Category: BBQ Seasoning Rubs

BBQ Ribs Spice Rub

So you are interested in a BBQ Ribs Spice Rub! This is a delicious rub for adding a little heat little spicy heat on the backend. If you prefer baby back ribs, spare ribs, or St. Louis ribs, a chipotle BBQ dry rub turns good meat into something delicious. Let’s walk through how to make it happen.

Know Your Ribs

First lets talk about the different ribs that you will use a BBQ ribs spice rub on. First off, baby backs ribs are meatier and have less marbling. However don’t let that discourage you. When properly cooked they are just as tender and delicious as other cuts of ribs.

Spare ribs on the other hand, are a little leaner and cook faster than baby back ribs. They are a better option if you are short on time.

Now on to St. Louis ribs. They are spare ribs trimmed that have the rib tips trimmed down for evenness. Whichever cut of ribs you choose, the rub’s what makes them shine.

The BBQ Ribs Spice Rub

Ok, I know can we get on with it, what’s the BBQ ribs spice rub I am talking about. The one I use is Butcher BBQ Sweet Chipotle Dry Rub. This rub is amazing for a the true “sweet with a little heat” BBQ.

It is made in small batches and uses the finest ingredients. Whether used by itself or combined with another of your favorite rubs, it simply works for ribs!

Prep Those Ribs

Now, before you dust your ribs with a chipotle BBQ seasoning goes on, we need to get your ribs ready.

1. Start off by trimming off extra fat and peel the membrane from the back of the ribs.

2. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.

3. Then open the shaker bottle for the chipotle dry rub and apply the rub as evenly as possible.

4. Apply rub to both the back, sides, and the presentation side.

5. Let them sit for an hour or so, or pop them in the fridge overnight. The longer the rub sits on the ribs, the better!

Cooking Low and Slow

Time to cook and this is where all the preparation starts to pay off! Fire up your pit and shoot for a grate temperature around 225°F.

Use a few chunks of apple wood and smoke the ribs low and slow until the meat starts to pull back from the bone. Some pitmasters cook by time, I would recommend cooking by temperature.

Check the internal temp of your ribs until they reach 160 degrees and then it’s time to wrap.

Add some additional BBQ ribs spice rub, maybe some brown sugar, and some apple juice? This is just a suggestion to complement your applewood smoke.

When your ribs hit an internal temperature of 195-205 they should be good and tender and ready to rest.

Serving Up Your Spiced Ribs

After your spiced ribs have rested for 30 or so minutes, let’s plate those ribs! Our barbecue dry rub for ribs goes well with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.

Don’t forget a good BBQ sauce! I use Butcher BBQ Sweet BBQ Sauce, and I brush it on prior to serving.

In Conclusion

That’s it! You got the know-how to make ribs with a delicious BBQ ribs spice rub. Now it’s your turn to experiment with different cuts of ribs and pairing it with different rubs. Fire up the smoker and leave us a comment on how your BBQ ribs turned out in the comments below!

May 31, 2025
5 Reasons Why Cooking BBQ Is Relaxing

There is something special about firing up the smoker on a warm summer day. When we decided to dust your favorite BBQ seasoning on a piece of meat and smoke it, it is very relaxing!

When you starting with the meat preparation, firing up the smoker, and the smell of the smoke in the air. This is setting the stage for a stress releasing day of cooking.

If you are a newbie or a seasoned pitmaster, here are five reasons why cooking BBQ can reduce your stress!

1. It Gets You Outdoors and Into Nature

Cooking BBQ gives you an excuse to get outside. This could be in your backyard, a park, or a campsite. Simply getting out of the kitchen and going outside can do wonders for your mental health.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, spending just 20 minutes in nature can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, by up to 21%.

Smoking meat lets you soak up that calming outdoor vibe while you are tending to those babyback ribs. It’s a simple, natural way to unwind and recharge, all while preparing something tasty.

2. The BBQ Process Itself Relaxing

There is a soothing rhythm to BBQing, from seasoning the meat, stoking the fire, and watching the smoker do its magic.

