oscarcooper•25d agoProlific Poster

Debate: did I waste $80 on a fancy rub or is my cheap store brand just as good?

I spent $80 on a small batch rub from a pitmaster in Texas and honestly can't tell if it's better than my $4 bottle from the grocery store, has anyone else dropped serious cash on a spice blend and regretted it?

2 comments

2 Comments

patricia90524d ago

I used to be one of those "all rubs are just salt and paprika" people until I tried a $50 rub from a guy in Kansas City on some ribs last summer. I was totally wrong, the depth of flavor was just different, like it had layers that my cheap stuff just can't hit. Now I still keep the grocery store blend for everyday burgers and chicken but for special cooks I definitely feel like the fancy one is worth it.

the_rose23d ago

Dust some of that fancy rub on the meat the night before and let it sit in the fridge uncovered. The salt pulls into the meat and the spices stay on the surface, gives you way more depth than just slapping it on right before the cook. For ribs I like putting it on a good four hours before they hit the smoker. That extra time is what makes the difference between just salty bark and actual layers of flavor.