By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

Aromatic dry rub spices for BBQ

Photo by jianwei zhu on Pexels

Quick Answer

Apply Outback Spice rub to beef and rest for 1-12 hours (overnight for brisket). Cook at 110-260°C (225-500°F) depending on cut using low and slow for tough cuts, hot and fast for steaks until internal temp reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.

About Outback Spice Rub

Outback Spice rub delivers a earthy, aromatic, uniquely Australian flavour profile that pairs brilliantly with beef. A uniquely Australian rub using native bush spices. Lemon myrtle adds citrus aroma, wattleseed adds nutty depth. Source from Australian native spice suppliers.

Flavour

earthy, aromatic, uniquely Australian

Rest After Applying

1-12 hours (overnight for brisket)

Cook Temp

110-260°C (225-500°F) depending on cut

Best Cuts

brisket, short ribs, ribeye, rump steak

Ingredients

IngredientAmount
ground lemon myrtle1 tsp
wattleseed1 tsp
native pepperberry1/2 tsp
bush tomato (ground)1 tsp
garlic powder1 tbsp
smoked paprika1 tbsp
salt1 tsp
brown sugar1 tsp

Makes enough for approximately 1-1.5kg of meat.

How to Apply Outback Spice Rub to Beef

  1. Mix the rub: Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. Break up any brown sugar clumps with a fork.
  2. Prep the beef: Pat the meat completely dry with paper towel. Trim any excess surface fat if needed.
  3. Apply a binder: Lightly coat the beef with yellow mustard or olive oil. This helps the rub stick — you won't taste the mustard after cooking.
  4. Apply the rub: Generously coat all surfaces with the rub, pressing it into the meat. Don't be shy — a thick, even layer creates the best bark.
  5. Rest: Let the rubbed meat sit for 1-12 hours (overnight for brisket) in the fridge (uncovered for better bark formation).
  6. Cook: BBQ at 110-260°C (225-500°F) depending on cut using low and slow for tough cuts, hot and fast for steaks until the internal temperature reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.

Tips for the Best Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Best Cooking Methods for Outback Spice Beef

Cook your outback spice-rubbed beef using low and slow for tough cuts, hot and fast for steaks at 110-260°C (225-500°F) depending on cut.

For brisket and short ribs, low and slow is the only way. For steaks, sear hard and fast over direct heat.

Target internal temperature: 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should outback spice rub sit on beef before cooking?

Let the outback spice rub rest on beef for 1-12 hours (overnight for brisket). This allows the salt to penetrate and the flavours to develop. For low and slow cooks, overnight in the fridge produces the best results.

Can I use outback spice rub on other meats?

Yes! Outback Spice rub works well on chicken, pork ribs, lamb. Adjust the rest time and cooking method based on the protein.

How long does outback spice dry rub keep?

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. The brown sugar may clump over time — just break it up with a fork before using.

Should I use a binder with outback spice rub?

Yes, a thin coat of yellow mustard or olive oil helps the rub adhere to the meat surface. The mustard flavour cooks off completely — you won't taste it in the finished product.

Related BBQ Guides

Sources & References

1
America's Test Kitchen (YouTube)
Rigorously tested steak cooking methods with scientific precision.
Video
2
Guga Foods (YouTube)
Premium beef experiments — dry ageing, wagyu, and creative steak techniques.
Video
3
Serious Eats
Kenji Lopez-Alt's food science approach to grilling the perfect steak.
Reference
4
Weber Grill Skills
Australia's most popular grill brand — guides for every cut and cooking method.
Manufacturer