Grilling season is still here and though I sometimes feel I am the one that’s on the grill-it has been so hot outside-usually it’s just a piece of chicken or fish. I’m always looking for new ways to liven up my food and boy-have I got one for you! This Berbere spice rub and marinade is perfect for seafood, pork, beef, lamb and chicken. Not only that, but it would be great on corn and squash. Rubbed on eggplant, this would take the cake. That just about covers everything, does it not? I even mix it with a bit of mayo and use it on a spread as a sandwich. This stuff really rocks. I love the lemony taste of the coriander, the ginger punches it up, and the garlic and chilies make this outstanding. It is spicy and full of flavor but it is spicy in the not so “hot on the tongue” kind of way.
Whole Foods is thinking marinades and rubs and they can even do it for you. The meat counter has a variety of rubs to choose from; just take your pick. So when to do a rub or a marinade? Marinades are liquid and contain a tenderizer such as wine, vinegar, or citrus juice. Rubs are merely to add flavor and this one sure does. It can also be used as a marinade by adding more oil to the recipe or even some water or beer. It does contain some lemon juice so if you use it on seafood you wouldn’t want it to sit to long before grilling, or the juice may cook it for you. I make it as a rub so that it can be kept in the fridge and stored. However it usually doesn’t last long!
Berbere spice has origins in North Africa. It is used in Ethiopia and Morocco and each cook has their own version. I left out the fenugreek and the cardamom because I don’t often have those spices on hand. I did punch up the chilies and used a combo of Urfa and Aleppo. If you can’t find them, feel free to use some red chile flakes. I also added in some smoked paprika because everything on the grill tastes better with it-IMO! Coriander is another spice that I don’t use often enough. It really adds depth in any seasoning mixture and gives a great lemony taste. Try this recipe and introduce yourself to some new spices. You won’t be sorry.
Berbere Rub
Makes: About 1 1/2 cups
Time to Make: About 20 minutes
Adapted From Steven Raichlen, The BBQ Bible
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 t freshly ground black pepper
2 T chopped fresh ginger (I used the kind in a tube)
3 T mild paprika
1 T smoked paprika
1 T ground coriander
1/2 t Urfa chilies
1/2 t Aleppo chilies
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground allspice
1/8 t ground cloves
3 t coarse salt
1 t honey
1/2 c olive oil
1/4 c fresh lemon juice or 1 lemon squeezed
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree to a smooth paste. Taste for salt and pepper. Store in fridge. This should be enough to rub or marinate about 2 1/2 to 3 lbs of seafood, poultry or meat. (I am planning in making shrimp, pineapple and pepper kebabs tonight and this will be on them!)
More to Try:
Grilled Chicken Rub
Thai Peanut Sauce
Chimichurri Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce
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Seyma Bennett Shabbir
September 1, 2016 at 4:23 amFollow you everywhere!! FB Seyma Doris Bennett Shabbir
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September 1, 2016 at 4:23 amEmail follow 1 seyma_benne[email protected]
Seyma Bennett Shabbir
September 1, 2016 at 4:22 amMy favorite rub is a cajun seasoning. My older son loves it on corn especially!!
cyndi br
August 12, 2016 at 6:35 pmI follow you on twitter
cyndi br
August 12, 2016 at 6:34 pmI subscribed to your email blogs
cyndi br
August 12, 2016 at 6:33 pmI like to marinate with a red wine vinegar
mjskit
August 8, 2016 at 3:15 amWe grilled at least twice a week this time of year so I'm always on the hunt for a new rub. Thank you!! Love the spices in this rub! Thanks!
Denise Morse
August 4, 2016 at 6:34 pmI love balsalmic as a marinade
Tricia Buice
August 4, 2016 at 11:12 amWow – this is a must try! I love a versatile marinade and sauce. I can only imagine the bold bright flavors! Beautiful!
Susan Christy
August 3, 2016 at 3:39 amFollow on pinterest as susitravl
Susan Christy
August 3, 2016 at 3:38 amLemon Lime Marinade for chicken is my favorite. I got the recipe out of a magazine years ago and everyone loves it.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons each lemon juice and lime juice
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Juliana
August 2, 2016 at 8:53 pmOh Abbe…this marinade sounds delicious…and I can imagine how the shrimps will taste…super tasty!
Thanks for the recipe…have a great week 🙂
Unknown
August 2, 2016 at 2:28 pmi love an italian herb rub for chicken
Katerina
August 2, 2016 at 8:42 amWhat a great rub and just on time for BBQ season!