This hands-on cooking process encourages you to slow down and focus. It turns it into a meditative escape from daily chaos.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that engaging in hobbies like cooking can boost mental well-being by providing a sense of purpose and relaxation.

BBQing, with its deliberate pace and attention to detail, offers a mindful break that can ease anxiety and leave you feeling centered.

3. BBQ is Relaxing by Bringing People Together

BBQ is rarely a solo activity, it is a social event that draws friends, family, or neighbors to share in the meal.

These gatherings will lift your spirits and help to relieve stress. The Mayo Clinic found that strong social connections can reduce anxiety and depression, and even increase your lifespan by up to 50%.

Whether you’re laughing over a cold drink or swapping grilling tips, cooking BBQ fosters bonds that make you feel supported and relaxed.

It’s a reminder to all of us that good company can be just as nourishing as the food itself!

4. The Senses Get a Soothing Workout

Few things are as comforting as the sensory symphony of BBQ: the BBQ seasoning brining the meat, the crackle of the fire, and that smoky aroma filling the air!

These sights, sounds, and smells can trigger a deep sense of calm and nostalgia.

A study published in Nature found that natural sounds, like those from an outdoor grill, can lower stress levels and promote relaxation.

The sights and sounds of BBQing can tap into something primal, offering a multisensory retreat from the hustle of everyday life.

5. Mastering It Feels Rewarding

There’s a quiet thrill in nailing a new BBQ technique. I have experienced this recently when I smoked a pork butt. I thought my homemade BBQ rub was pretty good, but then I tried Butcher BBQ Honey Rub.

The family really liked the sweet honey profile from this rub. I also cooked the pork butt so it was so tender and just absolutely amazing!

Ok, back to that rewarding BBQ feeling! This sense of mastery can boost your mood and calm your mind.

A study by the University of California, Berkeley, revealed that learning and mastering new skills can enhance self-esteem and reduce stress.

BBQing offers endless room to grow by experimenting with BBQ rubs, woods, or different cookers. This will help make every BBQ session a relaxing success!

In Conclusion

I’ll never forget a summer evening when I was grilling burgers for my family as the sun dipped low. The kids were running around, the charcoal scent filled the air, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly peaceful.

That’s the magic of BBQ, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the whole experience. From the stress-busting power of nature to the joy of connecting with loved ones, cooking BBQ is a holistic way to relax and recharge.

So, the next time you light the pit, savor the process. It’s good for your body, your soul, and maybe even your lifespan!

Share with us in the comments below about your recent experience with a relaxing BBQ experience!

May 27, 2025
What is a BBQ Rub Binder?
What is a BBQ Rub Binder? That’s a great question, especially for someone just getting into smoking meat. A BBQ binder is a “slather” that is applied to the meat prior to applying the BBQ rub. Let’s talk about it.

Why Use a BBQ Binder?

So, what’s the deal with a BBQ binder? It’s basically a “slather” you put on your meat before you pile on that BBQ rub. A binder creates a thin tacky layer on your meat.

The tackiness of the binder allows for more rub to stick to the meat. That’s the main goal when applying BBQ rub—to get as much of your rub to stick to the meat. The binder also helps the rub evenly spread on the meat.

A BBQ binder also keeps everything in place, and this gives your BBQ amazing flavor that makes your buddies ask, “How’d you do that?”

Pro tip – Using a BBQ rub binder results in less of a mess to clean up and more rub in your shaker!

What Do I Use as a BBQ Rub Binder?

Now, you might be wondering, “What do I use for a binder?” Glad you asked! You’ve got options:
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Water
- Oil, such as olive oil
Yeah, mustard’s in there, and I can already hear you saying, “Mustard? On my BBQ? No way!” I get it, not everyone’s a mustard fan. You might be worried it will mess up the taste of your meat.

But here’s the good news: the pros say that once that meat’s cooked, you won’t taste the mustard at all. It’s just there to help the rub stick, and some say it helps to build bark.

No Mustard, No Worries

Not sold on mustard as a BBQ binder. No worries. You can go with mayonnaise—it’s smooth and adds a little richness—or olive oil for a slick, easy base.

