Peppery Lamb Rub

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE, CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD, & GRILLED DISHES

Lamb is among the world’s most popular meats, but it still remains underappreciated in the United States. The meat is rich without being gamy and it’s exceedingly versatile. You can pair lamb with strong spices like cumin, or with rosemary and other potent herbs, and with fruity sauces or other lightly sweet flavorings. In this simple but sassy dry rub, black peppercorns play a lead role.

The Peppery Lamb Rub is a robust and flavorful seasoning blend designed to elevate the succulent taste of lamb. This aromatic rub combines a harmonious blend of bold spices and natural sweetness to create a perfectly balanced profile for lamb cuts. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or roasting lamb, this rub will enhance the meat’s rich flavors and create a tantalizing crust. Discover how this rub can turn your lamb dishes into savory masterpieces.

MAKES: ABOUT 1 CUP

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt or coarse sea salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, stir together the freshly ground black pepper, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, kosher salt (or coarse sea salt), and ground cumin. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
2. Apply the Rub to Lamb: Generously sprinkle the rub mixture over cuts of lamb. Massage the rub into the meat, ensuring that it coats the lamb thoroughly. For optimal flavor infusion, press the rub into all surfaces of the meat.
3. Allow the Meat to Rest: Let the seasoned lamb sit for at least 45 minutes at room temperature before cooking. This resting period allows the flavors of the rub to penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste. For larger cuts of lamb, such as roasts, you can refrigerate the meat wrapped or covered for an extended marination period, even overnight.
4. Cook the Lamb: Grill, smoke, or roast the lamb according to your preferred cooking method. The Peppery Lamb Rub will create a flavorful and aromatic crust on the meat, enhancing its visual appeal and taste.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve the perfectly seasoned lamb cuts as the centerpiece of a hearty meal. Pair them with a selection of roasted or grilled vegetables and your favorite side dishes.
• Consider using the lamb as a filling for wraps, tacos, or sandwiches. The bold flavors of the rub will shine through and add depth to each bite.
• Create a Mediterranean-inspired feast by serving the lamb with couscous, tzatziki sauce, and a refreshing salad.
• For a festive touch, present the seasoned lamb at gatherings and celebrations, allowing guests to savor the aromatic and flavorful experience.

VARIATION:

• For venison enthusiasts, this rub can be adapted for use with venison by increasing the ground cinnamon by an additional tablespoon. This variation will accentuate the unique qualities of venison while maintaining the aromatic and peppery profile of the rub.

SPICING TIP:

• When working with lamb, don’t hesitate to explore various cuts beyond the traditional choices. Whether it’s lamb chops, leg, shoulder, or racks of ribs, each cut can be transformed with dry rubs, pastes, or marinades. Customize your lamb preparation by incorporating additional flavors like garlic slices and other herbs or spices that resonate with your palate.