11 best beef rubs

Beef rubs are spice blends or mixtures of herbs and seasonings used to enhance the flavor of beef before cooking. They are a key component of many barbecue and grilling recipes, as well as a versatile ingredient for various cooking methods, such as roasting and pan-searing. Beef rubs can add complexity, depth, and a burst of flavor to your beef dishes. Here are some key aspects of beef rubs:

  1. Ingredients: Beef rubs typically consist of a combination of dry ingredients, which may include various herbs, spices, salt, pepper, sugar, and other flavor enhancers. Common ingredients in beef rubs include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and brown sugar.

  2. Flavor Profiles: Beef rubs can be customized to create different flavor profiles.For example, a classic barbecue rub might feature a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, while a spicy rub may incorporate cayenne pepper and chili powder for a fiery kick.

  3. Application: To use a beef rub, simply sprinkle it generously over the surface of the beef, ensuring that all sides are evenly coated. You can apply the rub just before cooking or let it sit on the meat for some time (usually at least 15-30 minutes or longer) to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

  4. Versatility: Beef rubs are not limited to just beef; they can also be used on other meats, such as pork, chicken, and even fish. Some rubs are designed specifically for certain types of meat, while others are more versatile and can be used across different proteins.

  5. Cooking Methods: Beef rubs are commonly used for grilling, smoking, and barbecuing, but they can also be applied when roasting or pan-searing beef. The high heat of these cooking methods helps the rub's flavors meld with the meat.

  6. Homemade vs. Store-Bought: You can either purchase pre-made beef rubs from grocery stores or online retailers, or you can create your own custom rubs at home by blending your preferred spices and seasonings. Making your own rub allows for complete control over the flavor profile.

  7. Storage: Store both homemade and store-bought beef rubs in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness and potency.

  8. Experimentation: There is no one-size-fits-all rub for beef, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the flavor profile that suits your taste preferences. You can also adjust the amount of rub you use depending on your desired level of seasoning.

In summary, beef rubs are a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire, allowing you to elevate the taste of your beef dishes and customize them to your liking. Whether you buy them ready-made or craft your own, beef rubs are a valuable tool in the kitchen for enhancing the flavor of your favorite cuts of beef.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best beef rubs on the market
  

Traeger Grills SPC169 Beef Rub with Molasses and Chili Pepper

Traeger

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Traeger Beef Rub is the perfect way to elevate your beef cuts, from steak to brisket, with sweet flavor, balanced with a kick of chili pepper. This rub is Kosher as well as gluten and GMO free and pairs perfectly with Traeger Sweet & Heat sauce.

  • Great Tasting Cooking Seasoning: Featuring sweet molasses and brown sugar flavors with a slight kick of chili pepper
  • Compatible Meat/Proteins: The perfect BBQ rub to complement your beef cut of choice
  • Easy Storage: Each rub comes in a stackable aluminum tin container
  • Kosher, gluten free, and GMO free
  • Made in USA

User questions & answers

Question: The picture shows pork and poultry rub but the title on the page says prime rib seasoning and bbq rub, which 1 is it or are they the same thing
Answer: No they're not the same thing the picture shows the rub that's good for pork and poultry
Question: Can i buy just the empty tins
Answer: Doubt it, but but you pay the shipping and you can have my empties ;>)
Question: Is this good for a turkey
Answer: We put it on our turkey last year and it came out amazing. The whole family loved the taste.
Question: What are the ingredients
Answer: Cane sugar, Salt, Paprika, Dehydrated Apple, Onion, Spices, Maltodextrin, Corn Starch, Chili Pepper, Honey and Paprika Extract.

Product features

Taste

Premium ingredients mean premium taste. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, to a kick of heat, our line of rubs has a little something for everyone.

Pairing

Our rubs are each designed to pair perfectly not only with proteins and veggies, but with Traeger sauces and pellet flavors as well, for a complete, flavorful meal from start to finish.

Application

Sprinkle it on lightly or give your protein a proper rubdown to fuse the spices together and add big Traeger flavor to whatever hits the bbq.

