Korean Heat Meets Canadian BBQ. Your Knees Will Be Weak.
Bold, balanced blend of Gochugaru and red pepper chili flakes, maple sugar, garlic, sesame and more. Sweet, savory, and just a touch spicy. This rub delivers deep flavor without overpowering heat. Perfect on chicken, pork, beef and veggies but don't let this list stop you — try it on everything!
What makes Gochu Knees Weak special:
Gochugaru is the secret weapon of Korean cuisine — those gorgeous red pepper flakes you see in kimchi, Korean fried chicken, and bulgogi. Uncle Hemmy took that umami-rich, slightly smoky heat and built a complete BBQ rub around it. The maple sugar adds Canadian sweetness, the sesame brings nuttiness, and the garlic ties it all together. It's East meets West in the best possible way.
The flavor profile:
-
Gochugaru: Smoky, fruity Korean red pepper with moderate heat
-
Red pepper chili flakes: Added complexity and texture
-
Maple sugar: Canadian sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
-
Garlic: Savory depth in every bite
-
Sesame: Nutty, toasty notes that complement the heat
-
Balanced heat: Enough kick to notice, not enough to overwhelm
Why "just a touch spicy" matters:
Uncle Hemmy nailed the heat level. Gochu Knees Weak has enough spice to be interesting — you'll feel the warmth — but it won't send you running for milk. The heat builds slowly and fades gracefully, letting all those other flavors shine. It's approachable for spice newbies but satisfying for heat seekers.
Perfect on:
-
Chicken: Wings, thighs, breasts — the maple sugar creates incredible crispy skin
-
Pork: Ribs, chops, tenderloin, pulled pork — pork loves Korean flavors
-
Beef: Steaks, short ribs, bulgogi-style preparations
-
Veggies: Roasted vegetables get a serious upgrade
-
Seafood: Shrimp, salmon, and scallops love this rub
-
Eggs: Scrambled, fried, or in breakfast burritos
-
Popcorn: Trust us on this one
Recipe ideas:
-
Korean-style wings: Coat wings generously, grill or smoke until crispy
-
Gochu pork belly: Rub on pork belly, smoke low and slow
-
Maple-Korean ribs: Apply liberally to baby backs or spare ribs
-
Sesame chicken thighs: Season and roast for crispy, flavorful skin
-
Korean-Canadian fusion tacos: Season your protein, add kimchi slaw
How to use it:
- Apply generously — this rub rewards a heavy hand
- Let seasoned meat rest 30 minutes before cooking for better flavor penetration
- Works with all cooking methods: grill, smoke, roast, pan-fry
- The maple sugar means it caramelizes — watch for burning over high direct heat
- Great as a finishing seasoning too — sprinkle on after cooking
Pro tips:
- The maple sugar caramelizes beautifully — medium heat gives you the best crust
- Combine with a splash of soy sauce for a quick marinade
- Try it on air-fried chicken for addictive Korean-style flavors
- Mix with mayo for a spicy sandwich spread
- Works year-round but especially shines in summer BBQ season
Uncle Hemmy's Gochu Knees Weak brings Korean-Canadian fusion to your backyard BBQ. One taste and you'll understand the name.
