Any backyard griller can throw salt and pepper on a steak, but all true pitmasters have a few tricks up their sleeves. We’re talking unexpected, flavor-boosting, meat-tenderizing secret ingredients that take BBQ from good to legendary. Ever tried coffee in a rub? Pickle juice as a brine? How about a little bourbon for smoky-sweet magic?

Some of these might already be in your rotation, but we guarantee there’s at least one that will surprise you. Check out the list and see how many you’ve used—then get ready to take your BBQ to the next level!

Here are 11 secret ingredients that will take your barbecue game up a notch

1. Ground Coffee

Ground coffee enhances both flavor and texture in BBQ rubs, making it a favorite secret weapon for pitmasters.

The natural acidity in coffee helps tenderize meat by breaking down proteins, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful bite. Its rich, smoky, and slightly bitter notes complement the caramelization process, creating a deeper, more complex crust.

Coffee also pairs well with common BBQ spices like chili powder, paprika, and brown sugar, balancing sweetness with boldness. Try our Coffee Crusted Ribeye and Smoked Coffee Rubbed Pulled Beef recipes.

2. Pickle juice

Pickle juice is a game-changer for BBQ, offering both flavor and tenderness. Its acidity helps break down proteins, making meat juicier and more tender while infusing it with a tangy, savory depth.

The salt content acts as a natural brine, locking in moisture and enhancing seasoning penetration. Pickle juice also pairs well with smoky and spicy flavors, balancing heat while adding a subtle zest. Try out pickleback chicken wings.

3. Hot Honey

Hot honey takes traditional barbecue sweetness to the next level by adding a spicy kick that enhances flavor complexity.

While honey is a staple in BBQ sauces and used for wrapping meats like ribs and pork, hot honey brings a balance of heat and sweetness that amplifies smoky and savory notes.

The spice cuts through richness, preventing sauces from becoming overly sweet. Try with our Hot Honey Party Ribs or Hot Honey Pork Belly Burnt Ends

4. Beer

Beer is a secret ingredient that adds depth, moisture, and rich flavor to your cooks. Whether used in a marinade, spritz, braise, or even in a sauce, beer helps tenderize meat while infusing it with malty, slightly hoppy notes.

Lighter beers like lagers add a subtle crispness, while darker stouts and porters bring deep caramel and roasted flavors that pair perfectly with smoked meats. Beer also works wonders in batter for fried BBQ sides or as a base for mop sauces.

From juicy beer-can chicken to slow-braised brisket, adding beer to your barbecue is a game-changer you need to try! Try it out in our Blue Moon Beer Smoked Chicken or Smoked Beer Mustard Potatoes

5. Dr. Pepper or root beer

Root beer isn’t just for sipping—it’s a secret weapon for incredibly tender and flavorful BBQ.

Try marinating pork in root beer (or Dr. Pepper) for deep, caramelized sweetness with hints of vanilla and spice that pair perfectly with smoky flavors.

Injecting the meat takes it a step further and ensures every bite is juicy and rich. Spritzing and braising with root beer can also enhance bark formation while keeping the pork moist. Try it out with our smoked beef cheek tacos.

6. MSG (monosodium glutamate)

MSG is a powerful flavor enhancer that boosts umami, making BBQ rubs and injections more savory and complex.

In competition BBQ, MSG intensifies taste without relying on excess salt, helping create a bold, one-bite impact. Often paired with inosinate and guanylate, MSG enhances meaty richness and depth.

Despite persistent myths, scientific studies and the FDA confirm MSG is safe and debunk claims of negative health effects. Whether for competitions or home grilling, MSG can elevate BBQ flavors, making every bite more satisfying.

7. Cocoa powder

Cocoa powder is a game-changer in barbecue rubs, adding depth and complexity to smoked meats.

As seen in Hey Grill Hey’s Cocoa Chipotle BBQ Rub, cocoa’s rich, slightly bitter notes balance the heat of chipotle and the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a bold flavor profile. It enhances the umami of beef and pork while deepening the smoky essence of the grill.

Unlike chocolate, cocoa powder doesn’t add sweetness but instead amplifies the natural caramelization and crust formation on meats, making it an excellent ingredient for achieving a flavorful and well-balanced BBQ seasoning.

8. Bourbon

Bourbon and barbecue are a match made in smoky, caramelized heaven.

While marinades and glazes add flavor, bourbon takes it to the next level with its deep notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel.

Whether you’re using it in a brine, injecting it into pork, or brushing it on as a glaze, bourbon enhances richness and balances smoky, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness. Try it out with our Smoked Ham With Hot Honey and Bourbon Glaze or our Beef Rib Sliders.

9. Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay Seasoning is best known for its role in seafood boils, but it’s a game-changer for BBQ, too. With a bold mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and other spices, it delivers a savory, slightly spicy kick that enhances everything from steaks to chicken.

In a YouTube experiment by Guga Foods, Old Bay was tested on steaks, both as a dry seasoning and in a compound butter. The results? A deep, complex flavor with extra umami and a balanced heat that made the steak stand out.

Whether you sprinkle it on meats before grilling or mix it into a buttery glaze, Old Bay adds layers of flavor that go beyond the usual salt-and-pepper routine. Try it on ribs, brisket, or even corn ribs for a bold, spicy, and addictively delicious BBQ twist!

10. Gochujang

Gochujang is a bold, umami-packed secret weapon that takes BBQ to the next level. This Korean fermented chili paste delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and depth, making it a game-changer for marinades, glazes, and rubs.

Its natural fermentation brings a rich, savory complexity that enhances smoky flavors, while its thick texture creates a sticky, caramelized crust on meats like ribs, chicken, and pork belly.

Whether blended into BBQ sauce, brushed on as a finishing glaze, or mixed into a marinade, gochujang delivers a spicy-sweet kick that keeps every bite exciting. Once you try it, there’s no going back!

11. Aleppo Pepper

Pitmasters have been using chili flakes in rubs and sauces forever, but Aleppo pepper is a newer trend that’s making waves in the BBQ world. Milder than traditional red pepper flakes but packed with smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy complexity, Aleppo pepper adds a slow-building warmth that enhances rather than overwhelms.

Its rich, sun-dried flavor pairs perfectly with smoked meats, deepening the umami in ribs, brisket, and even chicken

What’s your bbq secret ingredient?

If you don’t mind sharing, drop a comment below to let us know what your favorite BBQ secret ingredient is. We won’t tell anyone, we swear.