FOUR MONKEYS BBQ: Tex-Mex Rub – 280g

Taco night just found its ringer

The one that was quietly doing the rounds at markets before it ever hit a shelf. Four Monkeys' Tex-Mex takes the salt-sweet backbone the range is known for and swings it south of the border — chilli, cumin and garlic stacked into a bold, zesty blend that makes everything it touches taste like a proper cook-up.

The flavour

Garlic and cumin lead with a warm, earthy depth. Chilli powder brings a building kick that stops well short of punishing, and a touch of sweetness rounds the finish so it lacquers rather than just coats. Bold and zesty, with the kind of savoury base that makes a second taco feel compulsory.

How to cook with it

• Season beef mince hard for tacos or a burrito bowl — a teaspoon per 500g, and let it toast in the pan.
• Rub it into chicken thighs or wings before the grill for smoky Tex-Mex heat with a caramelised edge.
• Dust a hanger or skirt steak, sear it hot and slice across the grain for fajitas.
• Toss corn cobs, potato wedges or cauliflower in oil and this rub, then char until the edges catch.
• Rogue move: shake it over hot chips with a squeeze of lime and a little crumbled feta.

In the shaker

A warm, russet blend flecked with chilli and cumin — a medium grind that stays free-running thanks to the rice bran oil. It grips wet meat without clumping and blooms fast in a hot pan.

Ingredients & Dietary

Ingredients: Sugar, salt, garlic, chilli powder, cumin, other mixed spices, natural beef flavour (621), rice bran oil

Dietary: No gluten-containing ingredients are listed, so we describe this as gluten friendly rather than certified gluten free. Contains natural beef flavour (621), so it is not vegetarian. Allergens and traces — always check the physical label.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

The Smuggler runs this one on taco night and lets it do the heavy lifting. Season the mince hard, char some corn alongside, and build the plate high. Rim the glass — or the plate — with Hardcore Carnivore Chilli Lime (Meatchelada) for a citrus-salt hit, then spoon Drunken Sailor Jalapeno & Tequila Relish over the top for the fresh, boozy kick that ties the whole plate together.

FAQ

What do I put it on?
Tacos, fajitas, grilled steak, wings and charred vegetables — it is a bold all-rounder built for Tex-Mex night.

Does it contain MSG?
Yes — the ingredient list includes natural beef flavour (621). It is declared on the label.

How hot is it?
Medium. A warm chilli kick that builds rather than blows your head off — enough to notice, mild enough for the whole table.