Jack Daniel's 01761 Beef Original Quality Rub, 9 oz

Jack Daniel's

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Jack Daniel’s has always had respect for charcoal. After all, that’s what makes our whiskey so special. We have used charcoal to give our whiskey its signature flavor since our founding in 1866. Our whiskeys flow drop by drop down 10-foot sections of charred sugar maple, coursing through the black, cracked wood into charred barrels that we make by hand. With such a high regard for charcoal, it makes sense we pride ourselves in what is cooked over it. Just like our charcoal-mellowed whiskey, our rubs have their own unique flavor. Our strong, rich beef rub is crafted with a subtle sweetness of brown sugar and spices like paprika, garlic, and chili peppers to give you a unique, bold flavor on beef products. You can use this spicy and sweet rub to season anything from brisket to rib-eyes and everything in between. Our special blend of seasonings adds a kick of flavor to beef or any other cut of meat you feel like smoking. Wow your friends and family with your culinary skills.

  • Developed for smoking brisket, Jack Daniel’s Beef Rub creates a coat of goodness that makes the mouth water and works great on any cut of beef
  • Beef rub that adds a strong, rich flavoring to smoked brisket, tri-tips, or any other beef product
  • Best used to season cuts of meat before smoking or grilling
  • Gluten Free
  • No MSG

User questions & answers

Question: Is the steak seasoning the same as steak and burger seasoning
Answer: Great seasoning!!
Question: Is this a 3-pack of the seasoning? The total price is listed as "$19.50 ($6.50 /container)" but I don't see it listed as 3-pack anywhere else
Answer: Be careful with this. I ordered the Chicken rub version of this that stated it was a 3 pack and only received 1, I contacted Amazon and they were going to resend and again I only received 1. I no longer purchase this from Amazon, I go elsewhere.
Question: Is this a 3 pack. It says 3.66 per container
Answer: April 7, 2017 -- I just received this Western Pork Rub via AmazonFresh delivery. It is 3 jars (3 jars labeled as sold as set of 3) for $6.74. Pretty good deal. I haven't used it yet but even if it needs tweaking still a great deal.
Question: how many beef ruds do youget for
Answer: I'm a Little Confused as You are depicting Pork Rub and Asking about Beef Rubs? I think the 11.5 Oz Jar will season 20-30 Lbs or More of the Meat it was intended for! I usually Dry Brine first with Kosher Salt, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder, Put it in a ZipLock Bag and Refrigerate for 24 or More Hrs! Then Put the Rub on 5-6 Hrs before Smokingfatties! Dan Johnston, Fargo ND

Traeger Grills SPC178 Blackened Saskatchewan Dry Rub

Traeger

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Traeger Saskatchewan Rub is packed with garlic & Traeger Signature Spices making it amplify just about any protein you use it on, from beef & poultry, to fish. This rub is kosher as well as gluten & GMO free.

  • Great Tasting Cooking Seasoning: Features Traeger's signature spice blend and a hint of garlic
  • Compatible Meat/Proteins: The perfect BBQ rub to complement your beef, poultry, pork or veggies
  • Easy Storage: Rub comes in a stackable aluminum tin container
  • Kosher, gluten free, and GMO free
  • Made in USA

User questions & answers

Question: Why is ammonium bisulfite added to Saskatchewan rub
Answer: Flavor
Question: Will it work as well on the pan steaks
Answer: Yes it will. You need to taste it first to see if you like it. I used it and it made for some very good sirloin steak.
Question: We used to love the chicken rub but then i swear there was a change made in it. now it is too spicy for my daughter & i !! am i right about a change
Answer: I agree that the pork and poultry rub has changed. It is much spicier than in the past and in my opinion not as flavorful and good.
Question: Is it a black color
Answer: Yes, this is one of our darker rubs that actually looks more like a charcoal grey but is pretty close to black.
Question: Is this used for their wings
Answer: I have never had their wings, but it is very close to what they use on the Renegade steak. It is called Prairie Dust. We use it in all our meats and some vegetables.
Question: bottles for
Answer: Yes. I placed the orderord and received 3 containers as pictured.
Question: Steaks are so good at long horn in destin florida i wanted the recipe for the seasoning what is it
Answer: This is the seasoning they use. I use it on everything. Love it.
Question: is this gluten free? (Says "spices
Answer: No Glutens were harmed in the production of this seasoning..

