-type rub.

A rub adds flavor only; it does not help tenderize less tender beef cuts.

Simply cover the outside surface of the meat with the seasoning blend prior to grilling. Rubs can be applied just before grilling or, for convenience, a few hours in advance.  Just be certain to keep the beef refrigerated until grilling time. Flavors usually become more pronounced the longer the seasoning mixture is on the beef.

There is really no need for a recipe, as such, though we’ve included some in this information. You may use Italian seasoning, Mexican seasoning, or Cajun, as they are already mixed spices.  Experiment and try your combination. Suggestions follow below.

• Citrus:  combine grated lemon, orange or lime      peel or a combination of these citrus flavors with minced garlic and cracked black pepper.
• Pepper-garlic:  combine garlic powder, cracked black pepper and cayenne pepper
• Italian:  combine fresh or dried oregano, basil and rosemary with minced Italian parsley and garlic.
• Herb:  combine fresh or dried marjoram, thyme and basil.

RECIPES:

Lemon-Rosemary Rub

• 1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
• 1 tsp. rosemary leaves, crushed
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves
• 1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
• 2 large cloves garlic, crushed

Makes enough for 2 pounds beef

Southwestern Rub

• 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin

Shake together.  Makes enough to season 2 pounds of beef

Pepper-Herb Mix

• 2 Tbsp. dried basil leaves
• 1 Tbsp. lemon pepper
• 1 Tbsp. onion powder
• 1 Tbsp. dried savory leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp. rubbed sage

Shake to blend.   Makes 1/3 cup

Spicy Seasoning Mix

• 3 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. ground coriander
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves
• 1/2 tap. ground red pepper

Shake.  Makes 1/3 cup

Easy Greek-Style Rub

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients in small bowl.  Makes about 2 tablespoons

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

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