June’s Magic of the Month is just in time for summer.  As we entertain our family and friends, grilling is often the top choice for cooking.  And nothing kicks up the flavor like a rub!  A rub is an easy way to add incredible taste by simply mixing a variety of seasonings and spices and rubbing them on the meat before cooking. Dawn Badger is an expert at grilling fabulous meat dishes.  Whether you’re grilling chicken, steak or seafood, she’s come up with some great rubs for you! We included a wonderful homemade barbecue sauce at the end.  Be sure to try it!

1. LICKIN’ CHICKEN

The variety of spices in our chicken rub make it juicy and tender – and adds a burst of peppery flavor!

Makes enough for approximately 8 pork chops

1 1/4 cups white sugar

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup salt

1/4 cup freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup paprika

STEP 1

Mix dry ingredients together in a small bowl and rub into the pork

STEP 2

Let rub sit on the pork for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator

STEP 3

Grill or cook, as desired

STEP 4

Apply BBQ sauce, if desired

Makes enough for approximately 3 pounds flank steak (or any cut of steak will work)

1 tablespoon ground mustard

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

1/4 teaspoon allspice

STEP 1

Mix dry ingredients together in a small bowl and rub into the steak

STEP 2

Let rub sit on the steak for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator

STEP 3

Put the steak on hot grill and cook, a minimum of 5 minutes per side

STEP 4

Remove and let rest 10 minutes before slicing

  4. HOKEY  POKEY  FISH

This is an awesome fish rub with a kick of spice!  Dawn used walleye freshly caught from Lake Michigan. Guests were fighting over the last bite!

Makes enough for approximately 2 pounds of any kind of fish

1 tablespoon sweet paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

STEP 1

Mix dry ingredients together in a small bowl and rub into the fish

STEP 2

Let rub sit on the fish for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator

STEP 3

Place some aluminum foil on the grill and cook, as desired

5. BEEF  SHAKEDOWN

Dawn used a rack of beef ribs and rubbed them down with a tasty blend of cumin, paprika and other seasonings. You won’t have to add another thing to this delicious meat – the rub gives it the perfect barbecue flavor!

Makes enough for approximately 1 full rack of ribs

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon granulated garlic

1 tablespoon granulated onion

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon white pepper

STEP 1

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well

STEP 2

Pack the dry rub onto a rack of ribs

STEP 3

Grill or cook as desired

6. FINGER  SMACKIN’  PORK  RIBS

This was Dawn’s favorite. The sweet and peppery rub was used on a rack of pork ribs. This recipe can also be made ahead  by cutting up the ribs and putting them in a crockpot with some BBQ sauce (see recipe below). Just let it cook while you enjoy the pool or other summer activities.

Makes enough for approximately 1 full rack of ribs

3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

3/4 cup white sugar

1/2 cup paprika

1/4 cup Morton’s kosher salt

1/4 cup garlic powder

2 tablespoons ground black pepper

2 tablespoons ground ginger powder

2 tablespoons onion powder

2 teaspoons rosemary powder

STEP 1

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well

STEP 2

Pack the dry rub onto ribs

STEP 3

Place on grill and cook approximately 20 minutes, each side

7. SAVORY  PORK  LOIN

Another one of Dawn’s favorites.  The pork loin is amazing rubbed with a savory blend of herbs and spices.  Grilling the pork loin makes it extremely juicy and notches up the flavor.

Makes enough for approximately ?? ounces of pork loin

1/2 cup paprika

1/4 cup garlic powder

1/4 cup mild chili powder (use medium or hot to kick up the heat)

3 tablespoons salt

3 tablespoons black pepper

2 tablespoons onion powder

2 tablespoons celery seeds

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

3 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons dry mustard

2 teaspoons ground coriander

2 teaspoons ground allspice

STEP 1

Mix dry ingredients together in a small bowl and rub into the pork

STEP 2

Let rub sit on the pork for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator

STEP 3

Grill or cook, as desired 

HOMEMADE  BARBEQUE  SAUCE

1 1/2 cups ketchup

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon celery salt

1/2 cup water

STEP 1

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat

STEP 2

Bring to a boil, stirring until ingredients are completely incorporated

STEP 3

Reduce heat to low and gently simmer until flavors have melded and sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon – about 30 to 40 minutes

STEP 4

Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature

STEP 5

Use right away or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks