The Recipes

Barbecue Rub Recipe

Best With: Bone-in chicken pieces, strip steak, and baby-back ribs.

Cajun Rub Recipe

Best With: Chicken wings, London broil, pork tenderloin, pork chops, shrimp, and salmon.

Mediterranean Herb Rub Recipe

Best With: Boneless chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, skirt steak, lamb chops, shrimp, and striped bass.

To Grill with Rubs

For all the recipes listed here, combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Coat 2 pounds of poultry, meat, or seafood with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with the rub, pressing gently to help it adhere to the food. Cook on a lightly oiled grill to the desired doneness. (For cooking times, see Grilling Guidelines)

Tips

To intensify a rub’s effect, apply it to food several hours before cooking. Refrigerate the food, covered, until ready to cook.

Since rubs keep well and are easy to make (most call for ingredients you probably have in your pantry), they’re worth mixing up in double or triple batches to have on hand for last-minute meals. Stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place, a rub will remain fresh for up to 1 month.