Herbs While Barbecuing: How to Use Them For the Best Flavor

If you're looking to take your barbecuing up a notch, look no further than your herb garden. Herbs can be added to meat, fish or vegetables while they are cooking on the grill, and they will impart a delicious flavor that is far superior to anything you could get from a bottle of sauce.

So what herbs should you use? It really depends on what you're grilling, but some great options include rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano and basil. Just throw a few sprigs of your chosen herb onto the coals or flames (be careful not to use too much, as the herbs can easily become overpowering), and let the smoke work its magic.

A barbeque marinade with fresh herbs is best because it provides a flavorful, zesty taste that enhances the natural flavors of the meats and vegetables being grilled. Additionally, using fresh herbs ensures that the marinade will be packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Here is a simple recipe for a barbeque marinade with fresh herbs:

How to Make a Herby-licious Marinade

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme

Preparation:

1. Combine all of the ingredients except for the oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs in a bowl and mix well. (Herbie is the perfect tool for those fresh herbs if you haven't you're totally missing out!)

2. Pour the oil and lemon juice into the mixture and stir until well combined.

3. Add the fresh herbs and stir until evenly distributed.

4. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

How to Make a Dry BBQ Rub with Fresh Herbs

A dry BBQ rub is a great way to add flavor to your grilled meats. This recipe uses fresh herbs to give the rub a bright, bold flavor.

To make the rub, you will need:

1/4 cup dried oregano

1/4 cup dried thyme

1/4 cup dried basil

1/4 cup garlic powder

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon black pepper

2 tablespoons salt

To make the rub, simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Rub the mixture onto your meat before grilling. Let the meat sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to develop. (If you have any leftover rub, you can store it in an airtight container for future use.)

This rub is perfect for chicken, pork, or beef. Plus one of the best ways to enhance the flavor of your BBQ is to use a dry rub. A dry rub is a mixture of spices that are rubbed into the meat before cooking. This not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.

One of the great things about making your own dry rub is that you can tailor it to your own taste. If you like things a little spicier, add more pepper. If you prefer a sweeter rub, add more paprika. And of course, if you want to really pack in the flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones.

Sprinkle Dried Herbs on Your Coals

Seriuosly! When grilling, it's always a good idea to add some dried herbs to your coals. The heat from the coals will cause the herbs to release their essential oils, which will then be transferred to the food as it cooks. This will help impart a subtle flavor to your food that can really elevate the overall taste. A classic combination of rosemary, sage, and thyme is always a great option, but feel free to experiment with other herbs as well.

If you're looking for a more subtle flavor, you can also place the herbs in a metal or ceramic container and then set that on the coals. The heat from the coals will slowly infuse the herbs into the container, and as the food cooks, it will pick up those flavors. This is a great way to add a delicate flavor to your grilled food.

So next time you fire up the grill, don't forget to add some herbs to the mix. Not only will they add flavor to your food, but they can also provide health benefits. So go ahead and experiment with different herbs to find the ones that you like best. And who knows, you may even discover a new favorite recipe in the process.

 

 

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