I LIKE BIG RUBS AN' I CANNOT LIE
Terrible pun but an ever growing selection of fantastic rubs
Rubs, however simple or complex, are crucial in developing flavoursome meat. This ever growing list is intended to give all aspiring UK pitmasters, even seasoned ones, a guide to some fantastic rubs, their designed meat applicatio and an indicative flavour profile so you can find the right rub for you. Whilst I dabble between sweet and spicy for wings and rubs, my brisket coatings tend to be a mix of a classic salt & pepper base, with a flirting of either Holy Gospel or Dirty Cow.
SALT & PEPPER - ALL PURPOSE RUB
You only needs a few best friends - the same can be said for BBQ. Stock up on quality kosher salt and coarse ground pepper. Apply an even ratio for your classic brisket experience or a cheeky peppery 2:1 upgrade to make your beef ribs POP. Don't be afraid to bend the rules and add a little something extra. Most establishment do so why don't you?! In the words of Tina - simply the best.
MEAT CHURCH HOLY COW - BRISKET
Salt, spice and all things nice - this BBQ rub screams Texas. Whilst it most certainly plays on the tradtional S&P scheme, it is rather traditional with a hint of garlic. But why attempt to replicate this rub when you can simply pay over the odds for it (blame Brexit) and have it delivered next day? Verdict - the lazy wo/man's option for a reliable authentic taste of Texas. Yeehaw!
A&O HOT & HOSTILE - WINGS/CREAM CHEESE
A&O bringing the HEAT with this one. Tangy, fruity yet pretty darn hot with a banging kick up the a$$. Fiery heat generated from a combo of rich jalapeno and rich roasted habanero peppers. Pairs well with chicken wings and smoked cream cheese - you gotta give this one a crack. FIRE IN THE HOLE!
THE RIB MAN HOLY F*CK RIB RUB - RIBS
The multi-award winning Mark Gevaux completes his lineup of freakin' hot sauces with the Holy F*ck rub. Actually not horrifically hot (unliked Judas is Scarily HOT!) but gives a beautifully balanced paprika profile. Grab it whilst you can as stock is super limited and goes FAST!
MEAT CHURCH HOLY GOSPEL - ALL PURPOSE
A mashup of two Meat Church classics; Holy Cow and All Purpose Gospel rub. This has a more balanced peppery approach between the two Meat Church stalwarts. Meat Church CEO Matt Pittman recommends blending Holy Gospel with Holy Cow (*applauds great marketing scheme) however you could cheat and simply add an undercoat of pepper to accentuate the profile further.
SYLVIA'S RIB RUB 'N MORE - RIBS
Now you cannot visit NYC without frequenting Sylvia's. This long running establishment is the epicentre of Soul food in the heart of Harlem, specialising in fall-off-the-bone ribs. Truly legendary. Heavy on paprika and garlic, this really does pay homage to traditional Afro-American heritage. A quirky yet delicious addition to any BBQ platter. Hard to source locally so load up in the US whilst you can.
A&O IRON BBQ - WINGS
Irn Bru, the national drink of Scotland (sorry Buckfast lovers), forms the base of this wonderful almost-effervescent rub. Layers of fizzy sweetness, coupled with a classic honey chipotle profile, lends itself especially well to both chicken and pork. Once fully cooked, a neon orange glaze engulfs your chosen meat to deliver a high octane electrifying rub. Use boldy on chicken wings. Taps-Aff!
A&O SWEET BONES & BUTTS - PULLED PORK
Researched and perfected over the best part of a year, Sweet Bones & Butts is drowning in sweet Maple flavour accentuated by the addition of the finest Javanese dark sugars. The result; a rich caramelised taste which will transport you back to your childhood. A formidable force for pulled pork and my favourite 'sweeter' rub. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
A&O PIGASUS - PULED PORK
Pigasus instantly delivers an intensely rich, candied bacon flavour which immediately engulfs the palate. This is swiftly followed by a moreish spicy undertone provided by dried Jalapeño peppers. This sweet heat rub pairs beautifully with pulled pork . You can thank me later.
A&O DIRTY COW - BRISKET
.Now I HATE coffee (oh the irony - I'm italian) but this gift wasn't going to waste. It swiftly found itself on a brisket and the end result lived up to it's Crustal Distortion tagline.Thick, peppery, with a tinge of spicy that gently pricks the tongue. A beautifully original concept, but I still hate coffee.
A&O BUFFALO SOLDIER - WINGS
Marching into poultry warfare, Buffalo Soldier brings the heat. This is a classic buffalo sauc, packing a punch through a complex combination of paprika, shiitake and and pepper, softened with a buttery afterthought. Great as a standalone rub for dry ribs, but for next level heat, glaze with The Rib Man's award-winning Buffalo sauce. Pluck up the courage and give this whirl.
A&O JACK & COLA - RUBS
Jack Daniels and Coke is one of my favourite rib flavourings. Sticky, fruity and sweet with a delicate piquant hit, this rub makes for an utterly appetising rack of ribs. For ultimate flavour, pair with a JD and Coke reduction glaze for world championship quality ribs from your own backyard to rival the greats. A timeless BBQ classic - this is a must.