Pam
August 1, 2016 at 8:00 pmI follow on Facebook
Pam
August 1, 2016 at 8:00 pmI follow on Twitter
Pam
August 1, 2016 at 8:00 pmI follow on Pinterest
Pam
August 1, 2016 at 7:59 pmThis sounds like a great rub to try, Abbe! My fave is with cinnamon, chili powder and brown sugar, coriander and dill.
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen
August 1, 2016 at 5:53 pmHomemade marinades are awesome. I love spicy food, and this spice rub sounds wonderful.
Anna and Liz Recipes
August 1, 2016 at 1:02 pmWe also signed into twitter!
Anna and Liz Recipes
August 1, 2016 at 12:58 pmWe already subscribed to your blog!
Anna and Liz Recipes
August 1, 2016 at 12:57 pmHI Abbe! Our favorite rub is the one we make homemade and spicy but we can't wait to try yours!
Beth
August 1, 2016 at 10:30 amThis rub sounds fabulous! Sadly, I don't qualify for the draw – someone's going to be a very lucky winner!
San. M.
July 31, 2016 at 4:30 amI like to use Emeril Seasoning as a rub.
Elena
July 30, 2016 at 10:02 pmFollow you on Pinterest: pinterest.com/elena8
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Elena
July 30, 2016 at 10:02 pmMy favorite marinade is BBQ sauce
elena150980 at yahoo dot com
Cheri Savory Spoon
July 30, 2016 at 8:19 pmHi Abbe, I have not used many rubs but for marinades I usually use fresh herbs and citrus. I already follow you on twitter, Instagram and pinterest. really don't use facebook. Hope you are having a great week-end!
Rose-Marie
July 30, 2016 at 5:14 pmMy favorite marinades are lemon or orange juice. I haven't used rubs that much, but I would like to. This sounds wonderful!
Nhi Yen
July 30, 2016 at 1:52 pmhis looks so good and if you endorse it, then I am sold. Can't wait to try it. i want to eat, right now Sakura Beauty
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch)
July 30, 2016 at 12:39 pmMy favorite rub is Berbere. And I've never tried it! My gosh I love every single ingredient in the recipe. I'm a big fan of aleppo. I love it because it's oily and it sticks to things better than red pepper flakes. Great sounding recipe Abbe, thanks for sharing. Pinned.
Angie Schneider
July 30, 2016 at 7:40 amSuch a gorgeous rub! I love all the spices, esp. the chillies in there!
Kristen
July 30, 2016 at 6:48 amI follow on Twitter
@rubylorikeet
Kristen
July 30, 2016 at 6:47 amMy favorite is Asian sweet chili sauce.
mmstarla
July 30, 2016 at 1:52 amI follow on FB – Starla Bates, on twitter @mmstarla, insta: _ifancythat and pinterest: mmstarla // I have been following on most of those for a while, lol 🙂
mmstarla
July 30, 2016 at 1:51 amI am subscribed via email of course! starla.bates AT yahoo.com
mmstarla
July 30, 2016 at 1:51 amum, YUM! I am all about good marinades.. I think it makes the most delicious difference! A few of my favorite are EVOO, fresh garlic, cilantro and shallots.. oh and maybe a dash or three of worcestershire.. my fave! 🙂
starla.bates AT yahoo.com
HS
July 30, 2016 at 1:50 amI follow on Pinterest.
HS
July 30, 2016 at 1:50 amThis is How I Cook subscriber.
HS
July 30, 2016 at 1:50 amI like whiskey balsamic marinade.
La Table De Nana
July 30, 2016 at 1:41 amLooks great Abbe!
Karen Harris
July 30, 2016 at 12:14 amThere is always room at my house for one more great marinade or rub. This looks so good and if you endorse it, then I am sold. Can't wait to try it.
Abbe Odenwalder
July 30, 2016 at 12:30 amVery sweet Karen! I have to admit that this is really good.
traveler
July 30, 2016 at 12:14 amfavorite rub is lemon citrus. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
traveler
July 30, 2016 at 12:13 amSubscriber. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Liz Berg
July 30, 2016 at 12:10 amOh, yeah! This sounds like an amazing way to jazz up grilled meats! And I love the idea of adding some to mayo to make a sandwich spread, too.
Abbe Odenwalder
July 30, 2016 at 12:29 amIt is a great way to jazz up most anything. Thanks Liz!
Kitchen Riffs
July 30, 2016 at 12:03 amMmmm, spicy! I love me some spicy! Really outstanding rub — tons of flavor in this. Love grilling at this time of the year, and I can see a bunch of different ways to use this. Thanks!
Abbe Odenwalder
July 30, 2016 at 12:29 amThis is a yummy recipe, John! Think you will love it!