Spice up your barbecue game with these unique and unexpected seasonings! Forget about the usual salt and pepper routine and take your grilling to the next level. From zesty citrus blends to smoky chipotle rubs, there’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a newbie, these unconventional seasonings will elevate your BBQ experience and leave your taste buds craving for more. So, get ready to unleash your inner culinary adventurer and get creative with your next cookout. Your mouthwatering journey awaits!
Savory Fruit Glazes
Pineapple Glaze
One of the most popular fruit glazes for BBQ is the pineapple glaze. The tropical flavor of pineapple adds a sweet and tangy taste to grilled meats, making it the perfect glaze for your BBQ chicken, pork, or even shrimp. To make a pineapple glaze, simply combine fresh pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of vinegar. Brush it onto your meats as they cook on the grill, and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of flavors.
Mango Glaze
For a taste of the exotic, try a mango glaze on your BBQ. Mangoes are naturally sweet and have a unique flavor that pairs well with grilled meats. To make a mango glaze, blend fresh mangoes with honey, lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of chili powder for a touch of spiciness. This glaze will add a tropical twist to your BBQ dishes and leave your guests asking for the recipe.
Peach Glaze
Another delicious fruit glaze for your BBQ is the peach glaze. Peaches are juicy and flavorful, and when combined with a few other ingredients, they create a glaze that is perfect for pork or chicken. To make a peach glaze, puree fresh peaches with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of cayenne pepper. This glaze will add a subtle sweetness to your BBQ meats and enhance their natural flavors.
Spicy Rubs
Jerk Seasoning
If you’re a fan of bold and spicy flavors, then jerk seasoning is the perfect choice for your BBQ. Originating from Jamaica, jerk seasoning is a fiery blend of herbs and spices that adds a punch of heat to grilled meats. The key ingredients in jerk seasoning are scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, and ginger. Rub this flavorful blend onto your chicken, fish, or pork before grilling, and prepare for a flavor explosion.
Chipotle Rub
For a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, try a chipotle rub on your BBQ. Chipotle peppers are smoked and dried jalapeno peppers that add a unique and complex taste to grilled meats. To make a chipotle rub, combine ground chipotle peppers with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. This rub is perfect for beef and gives it a delicious smoky kick.
Szechuan Peppercorn Rub
If you’re looking to add a touch of Asian-inspired spice to your BBQ, try a Szechuan peppercorn rub. Szechuan peppercorns have a distinct numbing effect on the tongue and add a delightful floral and citrusy flavor to dishes. To make a Szechuan peppercorn rub, grind the peppercorns with garlic powder, ginger powder, soy sauce powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This rub will take your BBQ meats to the next level with its unique flavor profile.
Herb Infused Oils
Rosemary Infused Olive Oil
Rosemary is a versatile herb known for its aromatic and earthy flavor. When infused into olive oil, it adds a subtle herbal note to grilled meats, vegetables, and even bread. To make rosemary-infused olive oil, heat the oil gently with fresh rosemary sprigs and let it infuse for a few hours. Brush this fragrant oil onto your BBQ dishes to add a depth of flavor that will impress your guests.
Lemon Thyme Infused Oil
For a bright and citrusy twist, try lemon thyme infused oil on your BBQ. Lemon thyme has a refreshing lemony scent and adds a fresh and tangy taste to dishes. To make lemon thyme infused oil, heat olive oil with lemon zest and fresh thyme sprigs until the flavors meld together. This aromatic oil is perfect for brushing onto fish, chicken, or grilled vegetables for a burst of flavor.
Basil Infused Sunflower Oil
Basil is a classic herb that is often associated with Italian cuisine, but it can also add a unique touch to your BBQ. When infused into sunflower oil, it gives a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables. To make basil-infused sunflower oil, blend fresh basil leaves with sunflower oil and strain out the solids. The resulting infused oil can be brushed onto your BBQ dishes to add a hint of herbaceousness.
Coffee Rubs
Espresso Rub
Coffee isn’t just for drinking – it can also be used as a flavorful rub for your BBQ. An espresso rub adds depth and richness to grilled meats, especially beef. To make an espresso rub, mix finely ground espresso beans with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The coffee’s bitter notes complement the smoky flavors of the grill and create a delicious crust on your meats.
Mocha Rub
For a twist on the traditional espresso rub, try a mocha rub on your BBQ. The combination of coffee and chocolate adds a decadent and complex flavor to grilled meats. To make a mocha rub, combine finely ground coffee beans with cocoa powder, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. This rub will give your BBQ dishes a unique flavor that is sure to impress.
Spicy Coffee Rub
If you’re a fan of bold and spicy flavors, a spicy coffee rub is the way to go. The combination of coffee, spices, and heat creates a mouthwatering rub that packs a punch. To make a spicy coffee rub, mix finely ground coffee beans with chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. This rub will add a delightful kick to your BBQ meats and wake up your taste buds.
Exotic Spice Blends
Ras el Hanout
Ras el Hanout is a Moroccan spice blend that adds warmth and complexity to grilled dishes. Made with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, Ras el Hanout provides a balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Sprinkle this exotic spice blend on chicken, lamb, or even vegetables before grilling to transport your taste buds to the streets of Marrakech.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is a staple in Indian cuisine and is known for its rich, warm, and slightly sweet flavor. This aromatic spice blend contains a variety of ingredients, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, and coriander. When used as a rub or seasoning for your BBQ meats, garam masala adds a depth of flavor that is unmatched. Sprinkle it on chicken, beef, or even grilled tofu for a taste of India.
