Tag: BBQ Seasoning

How to Cook Beef Plate Ribs

Beef plate ribs are one of my favorite proteins to cook on the smoker. They have all the delicious beef flavor of a brisket, but the cook time is a bit shorter. Let’s talk about how to cook them!

What are Beef Plate Ribs

First, let’s talk about what beef plate ribs are. They are the thickest and meatiest ribs from the cow. You may have heard these ribs go by different names such as “Dino ribs”, “plate ribs”, and “plate short ribs” just to name a few.

Plate ribs are cut from the short plate primal section; this is the lower belly of the cow above the flank. These beef ribs are meaty, beefy, and they have some incredible marbling! They are a fantastic beef plate ribs option for low and slow cooking on the smoker!

What Should You Season Beef Plate Ribs With

When preparing to cook beef plate ribs, you have many seasoning options to choose from.

If you are a minimalist, you only need two ingredients: Salt and Pepper. This is the BBQ seasoning that many pitmasters prefer. 16 mesh pepper will attract the smoke and produce the bark, and the salt will dry brine the meat. This is an amazing flavor combination for almost any cut of beef!

Now, I like to use Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub. This rub is a little different than the traditional Texas Style BBQ. Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub was inspired by Texas brisket with a bit of a twist – some sugar, for a touch of sweetness, and lemon pepper for a twist!

Lemon Pepper on Beef Ribs

You might be thinking, “Lemon pepper on beef ribs?” and if not, you are now! Hang with me. I thought the same thing, but when I first tried it, the ribs were delicious!

My wife is not a fan of beef ribs, until I used Butcher BBQ Brisket and Steak Rub. The first time I used the rub, I told her this was a different recipe and I think she will like it. The rest is history!

So if your wife is not a fan of Texas style beef ribs, this BBQ rub could be a winner for you as well!

Let’s Get to Cooking

Ok, I know, let’s get back to how to cook beef plate ribs.

Now, beef ribs don’t require a lot of trimming. Remove any pieces that are hanging off that are thin. These are parts of the ribs that will burn up during the cook.

Dust your ribs evenly with Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub. Then press the rub into the meat and let them sit in the fridge. I let mine rest for an hour with the rub on while I fire up the smoker.

What Temp to Cook Beef Ribs

The preferred method to cook beef plate ribs is “low and slow”. I shoot for a grate temp of 225°F and not going over 250°F.

Why Low and Slow

Beef plate ribs are meaty and thick! They have a lot of intramuscular fat, and the meat is pretty tough when raw.

You want to slow smoke the ribs until they hit an internal temp of 165–170°F. This gives the meat time to absorb the smoke and form bark! The internal temp varies depending on if the rub has set and how the bark looks.

I have had times where I go upwards of 175–180°F before I wrap ribs because the rub has yet to set.

You will want to wrap these monster ribs as tight as you can in butcher paper. Put them back on the pit and let them continue to cook until the internal temp hits 200–205°F.

Temperature is somewhat irrelevant at this point because you want that “knife in hot butter” feeling. Take a probe thermometer or toothpick and probe your beef ribs. You want very little to no resistance when probing the ribs.

With my most recent cook, the internal temperature was 207°F before I pulled them to rest.

Let the Beef Plate Ribs Rest

Now the rest begins! Your beef ribs have been cooking for several hours and they need to rest for 30–60 minutes. This is an essential part of the process, as the meat cools it will absorb some of the juices around the meat.

Pro tip – I like to wrap my ribs in aluminum foil and place them in a cooler. The addition of the aluminum foil around the butcher paper helps to keep all the juices contained for easier cleanup.

In Conclusion

So there you have it—now you know how to cook beef plate ribs. It’s very easy; it just takes some preparation and a little patience. These beef ribs cooked in roughly 6 and a half hours.

Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub did a great job with the bark and my family loved them!

We put together a YouTube video showing the cooking process from start to finish!

