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What is an Herb Rub?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
A herb rub is a blend of seasonings which are designed to be rubbed into meats for roasting, grilling, broiling, and baking. The herbs may be fresh or dried, and the blend can include any combination of herbs which appeals to the cook. A similar concept, the spice rub, uses spices instead of herbs for a slightly different flavor. It is also not uncommon to see a blend of the two.
The practice of rubbing meats with herbs before roasting is ancient. Humans have been gathering aromatic wild herbs and cultivating herbs in their garden for thousands of years. When a meat is treated with an herb rub, it absorbs the aroma and flavor of the herbs, and the herbs usually interact with the flavor of the meat to bring out a unique taste. As the meat cooks, the herbs on the surface cook along with it, adding texture to the finished product and creating bursts of flavor as consumers bite in.
When fresh herbs are used, they tend to be more zesty and complex. The herbs are usually chopped fine so that they will be evenly distributed onto the meat, and they are rubbed in along with a small amount of oil, salt, and pepper. Once an herb rub has been applied, the meat is cooked directly, as herb rubs do not act to soften and tenderize like marinades do. Other ingredients such as citrus juice and wine may also supplement an herb rub.
When fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs can be used instead. Many companies actually sell herb rub blends which are designed to pair with particular meats. It is also possible to buy dried herbs separately and blend them to taste, or to dry fresh herbs from the garden so that they can be used year round. When a meat needs to be quickly seasoned in a simple and refreshing way, an herb rub is an excellent way to accomplish this goal.
Marjoram, basil, parsley, thyme, lavender, fennel, sage, rosemary, oregano, orange peels, bay leaves, tarragon, mint, dill, and chives may all be used in an herb rub, though generally not together as a group. The biggest mistake made with herb rubs is an excess of varieties which simply muds out through the cooking process. It is better to choose a few herbs which complement each other and the meat well to create a simple but appealing seasoning.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
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![Dried marjoram leaves, which can be used in an herb rub.]()
Dried marjoram leaves, which can be used in an herb rub. -
![Orange peel is often included in herb rubs.]()
Orange peel is often included in herb rubs. -
![Basil is a common ingredient in herb rubs.]()
By: Barbara PhebyBasil is a common ingredient in herb rubs. -
![Sage can be used in an herb rub to flavor many foods like roasts.]()
By: Irina BelousaSage can be used in an herb rub to flavor many foods like roasts. -
![Parsley is used in many herb rubs.]()
By: Barbara PhebyParsley is used in many herb rubs. -
![Oregano is often used in herb rubs.]()
By: TaigaOregano is often used in herb rubs. -
![Mint is often found in herb rubs.]()
By: margo555Mint is often found in herb rubs. -
![Lavender can be included when making herb rubs.]()
By: Elena MoiseevaLavender can be included when making herb rubs. -
![Many dried herb rub blends are commercially available at most grocery stores.]()
By: Monkey BusinessMany dried herb rub blends are commercially available at most grocery stores. -
![Homemade herb rubs can be made using a mortar and pestle.]()
By: GorillaHomemade herb rubs can be made using a mortar and pestle.
Discussion Comments
My son has become very good at cooking and smoking meats, and he introduced me to several kinds of rubs that he likes to use on his meat. His meat is always tender and well seasoned. I know there are many factors that go in to this, but he likes to use a lot of rubs.
There are many rubs you can buy that are already blended, or without too much trouble, you can make your own. One of my favorites is a BBQ rub for chicken. The main ingredient is the paprika which adds some BBQ flavor without the mess of a liquid barbecue sauce.
I love using different combinations of herb rubs on my meats. These especially come in handy if I don't have time to marinade the meat, but still want to add some extra flavoring.
This year for Thanksgiving I tried an herb rub for turkey, and it turned out great. Rosemary and thyme were the two main herbs I used as the dry ingredients, combined with dried onion, garlic, salt and pepper. This is then added to some olive oil and white wine.
You can use this rub on the outside of the turkey or inject into the meat. I then baked the turkey as usual, and it was very tender and moist.
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