Cuban-Inspired Spice Rub for Boston Butt
Elevate your Boston butt with this zesty Cuban-inspired dry rub that brings a burst of flavor without the heaviness of barbecue sauce. This blend features warm spices like cumin and garlic, balanced by the heat of red pepper flakes. It’s customizable; you can choose between yellow mustard for a tangy punch, olive oil for a smoother coating, or even barbecue sauce if you prefer. Perfect for not just Boston butt, but also any roast or flank steak, this rub pairs magnificently with chimichurri for a truly Cuban experience. Ideal for gatherings, this recipe yields enough flavor for an 8-10 pound roast, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or celebrations.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cumin
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Black Pepper
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Adobo Seasoning
2 tablespoons (Pre-made blend)
Garlic Powder
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Onion Powder
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Red Pepper Flakes
2 tablespoons (Dried)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing and patting the Boston butt dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat without removing it all, as some fat is necessary for moisture and flavor.
2
If desired, apply your choice of base to the surface of the meat; for yellow mustard or barbecue sauce, use approximately 1/2 cup. For olive oil, 3 tablespoons should suffice.
3
In a small bowl, combine cumin, black pepper, adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
4
Generously coat the meat with the spice mixture, ensuring that every nook and cranny receives plenty of seasoning. Don't be shy with the rub; the more, the better!
5
Using your hands, massage the rub into the meat to ensure deep penetration of the flavors. This step is key to achieving maximum taste.
6
Cook the seasoned meat using your preferred method. For a traditional approach, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and roast for several hours based on the weight of the meat. Alternatively, place it in a slow cooker on low overnight for a hands-off cooking method.
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cuban-Inspired Spice Rub for Boston Butt?
It is a zesty dry rub featuring cumin, garlic, and red pepper flakes designed to elevate roasted meats without using heavy barbecue sauce.
What are the main ingredients in this spice rub?
The rub consists of ground cumin, black pepper, adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried red pepper flakes.
How much cumin is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of ground cumin.
Can I use this rub on meats other than Boston butt?
Yes, this spice blend is also excellent for any roast or flank steak.
What can I use as a base to help the rub stick to the meat?
You can use yellow mustard, olive oil, or barbecue sauce as a base coating.
How much yellow mustard should I use as a base?
Approximately 1/2 cup of yellow mustard is recommended.
How much olive oil is needed if I choose it as a base?
If using olive oil, 3 tablespoons should suffice to coat the meat.
What size roast is this recipe intended for?
This recipe yields enough spice rub for an 8-10 pound roast.
How should I prepare the Boston butt before seasoning?
Rinse the meat and pat it dry with paper towels, then trim off any excess fat while leaving some for moisture.
How do I ensure the spices are evenly mixed?
Combine all the spices in a small bowl and mix them well before applying them to the meat.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the oven method?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) for roasting.
Can I cook the seasoned meat in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can place it in a slow cooker on the low setting overnight for a hands-off approach.
How much black pepper is in the rub?
The recipe includes 2 tablespoons of ground black pepper.
Is adobo seasoning necessary for this rub?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of a pre-made adobo seasoning blend are used to provide essential Cuban flavor.
Does this recipe include red pepper flakes?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of dried red pepper flakes to add heat.
How much garlic powder should I add?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of ground garlic powder.
Should I massage the rub into the meat?
Yes, using your hands to massage the rub into the meat is a key step for maximum flavor penetration.
What sauce pairs well with the finished meat?
This Cuban-inspired meat pairs magnificently with chimichurri sauce.
How many calories are in this dish?
The recipe is estimated at 120 calories per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 6 grams of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
The recipe provides about 15 grams of protein per serving.
Does this rub contain any sugar?
No, the recipe data indicates that the sugar content is null or zero.
How many distinct ingredients are in the spice mix?
There are 6 primary ingredients in the spice blend.
Is it okay to remove all the fat from the Boston butt?
It is recommended to leave some fat on the meat as it is necessary for maintaining moisture and flavor during cooking.
How much onion powder is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of ground onion powder.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for family gatherings, dinners, or celebrations.
Can I use barbecue sauce as the binder?
Yes, using approximately 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce as a base is an option if you prefer it over mustard or oil.
What type of preparation is needed for the black pepper?
The black pepper should be ground for this recipe.
Does this recipe have a specific category?
While the category field is blank, it is tagged as a Cuban recipe, dry rub, and meat seasoning.
Why is this rub described as an alternative to barbecue sauce?
It provides a burst of flavor through spices without the heaviness or sweetness typically found in barbecue sauces.