Are you tired of trying barbecue rub after barbecue rub, only to have them all taste about the same? They're a little sweet, a little spicy, and delicious — but so similar to one another. If you're looking for some more unique flavors, then consider stepping outside the box and mixing up one of these more unique barbecue rub recipes.

Lemon Pepper & Smoke Rub

Lemon pepper is not often thought of as a barbecue seasoning, but add a little smoky flavor to it, and you get a pretty lovely rub. This one has a lighter flavor that is really nice on fish and chicken breasts. It also holds up well on leaner cuts of pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin. To make a batch of the rub, you need:

• 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons ground white pepper
• 1/4 cup dried lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked sea salt

Place the dried lemon zest in a mortar and pestle, and grind until it develops a finer texture. Stir in the other ingredients, and you have your rub.

Herb and Paprika Rub

Paprika is a classic barbecue spice, but herbs like dill and oregano are not. This one has a hearty flavor and tastes delicious on beef and fattier cuts of pork, like ribs and pork shoulder. If you do not like one of the herbs called for, just leave it out and add more of another one of the herbs instead. The ingredients are:

• 1/4 cup smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
• 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

Mix everything together, and you're ready to start seasoning some meat!

Everything Onion Seasoning

If you're someone who loves onion, you're going to love this barbecue rub. Onion is definitely the dominant flavor, with a hint of sweetness and spice. This rub is exceptionally versatile, working as well on chicken as it does on beef. You'll need:

• 1/4 cup onion powder
• 2 tablespoons dried, minced onion
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

Stir it all together, and make sure you store it in an airtight jar. 

If you keep these rubs pre-made in your cupboard, you will be ready to get experimental with your barbecue whenever the mood happens to strike.

If you'd like to know more about barbecue rubs, contact a company like Butcher BBQ.