What is the difference between rub and marinade

Tags: advice bbq cooking grilling. Get the Latest! We Recommend. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. I Understand. So, yeah: It's not that we have a problem with liquids, it's just that we don't want to apply them to proteins until after it's gotten its sear on. If you balance all of the elements of a dry-rub correctly, that aggressively-seasoned crackly exterior will hold its own.

And by hold its own , we mean make you forget about marinades all together. Which you probably should do. Oven-Barbecued Chicken No backyard? No problem. All the sticky-sweet goodness of barbecued chicken without having to leave the house. Photo: Tasting Table. Want the inside scoop? Please check your inbox to verify your email address. Hot Stuff. Get the Tasting Table newsletter for adventurous eaters everywhere Sign up Your information will never be shared with a third party.

Close Tasting Table To-Dos. Around the Web. Thanks for sharing! Send this to a friend! Like, all the way deep. Rubs and marinades are two ways to amplify the flavor of that which you would apply to the grill , or to any heat source, really, to tremendous effect. But what is the difference between a rub and a marinade? Sugar, which is typically incorporated in a rub, caramelizes during the cooking process to create this effect. Wet rubs also exist, where a small amount of oil, juice, honey, or other liquid is involved that turns the rub into more of a paste.

Either way, the method of application is right there in the name: rub. But just about any dried herb or spice can function in a rub, including unusual suspects such as cinnamon, coffee, and ginger. To begin experimenting with your own rubs, start with a ratio where one part is sugar and the other part is a combo of salt and other spices. Check out a few of our own recipes that highlight the versatility of a good rub combined with grill power:. Ancho chili and chipotle chili tease out the heat and a little smokiness with this excellent barbecue rub.

Along with the typical salt and sugar, garlic powder and onion powder give a deep savoriness, and cumin is on the scene to brighten it all up a bit.

Truly excellent chicken wings require a three-prong approach: a rub to add flavor to the chicken itself, a grill to add char, and a sticky sauce to bring it all together.