Any special spices or sauces to give chicken, fish, beef alittle boost of flavor

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  • LaviMc
    LaviMc Posts: 355 Member
    I kinda make my own. I throw everything from black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and rosemary to curry (not the hot one) cardamom, cinnamon (sometimes) and thyme. I have a bunch, so i just switch it around. They're all great though because they bring out the flavor of each protein in different ways, and it's great because there's TONS of flavor without all those calories. Also, I typically add a "pinch" of kosher, sea, or pink Himalayan salt, but only a SMALL pinch. It doesn't make things too salty, and it kicks the flavor up. Lastly, I make marinades out of all those spices by adding a small amount of oil. Either sesame (if I'm making an Asian-themed dish), olive, coconut or grapeseed oil. Depending on how much protein you make and what type, you may need very little. If I'm making salmon, I only put a drop in a zip lock bag with the spices and fish. Put it in the fridge for 30 minutes or more (more time is yummier) and VOILA! Pure deliciousness!
  • dawnmcneil10
    dawnmcneil10 Posts: 638 Member
    Poultry and pork will also absorb fruit flavors very well. Toss a can of mandarin oranges in the crock pot with chicken and let it cook down, add onions and peppers with a splash of soy sauce and it's got a taste similar to chinese orange chicken.
    Pork and apples are a natural combo, toss a pork roast in the oven or crock pot and top with diced apples and a bit of cinnamon.
    Turkey and cranberries, make up some stuffing with cranberries and apples and bake with turkey. While you're at it roast some squash and voila a whole meal with lots of flavor.
    My go to spice combo is chili powder, cumin, garlic I'm never out of any of those spices.
  • dopeysmelly
    dopeysmelly Posts: 1,390 Member
    Since I generally add meat I've already cooked to other dishes, I tend to go for simple flavors which can then be "dressed up" in the final dish. Marinating strips of meat/fish in crushed garlic and olive oil works well. Then I just warm the cooked strips in a wok with whatever other spices I want like ground cumin, 5-spice or rosemary and lemon zest.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    if we're suggesting spice shops, i'd strongly suggest reviewing Penzey's. They have a great online catalog (better than in store) and their quality is as top notch as their price to value ratio.
  • Caporegiem
    Caporegiem Posts: 4,297 Member
    Most of my cooking is done on the grill so I'll use some vinegar based bbq sauces when cooking and when eating. They're a little more calorie friendly that the thicker sauces with more sugar but taste great combined with the flavor you get from cooking on hardwood charcoal.
  • astrose00
    astrose00 Posts: 754 Member
    Curry powder, allspice. I also stirfry chicken with green onion, jalapenos and red onions as the veggie side. Absolutely delicious. And I might add a squeeze of lemon or lime for freshness. I cut up boneless breasts and preseason and keep in a large baggy in the fridge so I can toss some in a pan for dinner every night. Very convenient.
  • Tigg_er
    Tigg_er Posts: 22,001 Member
    dbmata wrote: »
    if we're suggesting spice shops, i'd strongly suggest reviewing Penzey's. They have a great online catalog (better than in store) and their quality is as top notch as their price to value ratio.

    +1
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    I make a lot of different spice mixtures and store them in tupperware.

    I use a lot of asian spices particularly for beef. I 'll marinate a tougher cut like london broil in siracha, soy sauce, honey, oregano, and white pepper. Then, I cook it to medium rare, slice thin and serve in lettuce wraps or on top a salad.
  • starlite_79
    starlite_79 Posts: 88 Member
    For a sauce recommendation: Trader Joe's sweet chili sauce. It's got the whole sweet & spicy thing going on, and it's DELICIOUS. I love to do a stir-fry with that sauce, chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, onion, carrots & edamame served over quinoa. Yum!

    For spices: I use original Mrs Dash in a lot of my cooking--but there are many other flavors available. I also like to use cumin, chili powder & garlic powder or minced garlic.

  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    Take chicken with the skin on and season it with garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Put it on the grill and get the skin nice and crispy.

    Then, take yellow mustard, honey, and sriracha and mix it in a 4:2:1 ratio as listed. When the chicken is done, coat them mofos thoroughly and let them stay on the grill for another 1minute or so per side.

    Thank your boy sidesteel for hooking you up with the best chicken you've ever tasted. Srs.
  • MaxPower0102
    MaxPower0102 Posts: 2,654 Member
    dbmata wrote: »
    Steph38878 wrote: »
    MaxPower0102 wrote: »
    SauteExpress has blocks I throw into the pan with some water

    I bet these are good...

    You can make your own...

    Single guy, cooking for 1 after a long day at the office and then the gym? If Land O'Lakes wants to give me Garlic & Herb, Italian Herb, Lemon Pepper, Teriyaki, or Southwest Seasoning ready to throw in a sauté pan, I'll take it!!!!!!
  • lucys1225
    lucys1225 Posts: 597 Member
    I make containers of spice mixes (southwest, greek, italian, blackening...) and keep them on hand so, depending on my mood, they're ready to go.
  • Old_Man_McGucket
    Old_Man_McGucket Posts: 310 Member
    lewispwest wrote: »
    Turmeric is a great mood enhancer that has also had results in reducing certain types of cancer cells! I put it on some of my food just for the former, the latter is a bonus lol

    http://monash.edu/news/show/spice-up-your-memory

  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    MaxPower0102 wrote: »
    dbmata wrote: »
    Steph38878 wrote: »
    MaxPower0102 wrote: »
    SauteExpress has blocks I throw into the pan with some water

    I bet these are good...

    You can make your own...

    Single guy, cooking for 1 after a long day at the office and then the gym? If Land O'Lakes wants to give me Garlic & Herb, Italian Herb, Lemon Pepper, Teriyaki, or Southwest Seasoning ready to throw in a sauté pan, I'll take it!!!!!!
    Before I got married I was single, i had a crock pot and just kept it rolling making all that stuff for me. ;)

    I ran my own ad agency, was a radio and club dj and took classes for S&Gs. It was sub 1 hour a week of work. Easily.

    I know, I know... shut up Dave... lol.
  • Amitysk
    Amitysk Posts: 705 Member
    I love the little saute express squares! Also I usually make a big batch of shredded chicken and then toss it in various sauces (ie: buffalo and bbq). I love to play with various marinades as well. I use a great one for steak with chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper and some lime juice... OMG
  • Adpalangi
    Adpalangi Posts: 349 Member
    Thank you all so much, at least now I can have alittle variety!
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