Original Barbecue Rub - Wisconsin Smoky BBQ Seasoning

Original Barbecue Rub - Wisconsin's Smoky BBQ Seasoning

Original Barbecue Rub is our foundational BBQ seasoning—the one we reach for when we want deep, smoky, authentic barbecue flavor without any gimmicks. This is Wisconsin BBQ in dry rub form: balanced, versatile, and absolutely essential for anyone serious about smoking or grilling. Whether you're cooking brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, or chicken, Original Barbecue Rub delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every single time.

What Makes Original Barbecue Rub Special

Great barbecue starts with great seasoning, and Original Barbecue Rub is built on a foundation of premium spices carefully balanced to enhance—not overpower—your meat. We combine smoky paprika, black pepper, garlic, onion, and a touch of brown sugar to create a rub that forms a beautiful bark during smoking while allowing the natural meat flavors to shine through.

Unlike store-bought rubs loaded with salt, MSG, and fillers, Original Barbecue Rub uses clean ingredients in carefully measured ratios. The result is a rub that tastes like actual spices rather than just salty dust. You can taste the smokiness from paprika, the warmth from black pepper, and the subtle sweetness that helps with caramelization—all working together to create Wisconsin BBQ perfection.

This is the rub we use daily in our catering business. When you're smoking for 300 people, you need a rub that delivers consistent results—and Original Barbecue Rub does exactly that.

How to Use Original Barbecue Rub

Best Applications:

- Smoked Brisket: Apply generously (1/4 cup per 10-12 lb brisket) and let sit overnight before smoking
- Pork Ribs: Coat ribs thoroughly 2-4 hours before smoking for maximum flavor penetration
- Pork Shoulder/Butt: Use heavily (1/3 cup per 8-10 lb shoulder) for pulled pork perfection
- Chicken: Apply to skin-on chicken pieces before grilling or smoking
- Beef Ribs: Excellent on beef short ribs or dino ribs for competition-quality bark
- Grilled Steaks: Use as a dry rub 30 minutes before grilling for enhanced crust
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss root vegetables in oil and Original Rub before roasting
- Burgers: Mix 1-2 teaspoons into ground beef before forming patties

Application Tips:
- For smoking: Apply rub and refrigerate 2-24 hours before cooking
- For grilling: Apply 30-60 minutes before cooking for best results
- Pat meat dry before applying rub for better adhesion
- Use a binder (mustard, oil, or water) if you want thicker bark
- Don't be shy—use more than you think you need for proper coverage

The Slo' Motion BBQ Difference

As with all Slo' Motion BBQ products, Original Barbecue Rub is handcrafted in small batches right here in Sussex, Wisconsin. We never use MSG, anti-caking agents, or the cheap fillers you'll find in grocery store rubs. Every jar is made with pride by "The Doctor of Smoke" Adam Gegare and his team, using recipes developed through years of BBQ competition and catering experience.

When you choose Original Barbecue Rub, you're getting authentic Wisconsin craftsmanship in every jar. This is the same rub we use in our award-winning catering business—now available for your home smoker.

Product Details

- Size: 8 oz jar (approximately 1 cup)
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, savory, balanced with subtle sweetness
- Heat Level: Mild (black pepper warmth, not spicy)
- Origin: Crafted in Sussex, Wisconsin
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, no MSG, no artificial flavors, free of major allergens
- Shelf Life: Best used within 12 months for optimal freshness

Ingredients: Paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, natural spices

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep jar tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent clumping.

Made in Wisconsin with Wisconsin Pride.

Frequently Asked Questions About Original Barbecue Rub

Q: What does Original Barbecue Rub taste like?
A: Original Barbecue Rub delivers smoky, savory flavor with notes of paprika, black pepper, garlic, and onion, balanced with a touch of brown sugar for subtle sweetness. It's designed to enhance meat's natural flavors rather than mask them—you'll taste quality spices, not just salt.

Q: Is Original Barbecue Rub spicy?
A: No, Original Barbecue Rub is not spicy. It has mild warmth from black pepper but no heat. It's perfect for families and anyone who wants authentic BBQ flavor without spice. If you want heat, check out our Spicy Barbecue Rub.

Q: What are the ingredients in Original Barbecue Rub?
A: We use paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and natural spices. No MSG, no anti-caking agents, no fillers, no artificial flavors. Just premium spices creating authentic Wisconsin BBQ seasoning.

Q: What meats work best with Original Barbecue Rub?
A: Original Barbecue Rub is incredibly versatile—it's exceptional on brisket, pork ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, beef ribs, steaks, and even roasted vegetables. It's truly an all-purpose BBQ rub that works for smoking, grilling, or oven cooking.

Q: Is Original Barbecue Rub gluten-free?
A: Yes! Original Barbecue Rub is gluten-free and free of major allergens. We craft it to be inclusive while maintaining incredible flavor. Always check the label if you have specific dietary concerns, but our recipe avoids common allergens.

Q: How much rub should I use per pound of meat?
A: As a general rule: 1-2 tablespoons per pound for chicken, 2-3 tablespoons per pound for pork ribs/shoulder, and 3-4 tablespoons per pound for brisket. Don't be shy—proper coverage is key to great bark and flavor! You want visible seasoning on all surfaces.

Q: Can I use Original Barbecue Rub as a seasoning for other foods?
A: Absolutely! Original Barbecue Rub works beautifully on roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, popcorn, french fries, and even as a seasoning for scrambled eggs. It's versatile enough for creative cooking beyond just meat.

Q: Should I apply the rub right before cooking or in advance?
A: For best results, apply rub 2-24 hours before cooking and refrigerate. This allows flavors to penetrate the meat. If you're short on time, 30-60 minutes works too. For competition brisket, we recommend overnight application.

Q: What's the difference between Original Barbecue Rub and Spicy Barbecue Rub?
A: Original Barbecue Rub is smoky and savory with no heat—perfect for families and those who don't want spice. Spicy Barbecue Rub adds cayenne pepper and chili peppers for genuine heat. Both have the same quality base, but Spicy Rub brings the fire.

Q: Can I buy Original Barbecue Rub in stores?
A: Original Barbecue Rub is available for purchase online at slomotionbbq.com with shipping throughout the United States. We're also working on retail partnerships—check our website for the latest retail locations carrying Slo' Motion BBQ products.