Grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and cook up some delicious meals. But if you want to take your grilling game to the next level, you need to start incorporating spices and herbs into your cooking. Here are some tips on how to use spices and herbs to elevate your grilling experience:

1. Use a dry rub: A dry rub is a mixture of spices that you rub onto your meat before grilling. This helps to infuse the meat with flavor and creates a delicious crust on the outside. Some great spices to use in a dry rub include paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.

• You can find ALL these ingredients in our SRS Signature Rib Rub.
• Sweet Carolina Rub blends delicious Hungarian paprika and herbs making a standout rub without needing and sauce.
• Prefer a sweet and smoky flavor, then grab Southern Rib Rub!

2. Make a marinade: A marinade is a mixture of spices, herbs, and other ingredients that you soak your meat in before grilling. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Some great herbs to use in a marinade include rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

• My Zesty Italian Blend is perfect as a marinade. I’ve added a bit of chili flake (thank me later).

3. Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to your grilled dishes. Try adding chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to your marinades, sauces, or even directly onto your grilled meats.

4. Experiment with different spices: Don't be afraid to try new spices and spice blends in your grilling. Some great options include our Madras Curry Powder, garam masala, and za'atar. YUM!! Be courageous and go for it!!

5. Use wood chips: If you're using a charcoal grill, try adding wood chips to the coals to infuse your meat with smoky flavor. Different types of wood chips will impart different flavors, so experiment with different varieties like hickory, mesquite, or applewood.

By incorporating spices and herbs into your grilling, you can take your outdoor cooking to the next level and create delicious, flavorful meals that your family and friends will love.

Here's a few recipes to elevate your upcoming barbecue:

Elote

Ingredients:

• 6 to 8 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema, or sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp SRS garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest, from 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, from 1 lime
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• Lime wedges, to serve
• Pinch SRS Lime Salt

Instructions:

1. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to 400°F:
   Once the grill is hot, clean the grates.
2. Whisk together the sauce:
   Meanwhile, whisk together the crema, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, chipotle pepper, lime zest, and lime juice. Taste and season the mixture with salt if needed. (Crema has a little salt already, so add extra judiciously.) Set aside.
3. Grill the corn: Place the husked corn directly onto grill grates. Grill the corn for about 3 minutes, undisturbed, or until kernels begin to turn golden brown and look charred. Turn over and repeat. When all sides are browned, remove from the grill onto a plate.
4. Top the corn with sauce and cheese:
5. Using a brush or a spoon, coat each ear of corn with the crema mixture. Sprinkle with crumbled cojita cheese. Sprinkle with additional chipotle pepper & SRS Lime Salt, if desired.

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Smoky Montreal Steak Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon SRS Montreal Steak Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon SRS Mustard Powder
• 1 tablespoon SRS Hungarian Paprika
• 4 slices Smoked Gouda Cheese
• 4 hamburger rolls

Instructions:

1. Mix ground beef, Montreal Steak Seasoning, Hungarian Paprika and Mustard Powder in medium bowl until well blended. Shape into 4 patties.
2. Grill over medium heat 4 to 6 minutes per side or until burgers are cooked through (internal temperature of 160ºF). Add cheese slices to burgers 1 minute before cooking is completed. Toast rolls on the grill, open-side down, about 30 seconds or until golden.
3. Serve on toasted rolls with lettuce, tomato and additional toppings, if desired.

It's always my goal... TO GET YOU SEASONED!