Now it’s your turn. You have the knowledge, get the tools, and let’s get to cooking!

Also, please post a comment below and let us know how your cook turned out! We love to hear from our customers!

August 7, 2025
Low and Slow Temp for BBQ – What is it?

Low and slow temp for BBQ can be an open-ended discussion. With that said, pitmasters talk about 225 being that magical number. Other pitmasters will say 250 is the low and slow temp they shoot for. Let’s talk about it.

What Does it Mean to Cook Low and Slow

Ok, let’s discuss what is low and slow BBQ. First, do you remember your first bite of brisket? I do! It was a truly amazing experience! I tried the flat and then the point. It was cooked with a rub that formed an amazing bark, and the meat was so tender and juicy! The brisket had a beefy, salty flavor with that peppery crust for true Texas BBQ.

The process to get that brisket to that tender juicy state resulted from the low and slow temp process! When you cook a tough piece of meat, like a brisket or pork butt, at a low temperature for an extended period of time. This process is “low and slow BBQ”. It allows the low temperature to slow cook the meat, infuse smoke, and break down the intramuscular fat. The end result is a delicious, amazing meal your family will love!

What Temp is Used for Low and Slow BBQ

The temp used for low and slow BBQ varies from pitmaster to pitmaster. Some prefer to smoke their BBQ at 225 degrees. Others like to shoot for a grate temperature between 225-250 degrees. Still other pitmasters see 250-275 degrees as a good low and slow temp.

Most pitmasters will agree that 300 degrees and above is not considered low and slow BBQ.

Different cuts of meat can be smoked at different temperatures. We created a table below with a breakdown of brisket, pork butt, ribs, and chicken. This table shows the low and slow temps along with a rough estimate of how long each meat will cook:

In Conclusion

So there you have it, the low and slow temp for BBQ is between 225-275 degrees. Different meats will take longer and need to cook at a lower temperature vs other meat that cook a little hotter and quicker.

Also, include some BBQ rubs for your cooks. I like to use Butcher BBQ Texas Bark for beef and Butcher BBQ Honey Rub for ribs!

Now it is your turn, fire up that smoker, and post a comment below on what your low and slow temp is for BBQ.

July 30, 2025
Get This Brisket Rub for Best Bark

Brisket rub for best bark is what we all think about and want when it comes to smoking a brisket. That dark, black, textured bark that looks burnt, but it is far from burnt!

I have found a rub that will do just that. It is an SPG rub with an additional ingredient that really forms the bark. Let’s talk about it.

What is the Brisket Rub for Best Bark

Smoking a brisket can be intimidating for any pitmaster when they first start out. We all want that dark, crispy bark we see the pros cook.

However, determining what to use for a rub can be intimidating. Should you only use salt and pepper, and if so, how much salt is too much? Do you put the pepper on first, and if so, how much?

Should you use a store-bought rub, or should you create your own brisket rub recipe for good bark? These are all questions that every pitmaster thinks about at one time or another.

I have found a beef brisket rub for the best bark. It is Butcher BBQ Texas Bark! I have used a lot of rubs in my time, but this one created the most bark I have seen on a brisket.

What is in This Brisket Rub

This brisket rub is an SPG rub, but it has one additional ingredient that really forms the bark. That ingredient is activate charcoal.

I know what you are thinking: why would you put activate charcoal in a rub? Well, David Bouska, the owner of Butcher BBQ, knows a thing or two about BBQ.

David is a 2 Time World BBQ Champion, has won over 100 Grand and Reserve Championships, and was inducted into the Oklahoma BBQ Hall of Fame!

David went to work trying to create a beef brisket rub that would produce the best bark for a brisket, and he did just that.

How to Apply the Brisket Rub

Applying the brisket rub for best bark is easy to do. The rub comes in its own shaker bottle. Simply pop the top, hold it about 2-4 inches above the brisket, and shake the rub evenly onto your brisket.

