Let’s get straight to the meat of it: a dry rub is a bold blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings applied directly to your meat (or veggies) to create flavor magic before you cook. Unlike marinades or wet sauces, dry rubs are—surprise!—completely dry. No oil. No vinegar. No liquid mess.
Just good ol’ flavor powder that clings to your food like a Florida tan in July.
Why Use a Dry Rub?
Dry rubs are the BBQ world’s secret weapon. You get:
- Instant flavor punch without waiting for hours
- Beautiful bark and crust on smoked or grilled meats
- Versatility (they work on everything from ribs to roasted chickpeas)
- Control over moisture (no soggy meat here, folks)
A great dry rub doesn’t just season your food—it transforms it. It caramelizes on the grill, helps seal in juices, and makes your backyard taste like a roadside smoke shack in the best way possible.
What’s in a Dry Rub Anyway?
Every rub is a little different, but most dry rubs have some version of the following:
- Salt – For bringing out flavor and drawing out moisture.
- Sugar – Usually brown or turbinado for caramelization and sweetness.
- Paprika – For color, mild spice, and that classic BBQ vibe.
- Garlic & Onion Powder – The base of basically everything delicious.
- Black Pepper, Chili Powder, or Cayenne – For a little heat and backbone.
- Dried Herbs – Think thyme, oregano, rosemary, or whatever your backyard is craving.
At Those Florida Guys, we take it further with regionally inspired blends that mix in citrus zest, coffee grounds, or smoky sea salt to make sure your tastebuds are never bored.
Meet the Rub Lineup: A Few Favorites
Here are a few of our best-selling dry rubs and why they deserve a spot in your pantry:
🔥 All-Purp
The MVP of dry rubs. This all-purpose blend hits every note: sweet, salty, herby, citrusy, and just a kiss of heat. Use it on chicken, pork, veggies, or even popcorn.
Tangy, sweet, and a little spicy—Apple Smack is killer on ribs, pulled pork, bacon, and even roasted squash. We’re not saying it tastes like fall in Florida… but it kinda does.
Bright, citrus-forward, and perfect for seafood, chicken, or grilled veggies. It’s a beach day in a bottle.
🌶️ Sunburn
For those who like it hot. Smoky chipotle meets sweet orange and garlic in this fiery rub that shines on wings, steak, or even mixed into margarita rims (yep, we went there).
How to Use a Dry Rub Like a Pro
Here’s your no-nonsense guide to getting the most out of your rub:
1. Pat your meat dry.
Moisture is the enemy of crust. Use paper towels to get things bone dry.
2. Apply a binder (optional).
A light coating of oil or mustard helps the rub stick. Mayo’s also great for richness (especially with pork belly).
3. Rub generously.
Don’t be shy—get in there with your hands and cover every nook and cranny.
4. Let it rest.
Let your rubbed meat chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to overnight. The longer, the deeper the flavor.
5. Cook like you mean it.
Whether you’re grilling, smoking, roasting, or pan-frying—rubbed meat is ready to bring the heat.
Dry Rub vs. Marinade: What’s the Difference?
We get this question all the time.
- Dry Rub = concentrated flavor on the surface
- Marinade = flavor penetration (but often with added moisture)
Want bark and bite? Rub it.
Want moisture and acidity? Marinade it.
Want both? Use a rub first, then finish with a sauce post-cook. That’s the winning combo.
Pro Tips for Rub Success
- Use rubs on veggies — Cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and corn love a good rubdown.
- Rub before freezing — Season your meats before they go into the freezer to save time later.
- Mix into sauces or mayo — Dry rubs add instant flavor to dips, sandwich spreads, or compound butters.
- Experiment — Try rubbing your rubs (ha) on tofu, tempeh, or even fruit slices before grilling.
Why Choose Those Florida Guys Rubs?
Because we live, breathe, and eat this stuff. Our rubs are handcrafted in small batches, made with real-deal ingredients, and designed to bring that sunshine-state boldness to whatever you're cooking.
No MSG. No fillers. Just serious flavor with a little Florida sass.
A good dry rub is like a great playlist—it sets the mood, kicks up the vibe, and makes everything better. Whether you’re a weeknight cook or weekend warrior, stocking your pantry with a few go-to blends gives you endless flexibility.
So the next time you fire up the grill, skip the guesswork. Rub it like you mean it.