Product features

Taste

Premium ingredients mean premium taste. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, to a kick of heat, our line of rubs has a little something for everyone.

Pairing

Our rubs are each designed to pair perfectly not only with proteins and veggies, but with Traeger sauces and pellet flavors as well, for a complete, flavorful meal from start to finish.

Application

Sprinkle it on lightly or give your protein a proper rubdown to fuse the spices together and add big Traeger flavor to whatever hits the bbq.

Killer Hogs BBQ TX Brisket Rub | Championship BBQ and Grill Seasoning for Texas Brisket | Great on Brisket, Ribs, Steaks, or Turkey | 16 oz

Based on 802 reviews Check latest price
  • CHAMPIONSHIP BRISKET RUB - This rub is how you do Brisket, period. Developed and used by our award winning Killer Hogs Championship BBQ team, this rub makes you a brisket master.
  • HIGHEST RATED SAUCE - We've been making this sauce for over 10 years, shipping tens of thousands across the United States, and satisfying professional pitmasters, amateurs, backyard BBQ enthusiasts, chefs, and everyone in between
  • DESIGNED FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS - We developed this Texas Brisket Rub so you don't have to worry about seasoning your brisket. The Texas Brisket Rub provides a consistent and delicious flavor you can count on time and time again
  • NO RISK AND NO HASSLE - For almost a decade, we have been delighting customers. If you are not satisfied with your purchase of any Killer Hogs product, please contact us and we'll gladly refund your money. That's it - no questions, no hassle, no risk.
  • MADE IN THE USA - We pride ourselves in manufacturing all our products in the USA using the highest quality ingredients

User questions & answers

Question: Is this rub from texas or is it a poser and just use the texas name
Answer: To the original person that asked this question... If you know anything about brisket, you'd know there are several different styles of brisket; one of the most popular is Texas style, which is done by using a rub that's primary salt and pepper base. This is why it's called TX brisket rub.
Question: When using this rub do you normally rub and let the brisket sit in the fridge overnight before smoking
Answer: No. Cover the brisket with plain mustard and then rub the brisket ALL over (even sides) with the rub. It’s best to trim the fat off and load the brisket into the smoker after the brisket has reached room temperature (or close to it). You don’t want the brisket to be super cold when I place it in the smoker.
Question: Does this have MSG in it
Answer: There is no MSG in this rub, it is pretty straightforward, all the things that are great about a Texas Brisket Rub, simple ingredients, big flavor.
Question: Is calcium silicate required for these rubs? Only reason I didn’t pull the trigger on the buy
Answer: It’s not required but those rubs that do not contain them have a tendency to harden and begin to cake up. This is present to prevent caking of the bottle of rub.

SuckleBusters 1836 Beef BBQ Rub

SuckleBusters

Based on 124 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This BBQ Rub is loaded with traditional flavors used on beef. It is a salt, pepper and garlic blend with loads of half and quarter-cracked black pepper. Texas is known for it's beef BBQ and this is a very traditional flavored BBQ Rub. It is perfect for brisket and is awesome on steak. Its great on just about any meat, but really shines on beef. If you are looking for a prime rib seasoning - this is it! 1836 Beef Rub is named in honor of Texas becoming an independent state in 1836. That is also the same time our family came to settle in Texas. Our recipes are deep-rooted in Texas, this rub pays tribute to everything Texas and Premium BBQ . All Natural, No MSG, Gluten Free. Enjoy!