Worcestershire sauce is another solid pick and a good flavor neutral choice. The purpose of the binder is to stay neutral and let your rub be the flavor profile of your BBQ.

In Conclusion

Next time you’re prepping your ribs, chicken, or whatever’s hitting the grates, don’t skip the BBQ binder. It’s the missing variable that makes sure your BBQ rub stays put!

Slather a BBQ rub binder on, dust it with your favorite rub, I like to use Butcher BBQ Honey Rub, and fire up the pit. Give it a try at your next BBQ and leave us a comment below on how it goes. Happy smoking!
May 20, 2025
BBQ Meat Seasoning – Your Guide to Flavorful BBQ
When we think of BBQ meat seasoning, it takes us back to the good old days! Remember those epic backyard BBQs with buddies, brews, and the smell of the smoker cooking? The variable to making those cookouts unforgettable isn’t just the company, it was the seasoning. BBQ meat seasoning can transform a plain slab of meat into a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for the family or a big get-together, finding that meat dry rub that complements your protein is the way to go. Here’s the lowdown on types, ingredients, and picking the right one for your next BBQ!

Key Ingredients in DIY BBQ Seasonings

Ever wondered why some BBQ tastes amazing while others fall flat? It comes down to the meat spices and rubs you use! Start with the classic BBQ ingredients: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. These are your BBQ rub foundations.

Want to shake things up? Toss in brown sugar for that sweet, sticky vibe or cocoa powder for a smoky twist. Add some herbs like rosemary or thyme to keep it fresh. It’s all about balance, so don’t drown the meat, just give it a boost.

How to Choose the Right Seasoning

Depending on the meat you are cooking, you will want to match your BBQ meat seasoning to your food. It’s easy to do, and here is a quick outline:
- Beef pairs well with bold stuff like pepper and garlic – SPG BBQ Rub.
- Pork digs sweet-savory combos, think paprika and sugar.
- Chicken loves lighter, herby blends.
If you are grilling, you should choose a rub that can take the heat; smoking works best with sugar-based mixes that caramelize slowly. These are simple choices to keep it straightforward and let the meat be the star of your dinner.

How BBQ Meat Seasoning Really Works

We are going to get a little nerdy about BBQ meat seasoning for a minute. Not all of your rub makes it into the meat. Smaller molecules like salt move inward through diffusion, drawing moisture back into the meat and seasoning it from the inside. Larger spice particles, like pepper, stay near the surface. This is why the outer layer of the meat carries most of the intense flavor. Letting your meat rest with the rub for at least four hours, or even overnight, gives those flavors time to settle in before cooking.

Simple DIY All-Purpose BBQ Rub Recipe

Ready to whip up a delicious BBQ meat rub that will make your next BBQ the talk of the neighborhood? This all-purpose meat dry rub is easy to make for anyone who loves a straightforward, no-fuss recipe. It’s versatile and pairs with beef, pork, or chicken to bring out that classic BBQ flavor we all love!

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
Instructions
1. Mix it up: Grab a small bowl and toss in all the ingredients. Stir them together with a spoon or whisk until everything’s evenly blended.
2. Check the taste: Grab a pinch of the rub (don’t worry, it’s safe). How does it taste? Want it to be sweeter? Add a bit more brown sugar. Need more heat? Up the cayenne. Make it yours.
3. Store it right: Pour the rub into an airtight container or a small mason jar. Keep it in a cool, dry spot, and it will stay fresh for up to six months.
This is a delicious simple rub, but if you are short on time. We have your back. We have many BBQ Rubs and Seasonings for any meat you are planning to throw on the pit!

In Conclusion

So, are you ready to fire up the smoker? Slap on a BBQ meat seasoning, let it sit for 30 minutes, or overnight if you’re feeling fancy. BBQ’s about kicking back, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Light that smoker, grab your go-to cut, and let the seasoning work its magic. Here’s to epic meals and some epic nights! Smoke on!

