Dry Rub vs Seasoning - What is the Difference?

Dry rub vs Seasoning, “What is the difference?” This is a question that a lot of newbies in the BBQ world ask. The main difference is a BBQ rub is applied before cooking and BBQ seasoning is added during or after the cook.

Let’s dive in a little deeper and elaborate on the difference between a Dry rub vs Seasoning.

BBQ Rub - What is it exactly?

A BBQ rub is a mixture of spices, herbs, salt, and sometimes sugar. Rubs are generally made up of granular or  more course spices.

The coarser texture of the dry rub helps to build a crust or “bark” on the meat. What is bark you ask?

Bark is a flavorful crust on the exterior of the meat that forms during the smoking process. It is a result of the combination of smoke, heat, rub, rendered fat, and the Maillard reaction.

The BBQ dry rub’s main purpose is adding flavor to the meat before cooking. The rub is applied to your meat prior to cooking. While the rub sits on the meat it starts a dry brining process.

Guys, dry brining is what separates the novice from the pro, and it adds so much flavor to the meat!

Dry Brining at a High Level

• Dry brining will draw out moisture from the meat.
• The moisture dissolves the salt to create a brine.
• This brine is concentrated, and the brine will soak back into the meat.
• We suggest a minimum of 45 minutes for the dry brining process to maximize the BBQ rub absorption process.
• The longer you let the rub sit on the meat the better!

Using a dry rub to dry brine your meat is very easy, it just takes planning and some time for the process to complete!

What is BBQ Seasoning?

BBQ seasoning is similar to a rub. However, it is composed of finer or more powdery ingredients than we find in a rub.

Barbecue seasonings are usually applied while your meat is cooking or after you have finished cooking. The best BBQ seasonings are comprised of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.

In Conclusion

So, there you have it, Dry rub vs Seasoning in a nutshell. They both have their applications; dry rubs can be used for low and slow smoking. BBQ seasonings are more for grilling, but this is not set in stone.

BBQ is all about experimenting, so use a BBQ seasoning or BBQ dry rub, however you please. Now, you know the difference so let's start cooking!

Also, we think you might be interested in make DIY BBQ Rubs! Take a minute to read "DIY BBQ Rubs – 5 Easy Homemade BBQ Rubs"