  • Cracked black pepper Texas Style BBQ rub

Rub with Love, Smoky Barbecue Rub 3.5oz (Pack of 2)

Rub with Love

Based on 43 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: How many carbs per bag/ serving? The picture with the nutrition facts isn’t clear
Answer: GOD THESE ARE CHICKEN SKIN CRACKLINGS DUDES!! THESE ARE NOT FOR YOUR DIETING DAYS - EAT THESE ONLY WHEN SPLURGING OR PARTYING I SAY.

Heath Riles BBQ Beef Rub Seasoning, Champion Pitmaster Recipe, Shaker Spice Mix, 16 oz.

Heath Riles BBQ

Based on 91 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: Is the beef rub supposed to be spicy
Answer: It has some cayenne pepper, but I can say this you can saturate the meat and it wont burn ones mouth from the heat from the rub. His rubs are excellent. If you seek a more spicy rub, try this with Heath Riles jalepeno garlic rub.
Question: Can I get an ingredient list
Answer: The label says: Salt, Spices, Dehydrated Garlic,Natural Flavors, Oleoresin Paprika, and less than 2% Tricalcium Phosphate (to prevent caking)

Product features

Join the #HeathRilesBBQ Crew!

Over 65 Grand Championships and counting with multiple perfect score category awards in MBN & KCBS.

  • 4X Memphis BBQ Network Overall Team of the Year
  • 3X Memphis BBQ Network Whole Hog Team of the Year
  • 4X Memphis BBQ Network Pork Team of the Year
  • 6X Memphis BBQ Network Rib Team of the Year

Ribs

Looking to flavor up your ribs and impress the company?

Chicken

Ready to taste a new kind of chicken flavor?

Pork-chops

Tired of boring pork-chops?

Brisket

Looking to turn boring brisket into something special?

Happy Bellies Make Us Happy

Here are just a few of the highlights in Heath’s career that have occurred in the most recent years:

  • Featured on “Alan Richmond’s Fandemonium” broadcast on the Travel Channel
  • Featured on a Food Network’s episode of “The Shed”, Named Whole Hog Team of the Year for the Memphis BBQ Network
  • Named Memphis BBQ Network Team of the Year as a result of sweeping all three categories (Whole Hog, Shoulder, Ribs) and having won nine out of the fifteen Memphis BBQ Network contests in which he competed. Add to this the fact that Heath and his team, finished 3rd overall in the BBQ Division of the World Food Championships in Las Vegas.
  • Established that he had not only mastered the competition style in the Memphis BBQ Network, but also the unique style practiced in the Kansas City BBQ Society competitions. Heath won twelve Grand Championships out of the thirteen Memphis BBQ Network contests they competed in, and also racked up five perfect “180” scores in Kansas City BBQ Society contests.
  • In July, Heath established a first for any team in the entire country – they won “Grand Champion” in Memphis BBQ Network style and Reserve Champion in the Kansas City BBQ Society style at the major competition held in Galax, Virginia.
  • As if competing in competitions sponsored the two principal barbecue sanctioning bodies wasn’t enough, Heath launched another facet of his career by competing in events sponsored by the Steak Cook-off Association (SCA). In short order he became one of the top competitors in the organization.
  • On a more personal side, the various sauces, rubs and other products Heath had developed were among the top winners in the Awards of Excellence Competition.
  • Entering 2016, Heath decided that he would focus on the Shoulder and Rib categories in the contests in which he competed. Heath went on to be Memphis BBQ Network Team of the Year once again, along with being Pork and Rib Team of the Year with nine Grand Championship wins in Memphis BBQ Network competitions and two Grand Championship wins in Kansas City BBQ Society competitions.
  • In April, Heath became the only team in the country to win both Grand Championships on the same day at a dual Memphis BBQ Network and Kansas City BBQ Society contest held in Southaven, Mississippi. In November, Heath became only the second person from outside the State of Georgia to ever win the Grand Championship at the Big Pig Jig in Vienna, Georgia.
  • In the very next week, Heath competed in the World Food Championship held in Orange Beach, Alabama, and once again made the final table in BBQ Division by placing in the top ten overall.
  • Heath once again took home the title of Memphis BBQ Network Team of the Year along with being named Pork and Rib Team of the Year.
  • An impressive nine Grand Championships in Memphis BBQ Network and another six Grand Championships in Kansas City BBQ Society were won … a total of fifteen Grand Championships in all! Another perfect score of “180” was achieved in the Brisket Division at the Kansas City BBQ Society “World Championship Jack Daniels BBQ Contest.”
  • Heath decided that the “next step” in his career path was in order. He transitioned from the Victory Lane BBQ team to Heath Riles BBQ. His products will continue to constitute a national brand bearing his name, something that had always been his dream. As the year unfolds, Heath is off and running to achieve even greater success.
  • A list of Heath’s accomplishments would be lacking if it did include the fact that Heath does so much to help others grow their careers in the industry. Heath routinely teaches> and performs cooking demonstrations across the country helping so many others develop their skills and in doing so helping to ensure that the quality of cooking in the industry remains top notch.