Also, if you are new to the BBQ scene, take a minute to read “What is a BBQ Seasoning?”
May 13, 2025
Pork Rub for Pulled Pork
A Pork Rub for Pulled Pork is a family favorite at our dinner table. Speaking of, “When was the last time you smoked a pork butt?” Let’s talk about it.

Pork Butt Meal Prep

Recently my wife and I traveled to Florida and my mother-in-law watched the kids for us. We did a meal prep for the 4 days we were gone.

I decided to smoke up a pork butt for quick dinners before track meets. Kids love to make pulled pork sandwiches, so that was the plan.

It was a success, a 9 lb pork butt fed all four of them a few times while we were gone!

What Pork Rub for Pulled Pork Did You Use?

The pork rub for pulled pork I used was Butcher BBQ Honey Rub.

The sweetness of the honey paired with brown sugar and other spices make for some amazing pulled pork sandwiches!

It was a quick meal since all three were fully immersed in track season. Actually, I think we had 4 track meets that week!

Back to the Pork Butt

Now, back to the pork butt. If you are new to smoking meat, a pork butt a meat we would suggest starting with. It is very forgiving if your fire gets away from you without your knowledge.

When using a pork butt rub you want a rub that is sweet and doesn’t overpower the meat. Butcher BBQ Honey Rub is that rub. It was voted “Best Rub on the Planet” in 2022 and for good reason.

Pork, by itself, is bland. You need rub that adds some sweet and a little heat to really make those pulled pork sandwiches pop! Butcher BBQ Honey Rub makes for a beautiful presentation. Your pork butt will have a beautiful mahogany color all the other dads on the block will be envious of!

Use a Pork Rub for Pulled Pork to Smoke a Pork Butt – 9 Easy Steps!

Here is an easy 9 step process to smoke a pork butt:
1. Pat dry with a paper towel and place the pork butt on a disposable cutting board.
2. Grab a bottle of pork rub for pulled pork.
3. Shake the rub evenly across the butt. Start with the bottom, sides, and then finish with the fat cap.
4. Let it sit for 30-45 minutes while you fire up the smoker.
  1. This allows the salt and other spices to dry brine the meat.
5. Smoke it around 250 degrees until the internal temp reaches 165-175.
  1. 165-175 is just a suggestion as this is when you form a bark on the pork butt. If you want more bark, leave it unwrapped longer.
6. Tightly wrap the pork butt in two layers of foil.
  1. At this point you can add some apple juice, more pork rub, butter, BBQ sauce, etc.
7. Cook it wrapped until the internal temp reaches 195-205.
  1. You want to use a probe thermometer to check the temperature. However, more importantly you want the thermometer to probe like butter, without any resistance!
  2. That’s when you know it is ready to rest.
8. Let the pork butt vent for a couple minutes, then let it rest in a cooler for about an hour.
9. Then it’s ready to pull! Grab your pork meat shredders and you will be eating pulled pork sandwiches in no time!
We would suggest planning for 7-10 hours from start to finish.

In Conclusion

So there you have it. Short and sweet easy process to smoke a pork butt! Also using one of the best pork rubs for pulled pork on the market!

Now the weather is warming up for much of the country, we are finally in BBQ season! Add a bottle of Butcher BBQ Honey Rub to your spice shelf and let’s get to smoking!
May 6, 2025
Dry Rub Seasoning for Ribs
Dry Rub Seasoning for Ribs is what comes to mind as we now officially enter BBQ season! This is a rib rub that was rated Best Rub On the Planet in 2022. When it comes to color, taste, and eye appeal, this pork rib rub just works for ribs!

Dry Rub Seasoning for Ribs – What Makes It Different?

The dry rub seasoning for ribs we are referring to is Butcher BBQ Honey Rub. It is a sugar and honey-based BBQ rub that was voted “Best Rub On the Planet” in 2022.

This honey BBQ rub was crafted by David Bouska, pitmaster and founder of Butcher BBQ. David has been in the meat business for 34 years. With that amount of knowledge, it has allowed him to formulate flavor combinations that are a spot-on match for BBQ ribs.

