How Much Rib Rust Should I Use? Rib Rust is a rub versus a seasoning, so be sure to use it liberally. There are ingredients in all Rib Rust blends that allow you to create a crust (bark) on your meat—and if you don't use enough, you won't get the bark. Plan on using a quarter of a can per pork shoulder or full rack of ribs, half a can for a large brisket, and a flat teaspoon for a single burger or steak. The point is, don't be afraid to be heavy-handed with it.
What Wood Flavors Go Best with Rib Rust? This is where you have creative freedom to use whatever you want, or whatever is readily available in your region. Personally I use Hickory and Apple with pork and chicken, hickory and pecan with beef, and straight hickory with wings. My only advice, and you can do whatever you want with it . . . is to never, ever use mesquite. Mesquite is Texas's cruel, inside joke on the rest of the BBQ world. The truth is, even they don't like it. If you're looking for a strong, bitter wood flavor to overpower your meat, use Oak instead. And you're welcome.
How Long Can I Keep Rib Rust? The typical shelf life of ground spices and spice blends is two years max, but the flavor of ANY rub absolutely degrades over time. With this in mind I would shoot for one year . . . basically 12 months worth of grilling and smoking. And as you come to the end of the flavor life of your Rib Rust, be sure to give it a good shake before you use it. Or better yet, run it through a spice grinder to wake it up.
How Soon Before I Grill or Smoke Do I Apply Rib Rust? The bigger the piece of meat, the earlier you want to apply the rub. For pork shoulders, briskets and full racks of ribs, put Rib Rust on the night before you cook—then wrap the meat in tight plastic and refrigerate overnight. For smaller, grillable stuff like steaks, burgers, wings or chops, put Rib Rust on about a half hour before you light your fire.
Is Rib Rust Spicy? No, not even if you're from Minnesota. That said, I've been working on a really nice Ancho Chipotle blend for the last five years or so. If you like spicy things, go to the home page and join our newsletter list and you can be the first to know when this new blend is available.
How Do I Keep Rib Rust Fresh? I chose the tin container for a very good reason—it seals tight, it's easily storable, and it keeps out moisture. If you help the process by keeping your tin out of the sunlight, deep in a cupboard you rarely use with the rest of your spices, you should be fine. And if your Rib Rust is getting to the end of its one-year shelf life, just order a new set.
What are the Ingredients in Rib Rust? Rib Rust is a gluten free, nut free, egg free, dairy free, shellfish free, plant-based, vegan product with no binders or fillers. And that is as much as I'm willing to say.
Can I Use Rib Rust in an Injector? Maybe, but it will take some work. If you mix Rib Rust with your favorite injecting liquid and let it dissolve a bit, you may be able to get away with it—if you have a large injector like I do. But if yours is smaller, some of the larger chunks will absolutely plug your injector. I typically limit my injecting liquids to non-chunky things like apple juice, mango juice or a good can of beer. But if you really have your heart set on using Rib Rust as an injectable then mix it with your favorite liquid, give it a few hours to dissolve, and strain the chunks out first.
Can I Have the Rib Rust Recipe? Nope. But if you have concerns about particular ingredients being in any of the blends, feel free to contact me and I'd be glad to help.
Can I Buy Rib Rust in a Store? No, and you will never be able to. Right now I set up this site to make it easier for friends and family to request Rib Rust—so if you don't know me, or don't know someone who knows me, you won't be able to get it anywhere including here. So why the logo, professional packaging and website? Because I'm a marketing guy, and I can't go halfway with something like this.
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