Making your own marinades and rubs is a cost-effective way to add incredible flavour to your barbecue dishes. By crafting these at home, you gain the ability to customise ingredients according to your taste preferences and dietary needs, ensuring that every grilled dish is delicious and unique. Here’s an expanded look at how you can create your own marinades and rubs, along with some additional recipes to try out.

Benefits of Homemade Marinades and Rubs

Cost-Effective: Store-bought marinades and rubs can be pricey, especially those with gourmet or organic labels. Making your own is significantly cheaper, particularly if you buy spices in bulk.

Control Over Ingredients: When you make marinades and rubs at home, you control the quality of ingredients. This is particularly beneficial for those with dietary restrictions or allergies, as it allows you to avoid unwanted additives like preservatives, excess salt, and sugars.

Customisation: You can tweak recipes to suit your taste or experiment with different spices and herbs to create a signature blend. This customisation can turn a simple meal into a gourmet experience.

Marinde Recipes

Basic BBQ Marinade:
This all-purpose marinade is perfect for chicken, pork, beef, and even vegetables. The combination of tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and smoky paprika provides a classic BBQ flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup vinegar (apple cider or white)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before use.

Simple Dry Rub:

Ideal for ribs, steaks, and brisket, this rub adds a robust flavour and forms a delicious crust on the meat as it grills.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Method:

1. Combine all the spices in a bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
3. Rub onto your meat at least an hour before grilling to allow the flavours to penetrate.

Additional Recipes

Citrus Herb Marinade:
This light and refreshing marinade is perfect for fish and poultry, infusing them with a bright, zesty flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour over your chosen protein and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Spicy Rub:
Kick up the heat with this spicy rub, great for those who enjoy a little extra spice. It’s excellent on chicken wings or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Apply generously to meat or vegetables before grilling to add a spicy kick.

By utilising these homemade marinades and rubs, you’ll not only save money but also elevate the flavours of your barbecue dishes, making your next outdoor cooking session a memorable one.

Short on time and wanting some go to meat rubs/ marinades. You can find them below.