Franklin BBQ Resource Center

Learn how to choose and combine Franklin Barbecue spice rubs, coarse black pepper and barbecue sauces for brisket, ribs, pork, chicken, turkey, steak, burgers, sausage, seafood and vegetables.

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Texas Barbecue Flavor from Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue products bring the restaurant's pepper-forward, meat-focused approach to backyard smoking and grilling through focused rubs and sauces.

Use this Resource Center to compare products, understand flavor profiles, find recommended meat pairings and build simple Texas-style combinations.

Franklin BBQ Buying Guide

Choose a product according to the meat, desired level of pepper, and preferred sauce finish.

Main Product Categories

  • Beef rubs: Brisket Spice Rub and Steak Spice Rub.
  • Pork rub: Pork Spice Rub.
  • Versatile seasoning: All Purpose Spice Rub.
  • Texas foundations: Salt & Pepper Spice Rub and 16 Mesh Black Pepper.
  • Finishing sauces: Original Texas, Spicy, Vinegar and Espresso.

Good Starting Combinations

  • Brisket Rub + Original Texas Sauce for classic brisket
  • Salt & Pepper + Brisket Rub for layered Texas beef flavor
  • Pork Rub + Vinegar Sauce for pulled pork
  • Steak Rub + Espresso Sauce for burgers or chopped beef
  • All Purpose Rub + Original Texas Sauce for chicken or vegetables
Buying Tip Start with All Purpose for broad use, Brisket Rub for beef, or Pork Rub for pork and ribs. Add a sauce only after choosing the seasoning direction.
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Franklin BBQ Spice Rub Guide

Compare the six core Franklin seasoning products.

Brisket Spice Rub

The signature brisket seasoning used at Franklin Barbecue, built around 16 mesh black pepper, coarse kosher salt and supporting spices.

Best for: Brisket, beef ribs and large beef cuts
Flavor: Pepper-forward, savory and balanced
Use: Main brisket rub or beef seasoning
Pair with: Original Texas or Espresso BBQ Sauce
Shop Brisket Spice Rub

Pork Spice Rub

A pork-focused rub made with black pepper, salt, paprika, garlic, onion and supporting spices.

Best for: Pulled pork, spare ribs, turkey and sandwiches
Flavor: Savory, peppery and lightly sweet
Use: Main pork rub or savory first layer
Pair with: Vinegar or Original Texas BBQ Sauce
Shop Pork Spice Rub

Steak Spice Rub

A beef seasoning created to add umami and savory flavor without overwhelming steak with salt.

Best for: Ribeye, T-bone, tenderloin, strip, tri-tip and burgers
Flavor: Savory, umami-rich and beef-forward
Use: Main steak rub or beef seasoning
Pair with: Espresso or Original Texas BBQ Sauce
Shop Steak Spice Rub

All Purpose Spice Rub

A versatile seasoning for everyday cooking across meat, seafood and vegetables.

Best for: Burgers, chicken, vegetables, ribs, turkey, shrimp and fish
Flavor: Savory, balanced and versatile
Use: Standalone seasoning or base layer
Pair with: Any Franklin BBQ Sauce
Shop All Purpose Spice Rub

Salt & Pepper Spice Rub

A simple Texas-style blend of coarse kosher salt and 16 mesh black pepper.

Best for: Brisket, beef, ribs, pork and vegetables
Flavor: Salt-and-pepper forward
Use: Foundation rub or minimalist seasoning
Pair with: Brisket Rub or Original Texas Sauce
Shop Salt & Pepper Spice Rub

Black Pepper 16 Mesh

Franklin Barbecue's signature coarse black pepper for bark, texture and custom rub blends.

Best for: Brisket, ribs, steak, pork shoulder and chicken
Flavor: Pure coarse black pepper
Use: Standalone pepper layer or custom rub ingredient
Pair with: Coarse kosher salt or Brisket Spice Rub
Shop Black Pepper 16 Mesh
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Franklin BBQ Sauce Guide

Choose a balanced Texas sauce, spicy sauce, vinegar sauce or rich espresso finish.

Original Texas BBQ Sauce

A balanced Texas-style sauce with subtle sweetness, bold pepper and a clean finish.

Best for: Brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken, vegetables and sandwiches
Flavor: Balanced, lightly sweet and peppery
Use: Thin glaze, table sauce or condiment
Pair with: Brisket, Pork or All Purpose Rub
Shop Original Texas BBQ Sauce

Spicy BBQ Sauce

A pepper-driven sauce with jalapeño, ancho, habanero and arbol chile flavor.

