Does Applying Rub Day Before Help?

[david peel]

Wife mixed up Jeff's rub and thinks it's better to go on and apply it the day before. Does this accomplish anything other than keep her happy?


Also, I read that unless you soak your wood chunks for several days that it really doesn't make them last longer. I'm soaking my Hickory Chunks and they will have been under water for a couple of days by tomorrow morning when I start on my brisket. How much longer does that make?

 

[herkysprings]

I apply rub the night before, with a bit extra right before the smoke.

It cant hurt overnight, but extended periods of time, and the salt might draw out too much moisture from the meat. Plus its nice to do it the night before and have that mess out of the way.

 

[brutalgrandpa]

It is one of those questions that you will never know unless you try it yourself and see. I have tried it both ways. For larger amounts of meat (size wise) like pork butts, I see no difference at all. For steaks, I see a difference by allowing the rub to marinate the meat. However, I think the difference in flavor isn't even worth worrying about.

 

[indyadmin1974]

In my experience it makes no difference.

It is nice to have it done the night before though.

The only way to try is to try it both ways (great excuse to do more smoked meat!) and compare.

 

[macbillybob]

I like to rub and sit overnight but I cut down on the salt in the rub. I think it makes the meat saltier when it sits overnight. The last Chuckie I did I rubbed and let it sit for a couple of hours to come to room temperature. It was great. The villagers came knocking at the door and wouldn't go away until they got a chunk.