Grilling

All About Rubs

Looking for something new to jazz up your next barbecue dinner? Learn all about rubs and how they can improve the flavour of food.

How to Use Rubs

Rubs are seasoning mixtures applied to foods to flavour them before grilling. They provide a stronger flavour than marinades because they stick to the surface of the food. Rubs can be either dry or wet.

 
To Keep in Mind: 

 

  • Most rubs should sit on a cut of meat for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the flavours to go into the meat. 
  • Rubs containing sugar should only be used when cooking at lower temperatures as the sugar can easily burn. 
 

About Dry Rubs: Dry rubs are mixtures of fresh or dried herbs and ground spices, often with salt, pepper, and sugar. Dry rubs often create a crust on the outer surface of the meat.  

About Wet Rubs:  Wet rubs are paste-like in consistency. They include ingredients like oil, vinegar, yogurt, or mustard in addition to herbs and spices. The extra moisture helps the rub stick to the meat and helps prevent the meat from drying out.    

 

Although some rubs are best with certain cuts of meat, others can be used for almost anything. Once you've tried a rub once, you can try it with any other cut of meat you think will work. 

  • Rubs for Beef
    • Easy
      Chipotle Rubbed Beef with Lemon Parsley Mayo

      Give your roast beef a kick by rubbing it with a spicy blend of chipotle, garlic, tomato paste and herbs. The fresh taste of our Lemon Parsley Mayo balances the heat of the chipotle rub.

    • Easy
      STEAK AND RIB RUB

      Dry rubs are mixtures of fresh or dried herbs and ground spices. Try this unique aromatic dry rub containing chili powder, cinnamon, and ground cardamom on your next steak or rib dinner.

    • Medium
      Southern Spiced Flank Steak

      You can make the spicy rub for this flank steak up to a week in advance, provided you keep it stored in the refrigerator. Once cooked, be sure to slice the steak before serving thinly.

  • Rubs for Pork
    • Medium
      CHERMOULA RUBBED PORK LOIN

      Chermoula is a herby marinade used in Moroccan, Tunisian, and Algerian cuisine. It’s similar to pesto or chimichurri and includes flavours of cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes. 

    • Medium
      WILD ROSE COUNTRY RIBS

      Nothing says Albertan BBQ more than these delicious ribs. These sweet and savoury ribs are mouth-watering and sure to please!

    • Easy
      DRY RUBBED ROASTED PORK LOIN

      A little sweet with a touch of spice, this dry rub is the perfect combination on this roasted pork loin and will definitely have your guests asking for more.

  • Rubs for Poultry
    • Easy
      CITRUS CAJUN RUBBED CHICKEN BREASTS

      A rub made of grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange peel and Cajun seasoning gives these grilled chicken breasts a huge burst of flavour.

    • Medium
      SPICE RUBBED ROAST DUCK

      This elegant Asian-inspired roast duck is flavoured with Chinese five-spice powder and dried juniper berries. Serve this special occasion entrée with our sweet Ginger Hoisin Sauce.

    • Easy
      SWEET AND SPICY-RUBBED WINGS

      Our fantastic dry rub adds heat and flavour to these chicken wings. Grill these up as an appetizer, snack for the big game or as the main event.

Try one of our flavour-packed rubs:

  • Easy
    Thai Rub
  • Easy
    Minted Moroccan Wet Rub
  • Easy
    Summer Herb Rub