This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Spice rub is any mixture of ground spices that is made for the purpose of butt rub seasoning rubbed on raw food before the food is cooked.
The spice rub forms a coating on the food. The food can be marinated in the spice rub for some time for the flavors to incorporate into the food or it can be cooked immediately after it is coated in the rub. Rubs are normally applied as a powder, aka “dry”. Some “wet” rubs may have oil, water, or other liquid added to make a thick paste. The spices are usually coarsely ground.
In addition to spices, salt and sugar may be added to the rub, the salt for flavor and the sugar for caramelization. Different salts are sometimes used for their unique qualities, such as Himalayan pink salt. Spice rubs can also have ingredients such as herbs, crushed garlic or oil added to make a paste. Less common ingredients can include coffee beans.