Honey BBQ Rub
Sweet and salty with a kiss of honey and a little kick. Made for ribs and pulled pork.
What it tastes like
Sugar and honey powder up front, sea salt right behind it, and chile peppers for a little heat at the end. The sugars caramelize into a golden, sticky crust on the smoker. One customer called it "sweet and savory with a little kick," which is about right. Another said "that rub is strong," so go easy the first time.
What it's best on
Pork butts for pulled pork, pork ribs, chicken and turkey. Dan uses it as the top layer on pulled pork and on his peach-glazed holiday turkey.
How to use it
- Pulled pork: an optional thin layer of mustard, a medium coat of Tailgaters Party Rub, then a heavy top layer of Honey BBQ Rub. Recipe: hot and fast pulled pork sandwiches.
- Ribs: an even coat on both sides. Finish with Honey BBQ Glaze in the last 10 minutes for a deep red, sweet glaze.
- Holiday turkey: Dan brines a 15 lb turkey with the Area 51 Turkey Brine Kit, spatchcocks it and seasons both sides with 6 tablespoons of Honey BBQ Rub. Recipe: peach-glazed holiday turkey.
- Sugar browns fast, so cook low and slow or over medium heat, not over a hot direct fire.
Good to know
- No MSG. Naturally gluten free.
- Sizes: 4 oz small jar, 7.2 oz jar, 13.75 oz large jar, 2 lb bag, 6 lb gallon jug and 24 lb case.
- Made in Texas and shipped from Coppell, Texas. Family owned since 2006.
- $9.95 flat-rate shipping, free on orders of $75 or more.
Questions people ask
Is it really made with honey?
Yes, honey powder is in the blend, along with sugar, turbinado and brown sugar.
Is it sweet or spicy?
Sweet first, salty second, with a little chile at the end. It's rated mild.
Honey BBQ Rub or Sugar Daddy?
Honey BBQ has salt and a little heat. Sugar Daddy is sweeter still, with sugar, molasses and honey, made for layering on top of a savory rub.
What sauce goes with it?
Honey BBQ Glaze. Brush it on the last 10 minutes of the cook.
Pairs with
- Honey BBQ Glaze, the matching finish
- Tailgaters Party Rub, the savory base under it on pulled pork
- Hog Waller Pork & Rib Rub, for a saltier pork rub
- Peach BBQ Sauce, on the holiday turkey
