April 19, 2022
The spring season is just within reach, and it’s time to renew your meal routine! If your kitchen line-up has been feeling a little predictable, or dare we say, boring, you may have gotten stuck in a bit of a seasonal rut. It’s okay! Don’t settle for dreaming of meals to come. There are simple and easy ways to inject some excitement to your dinner plans right now!
How to Make Your Own Seasonings
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your Instagram feed, only to stop and linger on an image of a perfectly-seasoned steak or roast? The name of the seasoning, spices, or rub used may sound mouthwatering, but how do you find that flavor on the grocery shelves?
We’re big fans of simple tricks that make cooking grass fed beef even more fun and mixing up our own seasonings that bring out that delicious, nutritious, beefy flavor is one of those kitchen hacks we love. There are advantages to making your own seasonings to use in dry and wet rubs. Because you’re mixing them yourself, you not only control the amount of each ingredient being added, but you’re also controlling the quality. Even better, much of what you need is more than likely already available in your pantry and spice cabinet! All you need is a bit of inspiration, your measuring spoons, and a container to keep your newly created concoctions.
Caribbean or Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
When the calendar says it’s spring, but the thermometer disagrees, the warming spices of a Caribbean or Jamaican jerk seasoning can add a touch of heat to your meal. It can also help cool you down on hot summer evenings–seriously! This seasoning consists primarily of allspice, which is a mix of three common spices: cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Traditional jerk seasoning gets its heat from the Scotch bonnet peppers, but you can substitute cayenne or red pepper flakes. Next add tablespoons of pantry-staples like garlic and onion powder, then teaspoons of paprika, cumin, brown sugar, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to round out the base. Be sure to adjust the heat level to your family’s tastes dictate. Once everything is mixed, store in an airtight container – or immediately introduce to a plate of tempting Grass Run Farms Beef Ribeye steaks or New York Strips!
Dried Seasonal Herbs and Spices
Even if you have already started tending to your fresh herb garden indoors, it won’t quite be ready for harvesting yet. Using good quality dried herbs allows you to mix and match your seasonings and keep these flavors going strong no matter the time of year. Try combining dried rosemary with garlic salt and lemon pepper for a bright yet savory seasoning that will only deepen in delectableness as your Grass Run Farms chuck roast cooks in either the oven or slow cooker.
Storage Tips for Homemade Seasonings
You may want to consider investing in good quality spice jars if you start mixing your own spices regularly. Not only will these keep your spice creations fresh for the foreseeable future, they’ll make your spice cabinet look straight out of a magazine. This 14 piece glass spice jar set, complete with labels and shaker lids, is a great starter set.
How to Make Your Own Glazes
Another way to shake up your routine and impart amazing flavor is making your own restaurant-quality glazes, also referred to as reductions. Glazes are simple to make; the ingredients are simmered for 20-30 minutes to allow water, alcohol, and excess liquid to evaporate, leaving behind a rich combination that tastes as good as it looks when paired with your favorite cuts of beef. You can prepare while assembling other parts of your meal or tidying up, but glazes can be delicate. You’ll want to keep an eye on your creation and something to stir with nearby to avoid burning. Then get ready to drizzle, drip, or brush on your grass fed beef within the last stages of cooking or plating!
Selecting Your Base
Glazes can be either sweet or savory. Whichever route you go, choosing your base liquids is an important step. One of our favorites is a traditional Bordelaise sauce. The classic is named for the wine-rich Bordeaux region in France, but you don’t need to make a special purchase of Bordeaux to make it (unless you want a glass for yourself). Any dry, medium to full-bodied red wine will suit your DIY Bordelaise nicely. Start by caramelizing slices of either yellow onion or shallot in butter to bring out its amazing flavor and color. Then, add the red wine of your choosing and simmer. You’ll cook until the sauce in your pan is of similar consistency to maple syrup. After this is achieved, add savory beef stock and bring back to a simmer, until the overall amount is reduced and slightly thickened. Voila!
Get Creative with Your Flavors!
Like your own spice mixes, you can try other combinations of ingredients using similar cooking techniques to make your very own special glaze. Balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, stocks, and even the juices from cooking grass-fed beef all make excellent starting foundations for glazes. Liquors, like brandy, bourbon, and cognac, can also be used. Complementary flavors can be introduced through vegetables, herbs, and other seasonings.
How to Use Seasonings and Glazes with Grass-Fed Beef
Now that you have your inspiration, you may be wondering exactly how to use your very own spice and glaze creations.
The answer is: However you’d like! Grass Run Farms 100% grass fed and finished beef cooks other types of beef so you can add your favorite seasonings and sauces with the exact same results. Grass Run Farms grass fed beef is nutrient-rich, providing healthy doses of 10 vitamins and minerals, benefits you can amplify into a whole, nutritious meal with the DIY seasonings, and glazes you’ll be whipping up in your very own kitchen.
Some of our favorite cuts to dress up include Grass Run Farms 100% Grass Fed Beef Chuck Arm Roast, Grass Run Farms 100% Grass Fed Beef Rump Roast, and Grass Run Farms 100% Grass Fed Beef Ribeyes. You can also season and glaze Grass Run Farms 100% Grass Fed Ground Beef Patties for a burger experience that’s unmatched!
Find Grass Run Farms 100% grass fed beef at a retailer near you or shop online and get cooking today!
