This $10 Rub Is My Family’s New Go-To Seasoning for Grilling
Even though we’re halfway through summer, it’s never too late to stock up on more grilling supplies. We’ve covered several must-haves for grilling delicious burgers, steaks, veggies, and more so far, like the Made In pan you can use right on your grill racks or the Le Creuset cleaning brush that will make your grates look like new. In addition to tools that will make your life easier, we’ve also tested several flavorful rubs and spices to instantly upgrade anything you throw on the grill. In particular, we discovered two amazing spices from Burlap and Barrel and herby blends from Westbourne that turned basic meat and veggies into showstoppers. If you’re interested in even more tasty seasonings to add to your cabinet this summer, I’ve come across yet another rub that is worthy of stocking in your pantry, too.
The Pikes Peak Butcher’s Rub from Savory Spice, a Colorado-based spice store, has instantly become a favorite among my family this summer. It’s designed to be versatile enough to rub on just about any meat you might toss on the grill, whether it’s chicken, pork, or beef. You can even mix it into burgers for an easy flavor boost!
Because I can’t have a grill at my apartment, I had to wait a few weeks until I visited home to test out this rub. As soon as I got the jar in the mail, I smelled the blend and loved the strong peppery aroma. I was also drawn to this rub because of its all-purpose nature, much like the Capitol Hill Seasoning I tried from Savory Spice recently that I now use for any chicken or fish I make in the oven (and was a huge hit with Kitchn readers!). Because it’s salt-and-pepper-based, it’s generic enough to use on just about anything you want to put on the grill. It seems like a great rub for beginner grillers or someone who wants a new go-to option.
When I finally got to try the rub with my family, we used it on thick pork chops. I rubbed a generous amount into each piece, appreciating the coarseness of the blend. This is a main feature of any butcher’s rub, which is designed this way so the ingredients will hold up to longer cooking times, especially if you’re grilling thicker cuts like steak or pork chops.
The result was a delightful peppery bite every time, with none of the flavor lost to the grill. I loved how simple it tasted with the char marks on the pork chop, with the garlic, onion, and parsley coming through as well. Because it’s such a versatile rub, you can also pair your main course with just about any sides. We had it with grilled veggies and garlic couscous, but I can imagine enjoying it on a steak or drumsticks alongside pasta salad, a bed of fresh greens, or with an ear of corn slathered in butter.
If you’re on the lookout for a new rub to test out this summer that you’ll be happy using over and over again, I highly recommend this Pikes Peak Butcher’s Rub. And while you’re at it, check out the other grilling spices and rubs available at Savory Spice!
Buy: Pikes Peak Butcher’s Rub, $9.65