A rub is a dry blend of herbs and spices -- often paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper -- applied to the surface of meat, poultry, or seafood before cooking. It's strongly associated with American barbecue and grilling, where it forms a flavorful crust or "bark" as surface sugars and spices caramelize over heat, but the same idea appears worldwide, from za'atar and baharat in the Middle East to garam masala in Indian cooking. Rubs differ from marinades in that they're dry and applied directly to the surface rather than soaking the food in a liquid. Common pairings include citrus, honey, and vinegar-based sauces to balance a rub's spice.