COAST N SMOKE: T-Rub Umami Seasoning – 150g

Umami, the honest way

T-Rub is Coast n Smoke's award-winning umami rub — a Steak Cookoffs Association competition winner — and it earns its keep with real ingredients, not additives. Smoked black tea and shiitake mushroom do the work that MSG usually gets credit for, layering deep, savoury, moreish depth onto beef. This is the pitmaster's secret weapon for a bark with genuine complexity.

The flavour

Cracked black pepper and smoked black tea lead with a woodsmoke edge, while shiitake mushroom brings a rich, savoury, almost meaty umami. Ancho and chipotle add earthy smokiness without real heat, and a touch of sugar and thyme keeps it balanced. Deep, dark and grown-up.

How to cook with it

• Coat a brisket or beef short ribs the night before and smoke low for a deep, mahogany bark.
• Rub a game or venison cut before a hard sear.
• Season chicken thighs or a whole bird for a savoury, smoky roast.
• Dust oily fish like salmon, or roasted tomatoes, for an umami hit.

In the shaker

A dark, coarse, peppery grind with visible flecks of tea and mushroom and a distinctly smoky aroma. It grips oiled meat well and builds a deep, colourful bark.

Ingredients & Dietary

Ingredients: Black pepper, sugar, shiitake mushroom, salt, smoked black tea, onion, garlic, ancho chilli, mustard powder, chipotle, thyme.

Dietary: No gluten detected during testing; vegan; no dairy; no MSG. Contains mustard and shiitake. Always check the physical label.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

Darryl doesn't hand out nods lightly — this one earns it. Umami loves patience, so smoke it low and rest it long, then mop with BBQ Mafia The Fix Bourbon & Cola BBQ Sauce and finish the sliced brisket with a pinch of Falksalt Hickory Smoke.