How Do iTest a Rub

[ncwolf]

Do you taste rub prior to use? Is there another way to test it?

This past weekend I made some good looking 3-2-1 ribs and a small Pork Butt, well my smoke was doomed from the start because I used a rub someone gave me that was way too salty. I have used rub from this person before and been very happy so I don't know what happened. Any suggestion welcome.

 

[shyzabrau]

I always taste the rub directly - just a pinch. 

You can do a fry test or grill test with a ground meat patty, a chicken thigh or a pork chop (sprinkle on the rub with about the same density as you would on the ribs). Takes a bit more time, but might be worth it rather than risk all that time and meat later...

I generally don't add salt to my rubs. I salt the meat first and then add the rub independently.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Definitely taste your rub. The cooked rub will be more mild but you gotta know what you are working with. I taste every herb and spice l cook with to gauge freshness and flavor intensity...JJ

 

[phatbac]

Yea i smell and taste everything before i use it too. I have always subscribed to the philosophy that if i don't like the taste of a rub or seasoning than i wont put it on my meat. When i experiment with my own rubs this is really important in case i went too far in one direction or another.

As far as pork butt goes i just use salt for that. and i don't go heavy on it either. just some kosher salt on the pork (for irony) overnight and it goes on the smoker.

For ribs lately i have been doing some commercial rubs because i haven't had the time or inclination to do my own. I use different ones from Butcher's BBQ line and i have been using some Weber rubs too.

this one is really good on pork ribs (here is some CSR's)

IMG_20170623_221448.jpg

• phatbac
• Jul 8, 2017

this is actually a steak seasoning tastes really good on beef ribs!

IMG_20170610_063544.jpg

• phatbac
• Jun 11, 2017

this one is awesome from Butcher's BBQ out of Oklahoma. 

bbrub.jpg

• phatbac
• May 15, 2017

Try different rubs and see what you like. as far as the Butcher's BBQ rubs they have  sampler pack of their entire line so you can try each flavor and then order in bigger sizes for what you like. The Weber ones are actually pretty cheap at the grocery store too.

Happy Smoking,

phatbac (Aaron)