Grilling season is upon us and it's hard to beat the sound of meat sizzling on a barbecue. When you couple that with the fantastic scent of a high quality steak rub or BBQ seasoning, you know you are in for a treat!

Spice rubs on chicken, steak, pork or ribs are meant to enhance the meat. They are applied directly to the meat before cooking. The cook should apply the rub liberally and then massage it into the meat until the entire surface is coated. This can be done immediately prior to placing the meat on the grill or the meat can be allowed to marinate in the rub for a while to let the flavors really soak in and mingle.

Most rubs contain a mixture of herbs, spices and other seasonings. Salt in the rub will draw the moisture on the surface of the meat, allowing for a great sear and caramelization. Oil or garlic can be added to the rub to make a paste, like a marinade, which is applied in the same way to create a crispier coating. The meat can be eaten with either the spice rub left on or removed. Steak au poivre uses the simplest rub: pepper. A rub recipe can be as simple as this or as complex as you like.

Although a BBQ rub is ideal on the grill, any form of dry heat cooking, such as baking, broiling or pan roasting will work. If the rub contains any flour or breadcrumbs, sautéing will work as well.

Never ask a chef his rub recipe! In some cultures this is extremely private and sometimes secret. Some rub recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. Don't be discouraged if your family has not passed down a top-secret steak rub or BBQ seasoning recipe. Hot Sauce Planet has amazing rubs available for purchase that are perfect for grilling or marinating. When someone asks you your secret, you can smile mysteriously and hide the container.

For a traditional, down home BBQ taste, try Tennessee Whiskey BBQ Seasoning and Rub. This rub combines the bite of Jack Daniels with natural hickory smoke to make your meat taste like you hand-smoked it all day. For those who like their meat to have more of a punch, Habanero Rub From Hell will have you crying even as you praise it. This one is only for the bravest of the brave! For those who like their heat mellowed with a touch of smoothness, Chili Pepper Republic Coffee Bourbon Molasses Rub is both savories, spicy, smooth and sweet. This rub is perfect on pork or poultry. For sweet and spicy ribs, give Bone Suckin' Sauce Hot Rib Rub a try. You'll find that the name says it all!