If you feel like you’ve got the basics of barbecue down, and you’re looking to take your grill game to the next level, rubs and marinades are a great way to bring even more flavour to the table. Don’t get us wrong, sometimes all you need to get the best out of your meat is salt, pepper, glowing hot coals and a bit of smoke – but if you’re ready for something a little more experimental, you’ve come to the right place.
First though, a bit of science. Though rubs and marinades both add flavour to your meat, they do so in rather different ways. Marinades are generally designed to tenderize meat as well as adding flavour – they often contain some kind of acid that helps to break down the tougher proteins, and the longer you leave the meat marinating, the more tender it’ll become. Rubs meanwhile don’t tenderize in the same way, but they will add direct flavour to the outside of your meat, and they’ll create a delicious crust as you cook, adding texture and flavour to your final dish. That crust also hardens and helps to protect the meat inside, keeping it moist and juicy.
So, whether to rub or marinade? That’s up to you. Consider the meat you’re dealing with, what flavours you want to use and what you want the final product to look like. We’ve rounded up twenty-one of our favourite barbecue rubs and marinades for guidance – both in terms of flavour and method – to help you up your game before your guests arrive. Scroll down and take a look!