John Henry's Texas Brisket Rub 11 0z.

John Henry's

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is John Henry's award winning brisket rub. It is very popular for any cut of beef and is exceptionally flavorful. It is designed to hold the juices in while penetrating the beef and spreading flavor throughout the brisket or tri-tip. Use this rub for award-winning brisket! 11 0z.

  • PERFECT DRY RUB FOR BRISKET - Designed to hold juices while penetrating the beef and spreading smoky flavor throughout the brisket or tri-tip
  • ALL PURPOSE BARBEQUE RUB - Flavorful balanced blend of sugar, salt, and spices; Gluten Free with no MSG
  • PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR GRILLING - Use before or after smoking meats; also great on chicken, pork, steak, ribs, and even fish!
  • AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN FLAVOR - Award Winning, Certified Go Texan Product by the Texas Department of Agriculture
  • JOHN HENRY’S - Providing World-Class Quality Spices and Seasonings for Generations... Have a Spice Day!

User questions & answers

Question: Is the pecan rub gluten free and made in a facility that does not process wheat? Thank you
Answer: No, there are no wheat products listed, but there is a good amount of sugar. The ingredients listed in order on the container is a blend of: sugar, salt, brown sugar, spices, paprika, natural smoke flavor, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon oil and 1% sodium aluminosilicate added as an anti-caking agent. I use this as a rub on chicken and pork for grilling.
Question: What makes this product pecan? I don't see pecans listed in the ingredients
Answer: You can find a video. He makes the rub with the spices and then smokes the rub over pecan wood. So the pecan comes from the smoke when he smokes the rub before packaging.
Question: How much sugar is in this? Like grams or something. We have this and wanted to cook for my grandmother but she has to have low sugar. So is this high
Answer: Sugar is the number one ingredient and brown sugar is number three. Since ingredients are listed by amount in the product, that is a significant amount.
Question: In the about the product section it says no anti-caking, but in the ingredients it says sodium aluminosilicate added as an anti-caking. misleading
Answer: thank you for catching that - yes - there is 1% sodium aluminosilicate added as a anti-caking agent. Will make the correction to our listing.

Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub, 27.25 oz

Cattlemen's

Based on 457 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cattlemen’s Cowboy Rub is finely ground and delivers a bold balance of hickory smoke, molasses and coffee flavors in a ready-to-use dry or wet format that's ideal for low 'n slow cooking and perfect for blending with Cattlemen's BBQ sauce to create your own signature sauce. For more than 50 years, Cattlemen’s has set the standard for quality and performance with legendary taste and a formula built exclusively for foodservice professionals.

