Zesty Citrus Herb Grill Rub
Unlock the bold, vibrant flavors of the grill with this Zesty Citrus Herb Grill Rub. Originally shared by the famous chef Jamie Oliver in a local magazine, this rub combines aromatic fennel, smoky paprika, and citrusy orange zest for a deliciously tangy profile. Perfect for enhancing the natural taste of meats, this rub creates a mouthwatering crust that seals in juices during grilling. Whether you're prepping for a barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, this versatile mix will elevate your cooking with its fragrant herbs and spices. Get ready to wow your guests and enjoy the tantalizing flavors of summer all year round!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fennel seed
1 (tablespoon)
smoked paprika
2 (teaspoons)
orange
1 (grated zest)
dried thyme
1 (teaspoon)
brown sugar
1 (tablespoon)
sea salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a pestle and mortar, add the fennel seeds and crush them until they are finely ground to release their aromatic oils.
2
Once the fennel seeds are well crushed, add the smoked paprika, grated orange zest, dried thyme, brown sugar, sea salt, pepper, and chopped garlic cloves.
3
Using the pestle, mix and mash all the ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and well-combined paste.
4
Generously rub this flavorful mixture over your choice of meats, ensuring to coat them evenly.
5
Let the rub sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate before grilling for the best results.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Citrus Herb Grill Rub?
It is a flavorful rub combining fennel, smoked paprika, and orange zest designed to create a mouthwatering crust on grilled meats.
Who originally shared this grill rub recipe?
The recipe was originally shared by the famous chef Jamie Oliver in a local magazine.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this rub?
The rub offers a deliciously tangy profile with aromatic, smoky, and citrusy notes.
How should I prepare the fennel seeds?
The fennel seeds should be crushed in a pestle and mortar until finely ground to release their aromatic oils.
What ingredients are needed for the rub?
You will need fennel seeds, smoked paprika, orange zest, dried thyme, brown sugar, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic cloves.
Can I use this rub for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, this versatile mix is perfect for both barbecues and quick weeknight dinners.
Does this rub help with the texture of the meat?
Yes, it creates a mouthwatering crust that helps seal in juices during the grilling process.
How long should the rub sit on the meat before grilling?
For the best results, let the rub sit on the meat for at least 30 minutes.
What kind of citrus is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for the grated zest of one orange.
What is the recommended method for mixing the ingredients?
Use a pestle and mortar to mix and mash all ingredients into a smooth and well-combined paste.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped.
What type of paprika should be used?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Is sugar included in the ingredients?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar is included to balance the flavors.
How much fennel seed is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds.
What type of salt is best for this rub?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How should I apply the rub to the meat?
Generously rub the mixture over your choice of meats, ensuring they are coated evenly.
What is the purpose of crushing the fennel seeds?
Crushing the seeds releases their aromatic oils, which enhances the overall flavor of the rub.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, it is designed to bring the tantalizing flavors of summer to your grill all year round.
How much black pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the final consistency of the rub?
The ingredients should be mashed until they achieve a smooth and well-combined paste.
Is the garlic used whole or chopped?
The garlic cloves should be peeled and finely chopped before being added to the mix.
Does this rub work on all types of meat?
Yes, it is versatile and designed to enhance the natural taste of various meats.
Can I use a food processor if I don't have a mortar and pestle?
While a mortar and pestle is recommended for the best texture and oil release, a small food processor could be used as an alternative.
What makes this rub 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh orange zest and aromatic herbs gives it its signature zesty profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this grill rub.
What is the benefit of letting the rub sit?
Allowing it to sit for 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the meat effectively.
Is the orange zest the only citrus component?
Yes, the recipe uses the grated zest of one orange to provide its citrusy notes.
Is the rub spicy?
The rub is flavorful and smoky rather than hot, though it contains black pepper and smoked paprika.
Can I store leftover rub?
If made into a paste with fresh garlic and zest, it is best used immediately or stored briefly in the refrigerator.