If you are smoking a full packer brisket, it can handle a lot of rub! Apply liberally and press the rub into the meat.

Let the rub rest for at least an hour before you start cooking. If time allows, let the rub sit on the brisket overnight. The longer, the better.

How Does Your Brisket Look

Butcher BBQ Texas Bark creates some amazing bark! The combination of pepper and activate charcoal grab and hold onto the smoke to create the brisket bark.

You should get this brisket rub because it will create the best bark on your brisket!

The color is just what you see on BBQ championships!

Another reason why you should get this rub is that it locks in moisture! The salty goodness, combined with the beefy flavor, well, let me just say you should be prepared for a flavor explosion!

In Conclusion

Ok, so there you have it. This is why you should get our brisket rub for best bark! It creates some amazing bark, it locks in moisture, and it is delicious!

I pair it with Butcher BBQ Liquid Brisket Injection, and that is a fantastic combination of beefy flavor, moisture, and presentation!

So get a bottle of Butcher BBQ Texas Bark and get that pit smoking!

July 15, 2025
What Makes a Good BBQ Rub?
A Good BBQ Rub is one that has an empty shaker bottle! When it comes to BBQ, one of the foundations of the cook is what BBQ rub you use. However, there are many factors that come into play with a good BBQ rub. Let’s talk about a few!

What is a BBQ Rub

First, let’s quickly discuss what a BBQ rub is. At a high level, a BBQ rub is a blend of herbs, spices, sugar, salt, and pepper. It is dry and granular in texture. We have a blog post that explains “Dry Rub vs Seasoning – What is the Difference“.

Good BBQ Rub – Different Types

There are several different types of good BBQ rubs. Here are a few we will highlight:
- Texas Style Rub
- SPG Rub
- Fruit Rubs
- Rubs with Nut Flavor
Texas Style Rub

If you are from Texas, you know the Texas pitmasters only use two ingredients for a good BBQ rub. Those ingredients are salt and pepper. The salt is to infuse a brine, and the pepper is for bark formation. It’s a good beef brisket rub that is simple and hard to beat. Just visit any of the BBQ restaurants on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints.

SPG Rub

SPG Rub takes the Texas style and adds one more ingredient, garlic. Adding garlic enhances the salt and pepper flavors with the aromatic and slightly sweet taste. This is a staple for pitmasters across the country for burgers, brisket, beef ribs, etc. We have a blog that explains “What is SPG Seasoning” that goes more into detail.

A Good BBQ Rub with Fruit

With some meats, like pork ribs, pairing cherry wood and a cherry flavored rub is a win-win situation! Then top it off with a cherry glaze or cherry BBQ sauce, now that is all for the pitmaster with a sweet tooth! A good BBQ rub can be used for those family members who don’t care for the heat on the back end. So keep that in mind for your next BBQ.

Rubs with Nut Flavor

BBQ rubs with nut flavors can again be paired with the same type of wood. A good pecan BBQ rub, for example, can be paired with pecan wood or pecan wood pellets. It is a good dry rub for pork ribs. Pecan rubs are mild and add a delicious nutty flavor to your BBQ. These rubs go great on pork ribs, chops, tenderloins, and Boston butts.

In Conclusion

Ok, so now you know what makes a good BBQ rub. Mainly it comes down to what you are planning to cook and what flavor profile you are looking for. Summertime is upon us so get some rubs and fire up that smoker!
July 4, 2025
How to Smoke Rib Tips

Rib Tips are part of the spareribs that some pitmasters see as “scrap” meat and toss them in the trash. However, when barbequerib tips are properly cooked on the smoker, they are full of flavor, tender, and delicious! Let’s talk about it!

What are Rib tips

Rib tips are the “U” shaped portion of the sparerib. This portion of meat is trimmed to create the more “rectangular” shape of the St. Louis ribs. This is one of the BBQ world’s hidden gems, so don’t scrap this meat!

