Rubs are flavorful mixtures of spices and herbs that are used to season meats, vegetables, and even some seafood before cooking. They can be dry, consisting of ground spices, or wet, made with oils and other liquids. Common ingredients in a rub might include paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, which enhance the taste and create a delicious crust when grilled or roasted. Using a rub is simple: just coat your food evenly with the mixture and let it sit for a while to absorb the flavors. This technique is popular in barbecue cooking, where a good rub can elevate the taste of ribs or chicken to a whole new level.