Add a touch of sweetness to your barbecue with our honey BBQ sauces, seasonings, and rubs. Perfect for ribs, chicken, pork, and backyard favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is honey used in BBQ cooking?
Honey serves multiple functions in BBQ. As a glaze applied near the end of a cook, it caramelizes beautifully under heat to create a glossy, complex crust. As an ingredient in marinades, it helps tenderize proteins through its enzymatic properties while adding sweetness that balances acidic elements like vinegar or citrus. In dry rubs, honey powder or dried honey can be used to add sweetness without the moisture issues that liquid honey introduces. It is also a common base ingredient in BBQ sauces, particularly honey-mustard and honey-chipotle varieties.
What type of honey is best for BBQ glazes?
Raw, unfiltered honey with a strong varietal character - like buckwheat, wildflower, or orange blossom - adds the most nuanced flavor to glazes. Buckwheat honey, in particular, is a favorite among competition BBQ cooks for its rich, molasses-like depth that complements pork and beef beautifully. For a more neutral sweetness that does not compete with a heavily spiced rub, a standard clover honey works well. Avoid artificially flavored or blended honey products, which lack the complexity of single-origin varieties.
Does honey burn on the grill?
Yes, honey burns quickly because of its high sugar content. It should be applied as a glaze only in the final 10 to 15 minutes of cooking, and only over indirect or reduced heat. On a grill, move the protein off direct flame before applying honey. In a smoker, apply honey during the unwrapped phase when temperatures are stable. Brushing on a thin initial layer, allowing it to set for a few minutes, then applying a second thin coat creates a deeper glaze without burning.
Can I substitute honey for sugar in BBQ rubs?
Liquid honey does not substitute directly for sugar in dry rubs because its moisture content prevents the rub from maintaining a dry consistency. Honey powder - available from specialty food suppliers - is designed for dry applications and substitutes well for brown sugar in rub recipes. If you only have liquid honey, a practical approach is to apply the honey directly to the meat before pressing on a separate dry rub, allowing the honey to act as a binder that helps the rub adhere while contributing its own sweetness.
How should I store honey for BBQ use?
Honey is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. If honey crystallizes - which is a natural process that does not indicate spoilage - place the container in warm water for a few minutes until the crystals dissolve. Avoid heating honey in the microwave, as uneven heat can destroy beneficial enzymes and alter the flavor. Properly stored honey has an indefinite shelf life.
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Texas-Born. BBQ Bred.
With over 35 years of smoking experience, we started DDR BBQ Supply with a simple goal: to help others cook better barbecue. We've spent decades learning what works and what doesn't, and we apply that knowledge to every product we carry. From high-performance grills and smokers to carefully selected rubs, sauces, and tools, everything we offer is something we believe in and use ourselves. We don’t believe in cutting corners or selling gear we wouldn’t rely on during our own backyard cooks and when we compete in BBQ competitions.