Rib tips – Win-Win Situation

One nice thing I like about rib tips is the full spare rib is usually CHEAPER than St. Louis and Baby Back ribs. So in my mind I get two cuts of meat, spare rib tips and St. Louis ribs, cheaper than purchasing St. Louis ribs alone! That’s a win-win situation for my wallet!

How to Prepare Rib tips

The spare rib actually has a “line” of fat that helps show you where to cut the rib tips. You will also see a slight “bend” where the bones end and where the cartilage begins.

This is the location where you want to use a sharp knife and a disposable cutting board. Simply cut along the fat line and the remaining “scrap” meat is your spare rib tips.

This is a beautifully marbled piece of pork that will make for some delicious pitmaster treats!

Seasoning the Rib tips

When it comes to seasoning, use your favorite BBQ rub. I prefer to use Butcher BBQ Honey Rub. This is a rub that is sweet and complements pork well.

That’s it, now let it sit for 30-45 minutes while you get the smoker ready!

Let’s Get to Cooking

Your rib tips will smoke fairly quickly. I believe when I smoked these they cooked for about 2 hours at 250 degrees on my Hasty Bake Legacy pit.

After about an hour some bark formed and I then cut them into 2-3 inch chunks.

The pork rib tips went into an aluminum pan. I added some Butcher BBQ Sweet BBQ Sauce, two sticks of butter, and another dusting of Butcher BBQ Honey Rub.

At this point you could add some brown sugar, honey, whatever flavor profile you are going for.

Cover the aluminum pan with foil and back on the pit for another hour or so.

Are the Rib tips Done Already

After about an hour the rib tips should be smelling REALLY good! Use a probe thermometer and lift up a corner of the foil and check the temperature. You want an internal temp of 195-200ish. You want them to probe with very little resistance, that’s when they are done!

Let them rest for about 30 minutes and it’s time to eat!

In Conclusion

Ok, there you have it. Straight forward, no nonsense how to smoke rib tips!

Grab yourself some spare ribs and make your family two new delicious BBQ meals they will really enjoy! Remember Pitmaster Essentials is where smoke meats flavor!

July 1, 2025
BBQ Shrimp Rub – Add Excitement to Your Shrimp!
Are you looking to add some excitement to your shrimp this summer? A BBQ shrimp rub is a simple way to spice up your shrimp kabobs. Let’s talk about how to make a rub and a rub that I use.

Picture this: the grill is sizzling, and the sun is setting. The air fills with a spicy, Cajun-infused aroma. This is from your shrimp kabobs that are coated in a smoky dry rub for grilled shrimp!

What Is a BBQ Shrimp Rub?

A BBQ shrimp rub is a blend of spices and herbs applied to shrimp before cooking. The rub is designed to enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor. A dry rub for grilled shrimp typically balances smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes. It can also have a hint of heat and a touch of Cajun spices as well.

Common ingredients include paprika for color and smokiness, garlic and onion powders for savory depth, cayenne and black pepper for spice, some thyme for a bit of Cajun seasoning, and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. This combination of ingredients will complement the delicate taste of shrimp without overwhelming it.

A Simple BBQ Shrimp Rub Recipe

Here’s a recipe to get you started:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Mix these ingredients together and store your BBQ shrimp dry rub in an airtight container. This batch will coat 1-2 pounds of shrimp. However, this depends on how much flavor you want to pack in.

How to Apply the Rub

Start by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then, coat them evenly with the BBQ shrimp dry rub. For the best results, let the shrimp sit with the spices for about 15 minutes before cooking. This short rest allows the flavors to seep in, making every bite more delicious.

Cooking Your BBQ Shrimp

Cooking your BBQ shrimp is quick and easy. You don’t need hours for this; it only takes a few minutes to cook. Get your grill hot and simply cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred.

