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.
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 seasoning 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 berbere recipe and introduce yourself to some new spices. You won't be sorry.
I shop at Savory Spice and though they are in my neighborhood, they can ship directly to your home.
Thought you can buy berbere seasoning, it is so much fun to make your own and experiment with your favorite combination of spices.
This berbere rub is a great way to try out a combo of different spices. Enjoy!
More to Try:
Grilled Chicken Rub
Thai Peanut Sauce
Chimichurri Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce
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Recipe
Berbere Spice Rub
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 Minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ Cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: North African
Description
This Berebere spice rub is not spicy hot, but it is full of spice. I love the lemony components from the coriander and the lemon juice!
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
½ t Urfa chilies
½ t Aleppo chilies
½ t ground cinnamon
¼ t ground allspice
⅛ t ground cloves
3 t coarse salt
1 t honey
½ c olive oil
¼ c fresh lemon juice or 1 lemon squeezed
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree to a smooth paste. Taste for salt and pepper.
Store in fridge. The flavors have a chance to meld together after a few days.
This should be enough to rub or marinate about 2 ½ 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!)
Notes
Adapted from Stephen Raichlen (The Barbecue Bible)
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Seyma Bennett Shabbir says
My favorite rub is a cajun seasoning. My older son loves it on corn especially!!
cyndi br says
I follow you on twitter
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cyndi br says
I like to marinate with a red wine vinegar
mjskit says
We 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 says
I love balsalmic as a marinade
Tricia Buice says
Wow - this is a must try! I love a versatile marinade and sauce. I can only imagine the bold bright flavors! Beautiful!
Susan Christy says
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Susan Christy says
Lemon 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 says
Oh 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 says
i love an italian herb rub for chicken
Katerina says
What a great rub and just on time for BBQ season!
Pam says
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Pam says
This 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 says
Homemade marinades are awesome. I love spicy food, and this spice rub sounds wonderful.
Anna and Liz Recipes says
We also signed into twitter!
Anna and Liz Recipes says
We already subscribed to your blog!
Anna and Liz Recipes says
HI Abbe! Our favorite rub is the one we make homemade and spicy but we can't wait to try yours!
Beth says
This rub sounds fabulous! Sadly, I don't qualify for the draw - someone's going to be a very lucky winner!
San. M. says
I like to use Emeril Seasoning as a rub.
Elena says
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Elena says
My favorite marinade is BBQ sauce
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Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi 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 says
My favorite marinades are lemon or orange juice. I haven't used rubs that much, but I would like to. This sounds wonderful!
Nhi Yen says
his 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) says
My 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 says
Such a gorgeous rub! I love all the spices, esp. the chillies in there!
Kristen says
I follow on Twitter
@rubylorikeet
Kristen says
My favorite is Asian sweet chili sauce.
mmstarla says
I 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 says
I am subscribed via email of course! starla.bates AT yahoo.com
mmstarla says
um, 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! 🙂
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HS says
I follow on Pinterest.
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This is How I Cook subscriber.
HS says
I like whiskey balsamic marinade.
La Table De Nana says
Looks great Abbe!
Karen Harris says
There 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 says
Very sweet Karen! I have to admit that this is really good.
traveler says
favorite rub is lemon citrus. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
traveler says
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Liz Berg says
Oh, 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 says
It is a great way to jazz up most anything. Thanks Liz!
Kitchen Riffs says
Mmmm, 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 says
This is a yummy recipe, John! Think you will love it!