Best for: Brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken and burgers
Flavor: Bold, spicy and tangy
Use: Finishing glaze, dipping sauce or condiment
Pair with: Brisket Rub, Pork Rub or All Purpose Rub
Shop Spicy BBQ Sauce

Vinegar BBQ Sauce

A vinegar-forward Carolina-style sauce for pork and turkey.

Best for: Pulled pork, pork ribs, pork butt and turkey sandwiches
Flavor: Tangy, bright and peppery
Use: Mop, finishing sauce or drizzle
Pair with: Pork Spice Rub
Shop Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Espresso BBQ Sauce

A smooth, rich sauce with coffee notes that add depth to beef, pork and chicken.

Best for: Brisket, burgers, chopped beef, chicken and pork
Flavor: Rich, smooth and coffee-forward
Use: Finishing sauce or sandwich condiment
Pair with: Brisket or Steak Spice Rub
Shop Espresso BBQ Sauce
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Franklin BBQ Flavor Guide

Find products by pepper-forward, savory, spicy, tangy or rich flavor.

Pepper-Forward

  • Brisket Spice Rub
  • Salt & Pepper Rub
  • 16 Mesh Black Pepper

Savory & Umami

  • Steak Spice Rub
  • All Purpose Spice Rub
  • Espresso BBQ Sauce

Pork-Friendly

  • Pork Spice Rub
  • Vinegar BBQ Sauce
  • Original Texas BBQ Sauce

Balanced Texas

  • Original Texas BBQ Sauce
  • Brisket Spice Rub
  • Salt & Pepper Rub

Spicy

  • Spicy BBQ Sauce
  • Brisket or Pork Rub beneath it

Rich & Coffee-Forward

  • Espresso BBQ Sauce
  • Steak Spice Rub
  • Brisket Spice Rub
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How to Layer Franklin BBQ Products

Build a simple Texas-style foundation and keep every layer controlled.

Brisket

Salt & Pepper Rub or 16 Mesh Pepper
↓
Brisket Spice Rub
↓
Optional Original Texas Sauce at Serving

Ribs

Pork Spice Rub
↓
Smoke Until Bark Develops
↓
Original, Spicy or Vinegar Sauce

Pulled Pork

Pork Spice Rub
↓
Cook Until Tender
↓
Vinegar Sauce

Chicken

All Purpose Spice Rub
↓
Optional Spicy Sauce
↓
Thin Final Glaze
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Franklin BBQ for Brisket

Use pepper-forward seasoning to support bark and natural beef flavor.

Recommended Franklin BBQ Products

Products to Consider

  • Brisket Spice Rub
  • Salt & Pepper Spice Rub
  • Black Pepper 16 Mesh
  • Original Texas or Espresso BBQ Sauce

Cooking Approach

  • Trim and dry the brisket.
  • Apply an even pepper-forward seasoning layer.
  • Allow the rub to hydrate.
  • Smoke until bark and tenderness develop.
  • Serve sauce lightly or on the side.
Cooking TipAvoid burying brisket under a heavy sauce layer. The seasoning and smoke should remain the focus.
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Franklin BBQ for Steak & Beef

Use Steak Spice Rub or a simple pepper-forward blend for grilled beef.

Recommended Franklin BBQ Products

Products to Consider

  • Steak Spice Rub
  • Salt & Pepper Spice Rub
  • Black Pepper 16 Mesh
  • Espresso or Original Texas BBQ Sauce

Cooking Approach

  • Season just before grilling or allow a short dry-brine period.
  • Cook over direct or indirect heat as appropriate.
  • Rest the steak before slicing.
  • Use sauce as a condiment rather than a heavy glaze.
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Franklin BBQ for Ribs

Use Pork Rub for a savory rib profile and choose sauce by heat and tang.

Recommended Franklin BBQ Products

Products to Consider

  • Pork Spice Rub
  • Original Texas BBQ Sauce
  • Spicy BBQ Sauce
  • Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Cooking Approach

  • Season evenly with Pork Rub.
  • Let the seasoning hydrate.
  • Smoke until color and tenderness develop.
  • Apply sauce near the end or serve it on the side.
Cooking TipUse sauce lightly to preserve bark and pork flavor.
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Franklin BBQ for Pork

Pair Pork Spice Rub with Vinegar or Original Texas Sauce.

