She Strengthens

Unlock the Secrets of Grilling: Rubs vs Marinades

When it comes to grilling, the possibilities are endless. You can take any protein, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and voilà! You’ve got a delicious meal. But, what if you want to take your grilling game to the next level? That’s where rubs and marinades come in.

The Power of Rubs

A rub is a blend of flavors that you apply directly to the surface of the meat. It’s like giving your protein a flavorful massage. The ingredients in a rub don’t penetrate too deeply into the meat, but they do add a fantastic crust or bark. Sugar, a common ingredient in rubs, caramelizes during cooking to create this effect.

Rubs can be dry or wet, depending on whether you add a small amount of oil, juice, or honey to the mixture. Either way, the method of application is straightforward: rub the seasoning blend onto the meat. You can let it sit for a few hours or overnight, but since it won’t penetrate the meat too much, you don’t have to plan ahead.

Some common ingredients in rubs include brown sugar, salt, paprika, cayenne, and mustard. These ingredients create a beautiful sweet-savory tension with a hint of heat and umami. But feel free to experiment with other dried herbs and spices, like cinnamon, coffee, or ginger.

The Magic of Marinades

Marinades, on the other hand, are like immersion baths for your protein. They’re liquid-based and contain acid, which helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Acid can come in the form of citrus juice, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce.

Marinades work especially well for tougher cuts of meat that need some breaking down. They’re also great for delicate items like white meat chicken or shrimp, but be careful not to overdo it, as too much acid can make the protein gummy.

Because marinades can penetrate deeper into the meat, they can add more complex flavors. However, they won’t create a significant external texture. Be sure to discard the marinade after use, or boil it to kill any bacteria.

Recipe Inspiration

Ready to try out some rubs and marinades? Here are a few recipes to get you started:

• Grilled Country Style Pork Ribs: A spicy barbecue rub with ancho chili, chipotle chili, and a hint of smokiness.
• Smoky Rubbed Chicken Wings with Honey, Bourbon, and Molasses Sauce: A complex rub with 14 ingredients, including sweet smoked paprika, ginger, and allspice.
• Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin: A simple rub that lets coffee take center stage, with a boost from smoked paprika.

Or, try out these marinade recipes:

• Grilled Chicken Breasts with Balsamic Rosemary Marinade: A quick and easy recipe with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and rosemary.
• Easy Seared Flank Steak: A marinade that brings the umami flavor with Worcestershire and mustard.
• Easy Fish Tacos: A marinade that combines lime, cumin, garlic, and chili for a flavorful and healthy meal.

Remember, the key to grilling success is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try out new rubs and marinades to find your perfect flavor combinations. Happy grilling!