David has used this rib rub to win numerous competitions. Two championships in particular are the World Champion BBQ Pitmaster of 2012 and 2018. So, David knows what he is talking about when it comes to BBQ.

May 2025 – We Are Officially in BBQ Season!

Ok, so back to dry rub seasoning for ribs. As I write this, it is May 2025, and it is officially BBQ season. The weather is finally warming up for most of the country. It’s time to dust off that smoker and start cooking some ribs!

The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, “April Showers” have passed and “May Flowers” are blooming!

What’s that, you received a new smoker for Christmas? Well, what perfect timing to fire it up and smoke some ribs.

If you are new to BBQ, we have a blog that explains the “Difference between Ribs and Spare Ribs”.

Dry Rub for Ribs

This dry rub for ribs is amazing by itself, but you could use it as a base layer when creating a flavor profile.

But to be honest, I have smoked ribs with only this rub. I did not add any BBQ sauce or glaze and it is perfect by itself.

The brown sugar and honey notes are an amazing compliment for pork ribs! I can see why it was voted Best Rub On the Planet.

How Many Racks of Ribs Will It Dust?

You may be wondering, “How many racks of ribs will this dry rub seasoning for ribs coat?” Well, if you were not thinking about it, you are now!

Each bottle will cover 4-5 racks of ribs. Now don’t hold me to that number exactly. It, of course, is only a “ballpark” estimate because it depends on how heavy you coat each rack of ribs.

Dry Rub Seasoning for Ribs – Pro Tips

Here, so this is geared for new pitmasters, I wanted to include a few pro tips for our pork rib rub:
1. Let the rib rub rest.
  - After dusting the ribs, we suggest letting the rub sit for 30-45 minutes before smoking.
2. Low and slow is best
  - Get the pit grate temp around 225-250 degrees, and you are good to go!
3. Don’t cook by time, cook by temp.
  - This is one we cannot stress enough. Cooking by time will get you in trouble.
  - If you have heard of the 3-2-1 rib method, toss that out the door.
  - Cook your ribs to around 165 degrees before wrapping. Then cook them to 195-203 degrees.
  - All ribs are different, so this could take 3 hours or 5 hours.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcooking the ribs
  - This goes back to cooking by temp and not time.
  - Check doneness with a probe thermometer.
  - Overcooked ribs turn mushy, and the rub’s crust can become soggy.
2. Undercooking the ribs
  - Undercooked ribs are chewy and tough.
  - Use that probe thermometer and ensure they hit the 195–203 degree sweet spot.
3. Too Much Dry Rub for Ribs
  - Butcher BBQ Honey Rub can be strong, so start with about ¼ cup per rack of ribs.
  - Piling on too much pork rib rub can overpower the meat.
4. Skipping the Rest
  - After cooking, let the ribs rest for 10–15 minutes and tent in foil.
  - This locks in juices and keeps the rib rub’s flavors intact.
In Conclusion

Ok, so there you have it. An award-winning dry rub seasoning for ribs at your fingertips and some pro tips. Why wait any longer? Grab a bottle and start cooking! We would love to hear about your cooks, so please leave us a comment below!

Also, before I forget, take a minute to look at our blog “How to Inject Ribs”. This process complements Butcher BBQ Honey Rub for your rib cooks!
May 3, 2025
Brisket Homemade Rubs – Three Easy Recipes
So, you are interested in brisket homemade rubs? Well, you have come to the right place. We love to experiment, so here are three easy to make homemade brisket rubs for your next BBQ!

My First Brisket

I’ll never forget my first brisket. I thought it was pretty good, but my family thought otherwise! The rub was a homemade dry rub for brisket and tasted good. My issue was I over cooked it a little, because the flat was really dry.

Lessons learned and I continued to learn and experiment over the years. After several trial and errors my brisket these days are much juicier and flavorful.

What is a Brisket Rub?

So what exactly is a brisket homemade rub? I’m glad you asked. It is a BBQ rub that can be as simple as salt and pepper, or much more complex.

A brisket rub can also be more creative with a blend of spices and herbs. When you make the rubs yourself, your creativity can blossom.