  • Cattlemen’s Cowboy Rub is made with a smoky, savory blend of premium ingredients including hickory smoke, molasses and coffee for next level robust flavor, optimal performance and flexibility
  • Kosher, non-GMO Project Verified with no MSG added
  • Cattlemen’s Cowboy Rub is a versatile blend with a finer grind that perfectly penetrates proteins, offering chefs an ideal solution for a variety of cooking methods including low ‘n slow
  • Built exclusively for food service, Cattlemen’s Rubs deliver back-of-house convenience with menu versatility, working well as stand-alone rubs or when creating signature sauces
  • Cattlemen’s Cowboy Rub is ready to use as a dry rub on brisket, chicken or beef and can be mixed with Cattlemen’s BBQ sauces for a thick, rich marinade

User questions & answers

Question: Gluten free
Answer: Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub does not contain gluten. Gluten and gluten products, when present, will always be declared on the product label by the common name of the gluten source such as “barley”, “wheat”, “rye”, “oats” or “triticale”. It is important that you read the ingredient statement on your package at the time of purchase to ensure accurate, up to date information, as product formulas may change. If any product has a Gluten-Free claim, the product and the manufacturing line has been validated Gluten-Free. McCormick takes the safety and quality of our products very seriously and you can be certain that we exercise the utmost care in the production and packaging of our products. Our employees are trained in the importance of correct labeling and the necessity of performing thorough equipment clean-up and change over procedures to minimize cross-contact of ingredients. ~ Erica
Question: Does this taste anything like the grill-mates cowboy rub? that is what i’m looking for
Answer: Yes it is similar

Product features

Southwestern Succotash

A decadent succotash of freshly grilled corn, poblano pepper and lima beans sauteed in butter with Cattlemen’s Smokehouse Rub and finished with fresh cherry tomatoes and cilantro.

On-Trend Bold Flavor

Cattlemen’s all new BBQ Rubs have versatile flavor profiles with strong, expected menu growth.

Memphis Chili Lime Pork Sliders

A tender and flavorful pulled pork slider rubbed with Cattlemen’s Chili Lime Rub and finished with Cattlemen’s Memphis Sweet BBQ Sauce.

Killer Hogs Steak Rub | Championship BBQ and Grill Seasoning for Beef, Steak, Burgers, and Chops | Salt, Pepper, Herbs, and Spices | 16 oz

Killer Hogs

Based on 569 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Created specifically for open-flame grilling and smoking Steaks and Chops, this seasoning is flavorful blend of salt, pepper, herbs and spices. If you want authentic steak house flavor, The Steak Rub is all you need. Apply to the outside of all your steaks, chops - even chicken - before grilling or smoking.

  • CHAMPIONSHIP STEAK RUB - This steak rub is the perfect combination of seasonsings and spices to put on steaks, chops, and even chicken. Developed by our award winning Killer Hogs Championship BBQ team, this rub has everything you want for the perfect steak.
  • HIGHEST RATED RUB - We've been making this rub for over 10 years, shipping tens of thousands across the United States, and satisfying professional pit masters, amateurs, backyard BBQ enthusiasts, chefs, and everyone in between
  • DESIGNED FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS - We developed this steak rub so you don't have to worry about seasoning your steaks, chops, or even chicken. The Steak Rub provides a consistent and delicious flavor you can count on time and time again.
  • NO RISK AND NO HASSLE - For almost a decade, we have been delighting customers. If you are not satisfied with your purchase of any Killer Hogs product, please contact us and we'll gladly refund your money. That's it - no questions, no hassle, no risk.
  • MADE IN THE USA - We pride ourselves in manufacturing all our products in the USA using the highest quality ingredients

JL Masters Beef Rub-1 pound package

L & J Matketing,inc

Product description

JL Masters Beef Rub Processed from premium herbs and spices! Preferred by culinary professionals, BBQ pit Masters, and home cooks. All Natural, No MSG No Artificial Ingredients No Fillers, No Preservatives Just Rub & Cook

User questions & answers

Question: What ingredients are listed on the packaging
Answer: Blended of salt, sugar, spices, lemon powder, (corn syrup solids, and lemon juice solids), garlic powder, citric acid, and spice extractives.
Question: Is this a rebranding of Lysanders beef rub
Answer: No, this a new product. As far as we can tell Lysander is out of business.
Question: Is this comparably the same in flavor to lysanders beef rub
Answer: No, Lysanders beef rub added a very distinct flavor. Lysanders rub had all my friends thinking that my beef brisket was the best.
Question: Do you make a pork rub
Answer: Yes, we do

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