Barbecue Marinades, Rubs and Mops

Marinades, rubs and mops give barbecue a big flavor boost. Check out favorite recipes from Food Network chefs.

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Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Cider Mop

Thinner than a barbecue sauce, a mop is a liquid that's brushed (or mopped) onto the meat repeatedly throughout the cooking process. Apple cider meets butter, ginger and fresh peppercorns in this simple mop recipe. Brush across smoky grilled meat to bring out the most flavor.

Get the Recipe: Cider Mop

Karri's Steak Marinade

A marinade is a flavorful sauce that adds flavor and tenderizes meat, fish and veggies. Trisha recommends coating steaks in a thin layer of honey before tossing them in her marinade. Not only does the honey balance the vinegar-based marinade, it also helps lock in the flavors.

Get the Recipe: Karri's Steak Marinade

Bobby's World-Famous Steak Rub

A rub is a mix of dry spices, salt and herbs, such as paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, salt and pepper, that gets rubbed into the meat to add flavor up to a day before cooking. Part of the appeal of Bobby's "world famous" steak rub is its versatility — whether you're grilling up rib eye, sirloin or filet mignon, the rich combination of spices and herbs will bring out hints of smokiness.

Get the Recipe: Bobby's World Famous Steak Rub from Mesa, Bar Americain and Bf Steak

Neelys' BBQ Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a thicker liquid that's brushed onto cooked meat, fish and veggies when they are almost done. The Neelys use ketchup as the sweet tomato base for their Memphis-style barbecue sauce.

Get the Recipe: Neely's BBQ Sauce

Rib Dry Rub

This Memphis-style rub adds so much flavor and a great crusty top (the "bark") to ribs that you won't need barbecue sauce at all.

Get the Recipe: Rib Dry Rub

Homemade Dry Rub for Everything

This dry rub adds layers of flavor to steaks, chicken, roasted veggies and more. The combo of everyday spices (think smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano) plays up the savory notes, while a touch of sumac and cayenne provide a bit of acidity and heat. Feel free to double the recipe and store in an airtight container for an all-purpose spice blend to have on hand at any time.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Dry Rub for Everything