National BBQ Month: Infused Sauces & Rubs

National BBQ Month, celebrated each May, is a time to ignite grills, gather with friends and family, and dive into the world of flavorful barbecue. While the perfect cut of meat is important, it’s the sauces and rubs that elevate the experience, bringing bold, nuanced flavors to every bite. For those looking to take their grilling game to the next level, experimenting with infused sauces and rubs can make all the difference.

Infused sauces and rubs are an excellent way to customize your BBQ experience. Whether you’re looking for a smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy profile, there’s an infusion to suit every palate. Let’s take a closer look at how these flavorful ingredients can enhance your BBQ and how you can make them yourself.

Infused Sauces: A World of Flavor

Sauces are a BBQ essential, but there’s much more to explore beyond the traditional ketchup-based or vinegar-style options. Infusing your sauces with ingredients like fruits, herbs, and spices can introduce new layers of flavor that pair beautifully with grilled meats.

How to Make Infused Sauces:

1. Start with a Base: Begin with your favorite BBQ sauce as the base—this could be a tomato-based, mustard-based, or vinegar-based sauce, depending on your taste. 
2. Add Fruits or Vegetables: To infuse sweetness or a unique flavor, add fruits like mango, pineapple, or peaches. For a savory twist, try roasted garlic, onions, or even tomatoes for a richer base. 
3. Infuse with Herbs & Spices: For herbal infusions, try adding rosemary, thyme, or basil to your sauce. You can also experiment with chili peppers, chipotle, or smoked paprika for a spicy kick. 
4. Add Alcohol or Vinegar for Depth: A splash of bourbon, beer, or even balsamic vinegar can bring a deep, complex flavor to your sauce. The acid from vinegar can also balance out the sweetness and richness of the fruit. 
5. Simmer and Let it Sit: After combining your ingredients, simmer the sauce on low heat for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Let it cool for at least an hour before use. 
6. Taste and Adjust: After the sauce has rested, taste it and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed to balance the flavor. 

Popular Infused Sauces Ideas:

• Mango Chipotle BBQ Sauce: Combine BBQ sauce with mango puree and chipotle peppers for a sweet yet smoky profile. 
• Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Infuse BBQ sauce with peach preserves and a splash of bourbon for a rich, fruity finish. 
• Herbed Vinegar BBQ Sauce: Mix vinegar-based sauce with fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic for an aromatic flavor. 

Infused Rubs: Bold and Flavorful

Rubs are an essential part of BBQ preparation, providing a flavorful coating for meats before grilling. Infused rubs typically consist of dry ingredients like spices, herbs, and sometimes sugar or salt, which are massaged into the meat to form a flavorful crust. The beauty of infused rubs lies in the ability to mix and match different flavor profiles, allowing you to create a custom blend tailored to your tastes.

How to Make Infused Rubs:

1. Start with Basic Ingredients: Begin with a combination of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, or brown sugar. These ingredients provide the base flavor for your rub. 
2. Add Herbs & Spices: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano work well in rubs. Ground spices such as cinnamon, coriander, and smoked paprika can add complexity and warmth. 
3. Infuse with Unique Ingredients: For a special twist, try adding freshly ground coffee or cocoa powder. These ingredients add depth and a slightly earthy flavor to your rub. Tea infusions can also work well—try Earl Grey or green tea for floral or citrusy notes. 
4. Mix Thoroughly: Combine all your dry ingredients in a bowl. If you want to infuse your rub with a liquid flavor, such as olive oil or bourbon, mix in just enough to form a paste-like consistency that sticks to the meat. 
5. Apply and Let It Sit: Generously rub the mixture onto your meat of choice. Let the meat rest for at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow the rub to penetrate and flavor the meat. 
6. Grill & Enjoy: Grill your meat to perfection. The rub will form a flavorful crust while the infused spices penetrate the meat. 

Popular Infused Rubs Ideas:

• Coffee & Cocoa Rub: Mix ground coffee, cocoa powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder for a deep, savory rub that pairs perfectly with beef. 
• Citrus Herb Rub: Combine dried oregano, thyme, lemon zest, garlic powder, and sea salt for a fragrant rub that complements chicken or pork. 
• Smoked Paprika & Cumin Rub: A smoky and earthy rub for ribs or steak, made with smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, and garlic powder. 

Creating Your Own Infused Sauces and Rubs

Making your own infused sauces and rubs at home is easy and rewarding. For sauces, start with a base like ketchup, mustard, or vinegar, then add in your chosen flavorings. Let the sauce sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld, and adjust to taste. For rubs, simply combine your desired dry ingredients, massage them onto your meat, and let it rest for a while before grilling. The longer the meat sits with the rub, the more flavor it absorbs.

There are numerous online resources to guide you in your BBQ journey. Websites like BBQGuys and The Spruce Eats offer a wealth of recipes and tips for making the perfect sauces and rubs. For a more interactive experience, you can check out BBQ communities like r/BBQ on Reddit, where enthusiasts share their latest flavor discoveries and techniques.

Conclusion

National BBQ Month is the perfect time to explore new flavors and techniques in your grilling routine. Infused sauces and rubs are an exciting way to experiment with different flavor profiles and add depth to your BBQ dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, these flavorful additions can help you take your BBQ to the next level.