Berbere
Berbere is a spice blend that hails from Ethiopia and is famous for its bold and intense flavors. Made with a combination of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, coriander, and other spices, berbere adds heat, complexity, and a touch of sweetness to grilled dishes. Rub this flavorful blend onto chicken, beef, or lamb before grilling for a unique and unforgettable taste experience.
Citrus Zests
Lime Zest
Citrus zests are a simple yet effective way to add bright and tangy flavors to your BBQ dishes. Lime zest, in particular, adds a refreshing and citrusy punch to grilled meats, seafood, and even grilled vegetables. Simply grate the zest of fresh limes over your dishes before serving to add a burst of zesty flavor and a pop of vibrant color.
Orange Zest
Orange zest is another citrus zest that can elevate your BBQ dishes with its sweet and aromatic notes. The zest of fresh oranges adds a fragrant and tangy flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or pork. Sprinkle it over your dishes to add a touch of brightness and a hint of sweetness.
Grapefruit Zest
For a slightly bitter and tangy twist, try grapefruit zest on your BBQ dishes. The zest of fresh grapefruits adds a unique and refreshing flavor that can balance out rich and fatty meats. Sprinkle it over your grilled steaks, pork chops, or even grilled shrimp to add a fresh and bright element to your BBQ creations.
Asian-inspired Glazes
Soy Ginger Glaze
If you love Asian flavors, a soy ginger glaze is a must-try for your BBQ. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey creates a deliciously sweet and savory glaze that complements grilled meats perfectly. Brush this glaze onto your chicken, beef, or even tofu as you grill for a sticky and flavorful finish.
Hoisin Citrus Glaze
Hoisin sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine and adds a rich and sweet flavor to dishes. When combined with citrus juices, it creates a glaze that is perfect for your BBQ. Mix hoisin sauce with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of honey to make a tangy and flavorful glaze. Brush it onto your grilled meats for a sticky and delicious coating.
Sweet Thai Chili Glaze
For a taste of Thailand, try a sweet Thai chili glaze on your BBQ. This glaze combines the sweetness of brown sugar, the tanginess of rice vinegar, the spiciness of Thai chili paste, and the umami flavor of fish sauce. Brush it onto your grilled chicken, shrimp, or even grilled pineapple for a burst of sweet and spicy goodness.
Smoky Flavors
Hickory Smoke Seasoning
If you want to add a smoky flavor to your BBQ dishes without firing up the grill, hickory smoke seasoning is the way to go. Hickory smoke seasoning is made by dehydrating and grinding hickory wood chips into a fine powder. Sprinkle it on your meats before grilling or mix it into your BBQ sauce to infuse your dishes with the rich and smoky taste of hickory.
Mesquite Smoke Seasoning
Mesquite smoke seasoning is another popular option for adding a smoky flavor to your BBQ. Made from ground mesquite wood chips, this seasoning adds a distinct and bold smokiness to grilled meats. Use it as a dry rub or mix it with oil to create a paste for brushing onto your meats before grilling. Mesquite smoke seasoning will give your BBQ a taste reminiscent of cooking over a campfire.
Applewood Smoke Seasoning
If you prefer a milder smoky flavor, applewood smoke seasoning is a great choice. Made from ground applewood chips, this seasoning creates a delicate and slightly sweet smokiness that is perfect for grilled meats. Sprinkle it on your chicken, pork, or even vegetables before grilling to infuse them with a subtle and enticing smoky taste.
Infused Salts
Truffle Salt
Truffle salt is a luxurious and aromatic seasoning that can take your BBQ to the next level. Made by combining sea salt with finely ground black truffles, truffle salt adds a deep and earthy flavor to grilled meats. Sprinkle it on your steaks, burgers, or even grilled vegetables to enhance their natural flavors and add a touch of elegance to your BBQ feast.
Lemon Pepper Salt
For a bright and zesty seasoning, try lemon pepper salt on your BBQ dishes. Lemon pepper salt combines the tanginess of lemon zest with the spiciness of black pepper and the saltiness of sea salt. This versatile seasoning is perfect for adding a burst of citrusy flavor to chicken, seafood, or even grilled corn on the cob.
Chili Lime Salt
For a spicy and tangy kick, chili lime salt is the way to go. This seasoning blends the heat of chili powder with the zesty tang of lime zest and the saltiness of sea salt. Sprinkle it on your grilled meats, seafood, or even grilled fruits for a flavorful twist that will have your taste buds dancing.
Savory Herbal Butters
Garlic Herb Butter
Garlic herb butter is a classic accompaniment to grilled meats and adds a rich and flavorful touch to your BBQ. Simply mix softened butter with minced garlic, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Form the mixture into a log or shape it into individual pats and refrigerate until firm. When your grilled meats are ready to be served, place a pat of garlic herb butter on top and let it melt into a luscious and aromatic sauce.
Lemon Dill Butter
For a refreshing and citrusy twist, try lemon dill butter on your grilled fish or seafood. Mix softened butter with lemon zest, freshly chopped dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Similar to garlic herb butter, shape it into a log or pats and refrigerate until firm. The zesty and herbaceous flavors of lemon and dill will complement your grilled seafood perfectly.
Spicy Paprika Butter
For a touch of heat and smokiness, try spicy paprika butter on your BBQ meats. Mix softened butter with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy kick. Shape it into a log or individual pats and refrigerate until firm. Spread this flavorful butter onto your grilled meats and let the spices melt into a deliciously spicy sauce.
In conclusion, these unconventional seasonings and flavor combinations will take your BBQ to the next level. From savory fruit glazes to smoky rubs and herbal infused oils, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with these unique ingredients and let your creativity shine as you create mouthwatering dishes that will impress your guests. So fire up the grill, embrace the flavors, and enjoy the delicious adventure of unconventional seasonings on your BBQ.