Each of the homemade brisket rubs below is designed to boost flavor and create that delicious outer crust we know as “bark”.

Homemade Brisket Rub – A Few Essential Ingredients

These are your homemade beef brisket rub foundation, mix them in equal parts for a classic base. Then experiment and build your own rub that fulfills your flavor profile!
- Salt: Tenderizes and enhances the flavors with a dry brine process.
- Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, earthy kick and is crucial for building bark.
- Paprika: Brings color and a subtle smokiness (smoked paprika ups the BBQ vibe).
- Garlic Powder: Deepens the savory profile.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the taste with a hint of sweetness.
Three Homemade Brisket Rubs to Get You Started

1. Classic Texas Rub
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions: Mix in a bowl. Sprinkle this classic Texas Brisket Rub generously over the brisket and press it in. Let the rub sit for at least an hour.

Note: Simple but bold, great for traditionalists.

2. Sweet and Spicy Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions: Combine thoroughly. Apply evenly, letting it sit for an hour.

Variation: Dial up the cayenne for extra heat!

3. Coffee and Cocoa Rub
- 1 tablespoon ground coffee
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions: Blend well. Coat the brisket and let it rest overnight before it goes on the pit.

Why It Works: Coffee deepens the flavor, while cocoa adds a rich, unexpected twist.

In Conclusion

Ok, so there you have it, quick, simple, easy brisket homemade rubs you can make at home. The beauty of a homemade rub is the freedom to experiment.

Start with these recipes, use your imagination and tweak them to your taste. In no time you will have a signature blend that is all your own.

What’s your go to homemade brisket rub? Drop your recipe in the comments below, I’d love to hear your ideas!

Side note, you may need to double or triple these recipes, depending on the size of your brisket.

Also, I know some of us are pressed for time, no worries! We have you covered. Our Butcher BBQ Texas Bark is a simple salt, pepper, garlic rub (SPG rub). It is simple, delicious, and makes amazing bark.

See for yourself in one of our recent blog “Texas Brisket Rub for Smoking”.
April 25, 2025
BBQ Pulled Pork Dry Rub – How to Smoke a Pork Butt
A BBQ Pulled Pork Dry Rub is the flavor foundation of your pork butt. Outside of a pork injection, it adds flavor and helps create that delicious bark. Let’s chat about it.

Summertime is Coming

Smoking pulled pork is simply a BBQ classic. Nothing says “Summer’s Coming” like a sweaty butt! It brings back memories of when dad would fire up the smoker on a beautiful Saturday morning!

He would tend to the smoker all day and we would have wonderful pulled pork sandwiches for dinner!

What Makes a Great Pork Rub for Pulled Pork?

The BBQ pulled pork dry rub we are referring to is Butcher BBQ Premium Rub. This is a delicious rub that is not only a pulled pork rub, but it is fantastic on pork ribs, pork tenderloin, steak, brisket, and chicken.

Here’s what makes it great rub:
- It has a brown sugar base for a little sweet.
- Paprika and other spices for a bit of a kick at the end.
- Highest quality ingredients used.
- Hand blended in small batch productions.
Trim that Pork Butt

Before applying our pulled pork rub, we want to trim that pork butt. Grab a sharp boning knife and let’s get started.

The butchering process for a pork butt can be sloppy. Sometimes they may leave scores in the meat that will easily burn up during the cook. Use your boning knife and carefully remove any part that might be dangling.

When I trim a pork butt, I think about what I don’t want my family to eat. For example, if you find anything tough or inedible, like a piece of gristle, gone. If you see a large artery or vein, get that out of there too!

BBQ Pulled Pork Dry Rub – Let’s Apply It

One nice feature of Butcher BBQ Premium Rub is it comes in its own shaker bottle. Simply pop the top to expose the small holes and you are ready to go.

This is a large piece of meat, so apply a liberal amount of BBQ pulled pork dry rub. If your pork butt is 8-9 lbs most of the meat will not be exposed to the rub. The rub will only be on the outside so cover that butt!

