Best BBQ Rubs for Steak, Chicken & Seafood an Australian-Made Guide
Choosing the right BBQ rub can be the difference between an average meal and an unforgettable cook-up. Whether you’re grilling steak, roasting chicken or pan-searing seafood, matching your rub to the protein is the fastest way to get restaurant-quality flavour at home.
Australian native ingredients — especially Saltbush, Pepperberry and Myrtle — pair exceptionally well with the meats we cook most. Here’s a simple guide to choosing the perfect rub every time.
Check out our range of Australian Native BBQ Rubs by clicking the link here: Australian Native BBQ Rubs.
Best BBQ Rubs for Steak
Steak needs bold, savoury flavours that help build a crust and complement rich beefiness.
Top Choice: Cattle Run Steak Rub
Made with Saltbush and Pepperberry, this rub adds:
Deep savoury notes
Mild aromatic heat
A natural crust when seared
Balanced seasoning without being salty
It shines on ribeye, rump, brisket strips, porterhouse and beef skewers. Pepperberry’s fruity heat enhances fattier cuts, while Saltbush naturally tenderises.
Other options for steak:
Burnt Ridge BBQ Rub
Smokier, slightly sweeter, ideal for pork as well.
Best BBQ Rubs for Chicken
Chicken benefits from bright, aromatic flavours. Since chicken is milder than beef, you want a rub that complements without overwhelming.
Top Choice: Dusty Chicken Poultry Rub
A mix of Lemon Myrtle, Pepperberry, Saltbush and herbs.
It delivers:
Crisp, aromatic skin
Balanced herbiness
Citrus lift from Lemon Myrtle
Family-friendly flavour (mild heat)
Perfect for wings, thighs, whole roast chicken or BBQ skewers.
Also great:
Granite Salt & Pepper for simple seasoning
Burnt Ridge for a smoky twist
Best BBQ Rubs for Seafood
Seafood needs bright, gentle, uplifting flavours that don’t drown out delicate meat.
Top Choice: Sea Spray Seafood Rub
With Lemon Myrtle and Saltbush, it adds:
Clean citrus aroma
Light savoury seasoning
Beautiful balance for oily or white fish
Perfect pairing for prawns, salmon and snapper
Lemon Myrtle adds freshness similar to lemon zest, but more complex.
Also great:
Rocky Shore Lemon Pepper for zesty flavour
Granite Salt & Pepper for a simple finish
Best All-Rounder BBQ Rub
Burnt Ridge BBQ Rub
If you want a single rub that works for everything — beef, pork, chicken, veg — Burnt Ridge is the one. It’s smoky, rich, slightly sweet and loaded with native ingredients.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Rub
Strong meats → strong flavours
Lighter meats → citrus or herbal native rubs
Seafood always pairs best with Lemon Myrtle
Pepperberry shines with beef and darker meats
The beauty of native BBQ rubs is how naturally they pair with Australian produce — and how effortlessly they turn simple meals into full flavoured dinners.
Check out our range of Australian Native BBQ Rubs by clicking the link here: Australian Native BBQ Rubs.
