There’s a secret weapon waiting to be unleashed in your kitchen. It can take your roasts from good to extraordinary. It is the humble meat rub. Few techniques rival the transformative power of a well-crafted meat rub. If you’ve ever marvelled at the tantalising aroma and rich taste of a perfectly seasoned roast, then you’ve experienced the magic of a meticulously created meat rub.
At Chicken N Things, we’re passionate about helping you unlock the full potential of your culinary creations. So, let’s delve into the fundamentals, tips, and creative possibilities of crafting your own signature meat rub blends.
The Magic of Meat Rubs
What exactly is a meat rub, and why does it matter? Not to be confused with seasoning, a rub has a very different role. While both add flavour to a dish, unlike seasonings, rubs are rarely added after cooking.
Seasoning enhances a dish’s natural taste, while rubs serve as the star flavour provider. Seasoning generally refers to a blend of finely ground herbs and spices, beyond salt and pepper, that work together to bring out the inherent flavours of the food. It is usually lightly sprinkled on food after cooking to add a little something extra.
Rubs, however, are a coarse mix of ground spices, herbs, salts, sugars and aromatics that you massage onto the surface of your meat before cooking. A well-crafted rub can add depth, complexity, and richness to your roasts, turning them into mouthwatering masterpieces.
Crafting Your Own Blend
The beauty of meat rubs is that you can customise them to suit your tastes and preferences. Start by selecting a base of herbs and spices that complement the type of meat you’re cooking. For poultry like chicken or turkey, consider using a blend of rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic for a classic flavour profile. A combination of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper adds depth and richness to beef. Experiment with different ratios and ingredient combinations until you find a blend that resonates with your taste preferences.
Feel free to get creative. Add a touch of sweetness with brown sugar or honey, or kick up the heat with chilli powder or cayenne pepper. The key is to find the perfect balance of flavours to complement your dish’s profile and make your taste buds sing. The beauty of crafting your own meat rub is that you have complete control over the flavour, allowing you to tailor it to suit your unique culinary vision.
Applying Your Rub
Once you’ve created your perfect blend, it’s time to get hands-on. Start by generously coating the surface of the meat with the rub, making sure to massage it in gently to ensure even distribution.
For larger cuts of meat like roasts or whole chicken, consider applying the rub the night before cooking to allow the flavours to penetrate deeply into the meat. A few hours of marinating will do the job for shorter cooking times. And don’t forget to season both sides of the meat for maximum flavour impact.
When it comes to cooking, whether you’re firing up the grill, firing up the smoker, or firing up the oven, the principles of meat rub application remain the same. Just remember to adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly to achieve perfectly cooked, succulent results every time.
Get Creative
The best part about making your own meat rubs is that the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with unconventional flavour combinations. Mix and match herbs, spices, and aromatics to create unexpected flavour matches to surprise and delight your diners’ taste buds.
Perhaps you’ll discover a newfound appreciation for the exotic allure of Moroccan spices like harissa, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger or turmeric. Or maybe you’ll find inspiration in the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia, working with the likes of lemongrass, coriander root, galangal, Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, and so much more. The world is your spice rack, so don’t be afraid to explore and push the boundaries of flavour.
Join Us in the Kitchen
At Chicken’n’Things, we love a good foodie journey as much as you do. Our premium selection of quality chicken and meats provides a delicious canvas on which to unleash your culinary creativity and take your roasts to new heights.
With a little bit of creativity and a lot of flavour, you can create meaty masterpieces that will have everyone clamouring for seconds.