Great barbecue isn’t just about the meat and the fire – it’s also about the flavors you add. As you gear up for spring grilling, now is the perfect time to refresh your lineup of spices and sauces. In fact, having the right rubs and BBQ sauces on hand can make all the difference between a good cookout and an unforgettable one. In this article, we highlight five must-have rubs and sauces that every grilling enthusiast should have for the spring season. Whether you crave sweet and smoky ribs or spicy grilled wings, these flavor boosters have you covered. Each of these recommended products is available at BBQ Pro Shop, so you can easily stock up and be ready to elevate your barbecue game this spring.
1. Citrus Herb Rub: Brighten Up Chicken & Fish
Light and vibrant, a citrus herb rub is a springtime superstar. This type of dry rub typically includes lemon or orange zest, garlic, and a medley of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil. It delivers a tangy, aromatic punch that can really brighten up chicken, fish, or veggies on the grill. Use it on chicken breasts, salmon fillets, shrimp, or even spring vegetables like zucchini. The citrus elements tenderize and add freshness, while the herbs provide a savory depth.
How to use: Pat your protein dry, sprinkle a generous coating of the citrus herb rub on all sides, and let it sit for 30 minutes to infuse. Then grill as usual. You’ll end up with a lovely, herb-crusted piece of meat or fish with a subtle lemony kick. Try this: For an easy win, grab a premixed Lemon Garlic Herb seasoning from BBQ Pro Shop’s collection (for example, Heath Riles’ “Simple Citrus” rub is a popular choice). It saves time and ensures you get that perfect balance of zesty and herbal flavors every time.
2. Sweet & Smoky BBQ Rub: Perfect for Ribs and Pork
No BBQ arsenal is complete without a signature sweet-and-smoky rub. This rub typically has a brown sugar base for sweetness, paprika and chili powder for smokiness and color, plus spices like black pepper, cumin, and garlic. It’s the go-to blend for classic pork ribs, pulled pork, or pork chops, and it’s fantastic on chicken thighs as well. When you pat this rub onto meat, the brown sugar helps form a mouthwatering caramelized bark as it cooks, while the paprika and other spices infuse a deep BBQ flavor. How to use: Coat your rack of ribs or pork shoulder generously with the rub and let it marinate for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking. As the meat slow cooks or grills, the rub will create a savory-sweet crust that’s finger-licking good.
BBQ Pro Shop recommends: Try a competition-proven rub like Meat Church Honey Hog or Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub – both offer that ideal balance of sweetness, spice, and smoke. These rubs are customer favorites and will have your guests reaching for another rib in no time.
3. Bold Beef Seasoning: Savory Rub for Steaks & Brisket
When it comes to beef, you want a rub that can stand up to the rich flavor of the meat. A bold beef seasoning is usually heavy on cracked black pepper, kosher salt, and garlic – think along the lines of a classic Texas brisket rub or Montreal steak seasoning (but with gourmet flair). This kind of rub is ideal for brisket, steaks, burgers, and even tri-tip. The coarse texture of the salt and pepper helps to create a flavorful crust (the beloved “bark”) on smoked or grilled beef. Some beef rubs also include mustard powder or chili flakes for an extra kick. How to use: For a big cut like brisket, coat the meat liberally with the seasoning and let it rest so the flavors adhere well, then smoke or roast it low and slow. For steaks, a light oil coating and then a generous sprinkle on both sides just before grilling will do the trick.
Recommended pick: Check out Plowboys Bovine Bold or Hardcore Carnivore Black rub at BBQ Pro Shop – these are famously used in barbecue circles for beef. They’ll give your steak a robust, savory flavor and an incredible charred crust that’ll rival your favorite steakhouse.
4. Spicy BBQ Sauce: Turn Up the Heat
For those who like to live on the spicy side, a quality hot BBQ sauce is a must-have in your spring grilling lineup. A spicy BBQ sauce starts with the traditional tomato or vinegar base but adds in chili peppers like jalapeño, habanero, or even ghost pepper to bring the heat. The beauty of a good spicy sauce is that it still has a balance of flavor – a touch of sweetness and smokiness – but with a satisfying kick that builds as you eat. You can use a spicy BBQ sauce to glaze grilled wings, drizzle over pulled pork sandwiches, or serve as a dipping sauce for kebabs and grilled veggies. It’s also fantastic brushed on burgers for an extra zing. How to use: Apply in the final stages of grilling – for example, toss your nearly-done chicken wings in the hot sauce and give them a last quick sear on the grill to caramelize the sugars and seal in the spice. Or simply put the bottle on the table for those who want to spice up their plate. Heat level: Spicy BBQ sauces come in various heat levels, so choose one that suits your taste. At BBQ Pro Shop, you’ll find everything from a mild jalapeño BBQ sauce to fiery blends featuring ghost peppers. One popular choice is a chipotle-Raspberry BBQ sauce which offers smoky heat, or if you’re a true heat-lover, grab a Apple habanero BBQ sauce for a bold kick. A little goes a long way, and it’s guaranteed to wake up your palate!
5. Award-Winning Barbecue Sauce: Championship-Grade Flavor
Why not stock the same sauce the pros use? An award-winning barbecue sauce can instantly elevate your grilling, giving your food that “competition quality” glaze and taste. These sauces have earned high praise for their balanced flavor – typically a mix of sweetness from brown sugar or molasses, tang from vinegar or tomato, and a medley of spices. The result is a versatile sauce that’s smooth, flavorful, and not too overpowering in any one direction. It’s the kind of sauce you’d proudly brush on ribs or chicken thighs when company is over. For example, Old Arthur’s Spicy Barbecue Sauce won first place in a national BBQ sauce competition in 2023 (Old Arthur’s Spicy Barbecue Sauce Wins 1st Place in 2023 NBBQA AOE Competition - BBQ Pro Shop), a testament to its incredible flavor profile. Using a sauce like that on your grilled meats gives them a glossy finish and deep, crowd-pleasing taste. How to use: Slather it on ribs in the final 15–20 minutes of cooking to caramelize, or serve it on the side as the perfect dip for everything from brisket to grilled fries.
BBQ Pro tip: Browse BBQ Pro Shop’s selection of award-winning and competition BBQ sauces (we carry several, including past champions). Bringing a championship sauce to your backyard cookout is a surefire way to impress your guests – they’ll taste the difference, and you get to be the pitmaster who introduced them to the best of the best.
By stocking up on these must-have rubs and sauces, you’ll be well-equipped to make your spring BBQ meals truly unforgettable. The right seasoning can transform a simple piece of meat or veg into something extraordinary. Don’t be afraid to experiment – mix a sweet rub with a spicy sauce for contrast, or try that citrus herb rub on grilled veggies as well as meats. Grilling is all about layering flavors and having fun with it, and these five flavor boosters are a great toolkit for any BBQ adventure.
The best part is, you can find all of these rubs and sauces in one convenient place. Head over to BBQ Pro Shop to explore our full range of premium BBQ seasonings, sauces, and more. Stock up now on your spring grilling essentials so you can hit the ground running (or grilling!) as soon as the weather warms up. With the right flavors on hand, you’ll be ready to spice up your spring barbecues and wow everyone at your next cookout. Happy grilling!