How to apply the rub:
1. Start with the presentation side down.
2. Hold the shaker bottle 4-6 inches above the meat.
3. Shake side to side and evenly distribute the rub.
4. Flip and hit each side with rub.
5. Finally sprinkle the rub on your presentation side.
6. Press the rub into the meat.
7. Let it rest in the fridge for 45 minutes until it starts to sweat.
Once it is pulled, the external part of the pork butt will mix with the rest of the meat. This is when the pork dry rub will balance out the meat to rub ratio.

Time to Smoke the Pork Butt

We shoot for a grate temperature around 275 degrees. At this temperature you should expect a 7-9 hour cook.

We suggest spritzing every two hours with a barbecue spray bottle. We use water, but you can use apple juice, white grape juice, whatever flavor sounds good to you.

We are just adding layers of flavor at this point.

Time to Wrap

Your pork dry rub is doing its thing and has formed an amazing dark bark! We first eat with our eyes, so this has amazing eye appeal!

After about 5-6 hours your internal temperature should reach 165 degrees and it’s time to wrap.
- Hit it with some more Butcher BBQ Premium Rub.
- Add 4-5 pats of butter, remember butter is your friend in BBQ!
- Add some brown sugar.
- Optional – Add some juice, or leave it as is, completely up to you.
- Tightly wrap in two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Back on the pit at the same temperature, 275 degrees, for a few more hours.

Pork Butt is Done

After another 2-3 hours it’s time to check the temperature with a probe thermometer. Your internal temperature should be between 200-206, but you are looking for no resistance when probing.

Time is irrelevant at this point of the cook. You want to focus on how the pork butt feels. That thermometer should pierce the pork butt with no resistance.

Time to Rest

Let your pork butt rest for at least an hour. The longer the better, but we would suggest not resting longer than 3 hours.

Resting allows time for the au jus sauce created with the BBQ pulled pork dry rub to absorb some back into the meat.

Let’s Pull That Pork Butt

Now that is a beautiful pork butt! The pork butt rub has created some amazing color and it smells amazing!

If you have a bone in pork butt, a clean bone pull is a good sign!

Grab a pair of pork shredding claws and simply pull the meat apart. It is so tender, juicy and it pulls apart with zero resistance!

Now we are ready to add some BBQ sauce and make some pulled pork sandwiches!

Pro tip – As you start to pull, add some of the au jus sauce from your foil wrap into the pan. This will add more flavor and keep the pulled pork moist.

In Conclusion

After using our BBQ Pulled Pork Dry Rub, you now know how to create an amazing meal for your family! With primary ingredients, a little knowledge, you can create amazing smoked pulled pork in your backyard.

Now, who’s ready to fire up the pit and start cooking? Guys, get in on this Butcher BBQ Premium Rub and let us know in the comments how it turned out!
April 15, 2025
How to Make Your Own Rib Rub
Around here we like to make your own rib rub every once in a while. It’s fun, easy, and you can get the kids involved as well. Let’s chat about it.

What’s a Rib Rub Anyway?

First, what is a pork rib rub? Well at a high level it is a mix of spices, herbs, and sometimes sugar. A homemade rib rub adds flavor, creates that crust we all love, and can even tenderize the ribs a bit.

Rubs also add colors to your meats! The colors range from a beautiful mahogany, brown, yellows, etc. depending on the ingredients. This makes it appealing to the eye as well as the taste buds!

You spread the seasoning on your pork rib, let it sit prior to cooking, and the rub infuses flavor into your ribs.

Why Bother Making Your Own Rib Rub?

Why do you make your own dry rub for ribs instead of grabbing something off the shelf? Simple: control. You decide the heat, the sweet, the smoky, whatever your flavor profile.

It’s easy, it is fun, and most of all you get to experiment. You can pass along your BBQ seasoning knowledge to your kids. They get involved and you have created a bonding time with them.

You can get them excited about BBQ and share your passion for smoking their own food!

