Southern Barbecue Rub Recipes

SOUTHERN STYLE DRY RUB FOR PORK OR CHICKEN

Steps:

• Whisk brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl. Store in an airtight container.

BBQ SPICE RUB

Steps:

• Mix brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Store in an air-tight container or keep in the freezer in a sealable plastic bag.

SOUTHERN-STYLE BRISKET

Steps:

• Make the brisket: Combine the chili powder, mustard powder, brown sugar, cayenne, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Rub on the brisket, cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Remove the brisket from the refrigerator about 1 hour before cooking and let sit at room temperature. Soak a few handfuls of mesquite or hickory wood chips in water 30 minutes; drain.
• Preheat a grill to low, then prepare for indirect heat: For a gas grill, turn off the burners on one side; put the wood chips in a smoker box and position under the grate over the heated burners. For a charcoal grill, push the coals to one side; once the temperature registers 200 degrees F (you should be able to hold your hand 5 inches from the coals for 6 seconds), scatter the wood chips on top. Position a drip pan under the grate on the cooler side of the grill.
• Put the brisket fat-side up on the grill above the drip pan. Cover and grill, undisturbed, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 185 degrees F to 200 degrees F, 3 hours, 30 minutes to 5 hours. If using a charcoal grill, leave the vents nearly closed and scatter 6 to 8 unlit charcoal briquettes and a handful of prepared wood chips on top of the lit coals every 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the brisket from the grill, wrap in foil and let rest at least 30 minutes. Pour the drippings from the drip pan into a bowl and let cool completely.
• Meanwhile, make the barbecue sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add the chili powder and cook, stirring, until brick red, about 30 seconds. Stir in 1 1/2 cups water, the vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, allspice and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
• Whisk the reserved drippings, then whisk 1 to 2 tablespoons into the barbecue sauce. Thinly slice the brisket against the grain. Serve with the barbecue sauce.
• Dry cast-iron pans thoroughly with paper towels after washing to keep them from rusting.

OLD-SCHOOL SOUTHERN BARBECUE SPARE RIBS

Steps:

• 1. at least a half hour and up to four hours before you plan to cook the ribs, peel the membrane off the back of the ribs and cut the flap off. Trim any excess of fat. Mix the salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and onion powder in a small bowl. Mix well. Season the ribs on both sides with the mixture. Refrigerate.
• 2. To make the mop, in a medium pan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic, and chili. Cook for about four minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft. Add the Apple juice, vinegar, catsup, and Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Mix well and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let rest for 15 minutes to steep. Strain the mop mixture through cheesecloth or small strainer, then transfer to a spray or squeeze bottle. Set aside.
• 3. Prepare grill for cooking over indirect heat at 250° using Hickory and cherry wood for flavor. Place the ribs, meaty side up, directly on the cooking grate and close the lid. Cook for 1 1/2 hours without opening the lid. Spray or drizzle some of the mop, on the ribs and cook for another 30 minutes. Spray or drizzle more of the mop, flip, and spray or drizzle again. Repeat every 30 minutes until the ribs are tender. This should take 5 to 6 hours total. Check for doneness by sticking a toothpick down into the meat, between the bones. It should slide in easily. Transfer the ribs, meaty side down, to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut through the slab completely at each rib. Flip the ribs back over and transfer them to a platter. Serves 4 to 6.

SOUTHERN BARBECUE RUB

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients and rub on meat.