I’ll never forget the first time I made BBQ shrimp for a family gathering. The spicy, smoky aroma filled the air, and everyone loved them. The shrimp were disappearing faster than I could cook them!

In Conclusion

The beauty of a BBQ shrimp rub lies in its versatility. You can make the rub your own. If you like it to be a little hotter, add some more cayenne pepper. Experiment to find your perfect blend, and enjoy the bold, smoky goodness it brings to your shrimp!

If you are short on time, no worries. We have you covered. Sometimes it’s easier to grab a bottle instead of making your own rub. I use Butcher BBQ Honey Rub. It has all the barbecue flavor I want, but with a touch of honey that is amazing on shrimp!

Let us know in the comments below how your BBQ shrimp rub turned out!
June 21, 2025
How To Make BBQ Meat Loaf
When it comes to BBQ meat loaf, this is way different from what your mom made! Our BBQ meatloaf recipe will wow your family! It might make your wife a little perturbed by the family’s response! Let’s chat about it!

The first time I made BBQ meat loaf for my family, my wife was not too happy. The kids said, “This is the best meat loaf we have ever had!”

I don’t want to pat myself on the back, but my kids were right, it was the best meat loaf I have ever had! I put a lot of love and time into it. It was smoked with hickory for about 4 hours. The smoke ring was on point, the BBQ rub complimented the smoke well, and the BBQ sauce was icing on the cake!

The BBQ Meatloaf Recipe

Making a BBQ meat loaf is real easy to do. This recipe will make two loafs, so you can freeze one for later. Ok, ok, here are the list of ingredients:
- 3 lbs ground chuck (80/20 ground beef works best)
- 1 lb tube of breakfast sausage
- 2 tbsp Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or 4 slices white bread cubed
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Butcher BBQ Sweet BBQ Sauce
- 2 eggs
Let’s get to Mixing
1. Start off by adding the milk to your breadcrumbs or cubed bread. This will allow for the bread to get good and soft.
2. While the milk and bread are soaking, add the ground chuck and sausage in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly two meats with your hands.
3. The best way to mix the ingredients is for the ground chuck and breakfast sausage to be cold.
4. Whip your two eggs in a separate bowl.
5. Now add all your wet ingredients to the ground beef and sausage and mix thoroughly with your hands.
6. Add the Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub and mix it in as well.
Let’s Make the BBQ Meat Loaf
1. Use plastic wrap to line two bread loaf pans. It usually takes two pieces of plastic wrap to cover the pan: one piece long ways and the other the opposite way.
2. Grab your bowl of mixed BBQ meat loaf ingredients and divide it roughly in half, placing each half into a bread pan. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
3. Once added to the bread pans, use the plastic wrap to cover the meat loafs and place them in the freezer for 3-4 hours. This will help the meat loaf keep its shape while cooking.
Fire up the Smoker

We are going to smoke this BBQ meat loaf at 250 degrees using hickory chunks.

After 4 hours in the freezer, remove the meatloaf from the freezer and remove the plastic wrap. Dust it with some more Butcher BBQ Steak and Brisket Rub, and put that beautiful meatloaf on the smoker.

It will take 3-4 hours for your barbecue meat loaf to reach an internal temp of 165 degrees. You will want to use a temperature probe and start checking the internal temp at the 2 hour mark.

Add Some BBQ Sauce and Let It Tack Up

When your BBQ meat loaf hits an internal temp of 160-163, glaze it with some BBQ sauce. That Butcher BBQ Sweet BBQ Sauce is the icing on this BBQ cake! After glazing, let it finish cooking until 165 degrees and then let it rest.

Tent some aluminum foil over the BBQ meat loaf and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

In Conclusion

So there you have it, a simple and easy to make BBQ meatloaf recipe. This could be the best ever meatloaf with BBQ sauce your family may ever eat!

Now slice that beautiful meatloaf and let us know in the comment section below how your cook turned out!
June 16, 2025
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