What You’ll Need

Here’s the lineup to make your own rib rub:
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and that sticky caramelized finish.
- Paprika: Brings color and a smoky edge.
- Salt: Pumps up every other flavor.
- Black pepper: Gives it some bite and builds bark.
- Garlic powder: Savory depth, no chopping required.
- Onion powder: More savory goodness.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional, for a little heat.
Pork Rib Rub Recipe

Ready to make a dry rub for ribs? Try this recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you want a some heat)
Instructions:
1. Toss everything into a bowl and mix it up. You may need to adjust the ingredients depending on how many racks of ribs you are smoking.
2. Stash it in an airtight container until you are ready to cook some ribs.
3. Use a shaker bottle or some way to spread the seasoning evenly across your ribs. You want to press the rub into the meat instead of rubbing the rub.
4. Put the ribs in the fridge to chill for a minimum of 45 minutes.
Pro Tip

After you apply your homemade rib rub, let it sit on the ribs for a few hours. When it comes to BBQ, we have learned not to rush anything. The longer you can let the seasoning sit the better.

If you can leave it overnight this will add huge amounts of flavor to your ribs! This will initiate a process called “dry brining”. The salt pulls moisture out of the meat, creates a brine, then the meat sucks it back in with all the deliciousness.

In Conclusion

There you go a quick and simple way to make your own rib rub. This pork rib rub recipe is your entry to this process. Start with this recipe, make it your own, and have fun bonding with the kids while experimenting.

Also, I know we all don’t have a lot of time to create our own homemade rib rubs. In that case I would recommend our Butcher BBQ Honey Rub or Butcher BBQ Cherry Rub. Both have wonderful honey and cherry flavor profiles for your pork ribs!

We would love to hear about your experiences, so please leave us a comment below!
April 11, 2025
Rub for Smoking a Brisket
When we think of brisket, it is the king of BBQ! However, it all comes down to the rub for smoking a brisket! The rub is the foundation of a great brisket, and it makes for some delicious meat!

Picture This – Warm Saturday Afternoon

Picture this – It’s a warm Saturday afternoon, and the smell of hickory smoke is drifting through your backyard. You’ve been attending your smoker all day.

The smell of brisket, hickory smoke, and the brisket rub fill the air. Your brisket is nearly finished and it is almost time to rest.

After a few hours resting, it is now time to reveal the main dish for dinner.

Your brisket looks delicious. This brisket rub for smoking helped form an amazing bark that is rich and full of flavor.

What’s the secret rub behind this amazing brisket? That would be Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub!

Rub for Smoking a Brisket – The Foundation

If you’re passionate about brisket, you know the rub is the foundation of flavor. The rub for smoking a brisket is the key to that delicious bark. It is the difference between a decent brisket and one that wows your family.

That’s where Butcher BBQ comes in. David Bouska, owner of Butcher BBQ, is a legend among the BBQ community. Butcher BBQ is known for their award-winning BBQ products.

David has put his years of BBQ expertise into the Steak and Brisket rub. It is a definite pitmaster essential for your spice cabinet.

Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket rub

Our brisket rub is inspired by Texas brisket. Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub is a beef brisket seasoning recipe that will bring out that Texas style flavor we all strive for.

This brisket rub is one of the best spice rub for brisket. It combines salt, pepper, garlic, and a hint of lemon oil for an amazing flavor combination.

How to Make the Most of a Brisket rub

Here’s how to make the most of your brisket rub for smoking:
- Start by using a dry paper towel and patting your brisket dry.
- Then, sprinkle on a generous, even layer of brisket rub. This is a large piece of meat so don’t skimp and press it into the meat.
- For maximum flavor, let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour, or even overnight if you have time to wait.
- When you’re ready to smoke, keep the grate temp around 225°F. This is low and slow cooking, and watch that rub transform into a beautiful, dark, flavorful bark. Trust me, your patience will pay off.
In Conclusion

Are you ready to see what this rub for smoking a brisket can do for you?

Pick up a bottle of Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub and give it a shot. Once you taste the difference, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked a brisket without it.

If you have a brisket story after trying our brisket rub, drop a note in the comments below. I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Also, check out our blog post about “How to Smoke a Brisket”.
April 8, 2025