Recommended Franklin BBQ Products

Products to Consider

  • Pork Spice Rub
  • Vinegar BBQ Sauce
  • Original Texas BBQ Sauce
  • Spicy BBQ Sauce

Cooking Approach

  • Apply Pork Rub evenly.
  • Smoke until bark forms and the meat becomes tender.
  • Use Vinegar Sauce for pulled pork.
  • Use Original or Spicy Sauce for a richer finish.
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Franklin BBQ for Chicken

Use All Purpose Rub for balanced poultry flavor and choose sauce by desired heat.

Recommended Franklin BBQ Products

Products to Consider

  • All Purpose Spice Rub
  • Original Texas BBQ Sauce
  • Spicy BBQ Sauce
  • Espresso BBQ Sauce

Cooking Approach

  • Dry the chicken surface.
  • Apply a light, even seasoning coat.
  • Cook until safely done.
  • Apply sauce during the final portion of the cook.
Cooking TipChicken pieces require less seasoning than brisket or pork shoulder.
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Franklin BBQ for Turkey

Use All Purpose or Pork Spice Rub and finish with Vinegar or Original Texas Sauce.

Recommended Franklin BBQ Products

Products to Consider

  • All Purpose Spice Rub
  • Pork Spice Rub
  • Vinegar BBQ Sauce
  • Original Texas BBQ Sauce

Cooking Approach

  • Season beneath the skin when practical.
  • Apply a controlled exterior layer.
  • Cook until safely done without drying the breast.
  • Serve sauce lightly or on the side.
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Franklin BBQ for Everyday Grilling

Use the product line beyond the smoker on burgers, sausage, seafood and vegetables.

Burgers

Use Steak or All Purpose Rub and finish with Espresso or Original Texas Sauce.

Sausage

Serve with Original Texas or Spicy BBQ Sauce.

Seafood

Use All Purpose Rub lightly on shrimp and white fish.

Vegetables

Use All Purpose or Salt & Pepper Rub on grilled vegetables.

Sandwiches

Use Original Texas, Vinegar or Espresso Sauce as a condiment.

Custom Rubs

Use 16 Mesh Black Pepper as the coarse pepper component in your own blend.

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Texas-Style Cooking Tips

Practical guidance for using Franklin BBQ products with restraint and consistency.

Keep the Meat First

Use seasoning to enhance the meat rather than cover it.

Build Bark with Coarse Pepper

Use 16 mesh black pepper for texture and adherence.

Control Sodium

Account for salt when layering Salt & Pepper Rub with another seasoning.

Let the Rub Hydrate

Give the seasoning time to absorb surface moisture before cooking.

Sauce Lightly

Serve sauce on the side or apply a thin final layer.

Record the Cook

Track rub amounts, pit temperature, bark development and resting time.

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Franklin BBQ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about choosing and using Franklin Barbecue rubs and sauces.

Which Franklin BBQ rub should I try first?

Choose All Purpose for maximum versatility. Choose Brisket Rub for beef and Pork Rub for pork and ribs.

What is the difference between Brisket Rub and Salt & Pepper Rub?

Salt & Pepper is a simple two-ingredient Texas-style foundation. Brisket Rub adds garlic, onion, paprika and other supporting flavors.

Why use 16 mesh black pepper?

Its coarse, uniform grind adheres well to meat and helps create the textured bark associated with Texas brisket.

Which Franklin rub is best for steak?

Steak Spice Rub is specifically designed for steaks and other beef cuts with an umami-rich profile.

Which Franklin products are best for pulled pork?

Pork Spice Rub paired with Vinegar BBQ Sauce is the most direct combination.

Which sauce is best for brisket?

Original Texas is the classic balanced choice. Espresso adds deeper coffee notes, while Spicy adds more heat.

Can Franklin rubs be layered?

Yes. Salt & Pepper can be used as a foundation, followed by Brisket, Pork or All Purpose Rub in a lighter second layer.

When should sauce be applied?

Apply sauce near the end of the cook or serve it at the table so the bark and natural meat flavor remain prominent.

Can the rubs be used on vegetables?

Yes. All Purpose and Salt & Pepper are particularly versatile on vegetables.

Can Franklin products be used on pellet grills?

Yes. They can be used on pellet grills, offsets, drums, charcoal grills, gas grills, griddles and ovens.

Are Franklin rubs strongly sweet?

The core Franklin style is savory and pepper-forward. Some blends contain sugar, but sweetness is not intended to dominate.

How should the products be stored?

Keep rubs sealed in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate sauces after opening when directed by the label.

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Browse Franklin Barbecue spice rubs, 16 mesh black pepper and barbecue sauces for brisket, pork, ribs, steak, chicken and everyday grilling.

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