Rod Reckons…Hardcore Carnivore Black

Rod Reckons…Hardcore Carnivore Black

by Interact & Co on Aug 24 2026
Table of Contents

    Welcome to Rod Reckons ...Rub of the Week, where we spotlight one of the standout seasonings available at BBQ Bazaar Perth and share a few practical ways to use it on your next cook.

    This week’s pick is not only our best seller, but one for the beef lovers:

    Hardcore Carnivore Black

    If you love a bold, rich crust on steak or brisket, Hardcore Carnivore Black is a rub worth having in your BBQ lineup.

    Known for its deep black colour and savoury, pepper-forward flavour, this rub is designed to help create a striking bark and a seriously impressive finish on red meat. It’s a popular choice for people who want a stronger, more dramatic flavour profile without overcomplicating the cook.

    For BBQ enthusiasts who enjoy cooking steak, brisket or burgers at home, it’s an easy way to take your results up a notch.

    What does it taste like?

    Hardcore Carnivore Black is all about bold, savoury flavour.

    It brings a rich seasoning profile that works particularly well with beef, helping build colour and texture on the outside while complementing the natural flavour of the meat.

    Rather than being overly sweet, it leans more towards a robust, smoky, savoury finish — which is exactly why it’s become such a favourite for steaks and low-and-slow cooks.

    What should you use it on?

    This is a rub that really shines on beef and red meat.

    It works especially well with:

    • Steak

    • Brisket

    • Beef ribs

    • Burgers

    • Tomahawk steaks

    • Roast beef

    • Lamb, if you like a bolder flavour

    If you’re the kind of backyard cook who likes a proper crust on a steak or wants to build bark on a brisket, this is the sort of rub you’ll keep reaching for.

    Rod’s Cook Idea:

    Hardcore Carnivore Reverse-Seared Steak

    One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to use Hardcore Carnivore Black is on a thick-cut steak.

    What you’ll need

    • 2 thick-cut steaks

    • Hardcore Carnivore Black

    • Olive oil or a light coating of oil

    • Butter, optional

    • Fresh rosemary or thyme, optional

    How to cook it

    Lightly coat the steaks with a small amount of oil, then season generously with Hardcore Carnivore Black on all sides.

    Let the steaks sit while you prepare the BBQ.

    Set up your BBQ for two-zone cooking, with one side lower heat and the other side hotter for searing.

    Start the steaks over the lower heat side until they are almost at your preferred internal temperature.

    Then move them over the hotter section to finish with a fast sear, building a dark crust on the outside.

    Rest the steaks before serving so the juices settle back into the meat.

    Serve with grilled vegetables, potatoes or a simple salad.

    Why we like this one for BBQs

    Outdoor living makes it easy to cook outside for much of the year, and a rub like this suits that style perfectly.

    It works just as well for a quick Friday night steak as it does for a more serious weekend brisket cook.

    That versatility is part of the appeal.

    You can keep things simple and use it on burgers and steaks, or go bigger with beef ribs or brisket when you’ve got more time to spend around the BBQ.

    For anyone shopping at BBQ Bazaar for rubs that bring a bit more impact to the plate, Hardcore Carnivore Black is a strong option.

    Tips for getting the best results

    To get the most from this rub, keep a few simple things in mind:

    Use it generously

    Because it’s made for bold meats like beef, it can handle a proper coating.

    Pair it with thicker cuts

    This rub performs particularly well on thicker steaks, brisket and larger cuts where the seasoning has room to shine.

    Don’t rush the sear

    If you’re cooking steak, let the crust develop properly rather than flipping too often.

    Find it here at BBQ Bazaar

    If you’re looking to give your next steak or brisket cook a little more edge, Hardcore Carnivore Black is a great one to try.

    You can explore Hardcore Carnivore Black and other BBQ rubs at BBQ Bazaar Perth, alongside BBQs, smokers and accessories to help complete your setup.

    Whether you’re cooking a quick steak dinner or planning a full low-and-slow weekend session, the right rub can make all the difference.

    And if bold beef flavour is what you’re after, this one more than earns its place on the shelf.

    This week: season generously, fire up the BBQ and let Hardcore Carnivore Black do the heavy lifting.

     

    Back to blog