Best All Around Seasoning Mix Recipes

What is All Around Seasoning Mix?

All around seasoning mix is a combination of different herbs and spices that help bring out the best flavors in food. This mix is used to season a variety of dishes, and it’s versatile enough to use for all kinds of cuisines, whether it is American, Mediterranean, or Asian. This seasoning mix is created by blending various herbs, spices, and sometimes salt or sugar. The final product depends on the blend of ingredients and their ratios. However, there are some common ingredients found in most all-around seasoning mixes. These include basil, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, parsley, and black pepper.

Benefits of All Around Seasoning Mix

One of the main benefits of all-around seasoning mix is that it elevates the flavor profile of dishes. Instead of using each spice separately, you can use the seasoning mix as a substitute, and it can be a time-saver for those who are short on time but still want to prepare a great-tasting meal. Another advantage of using an all-around seasoning mix is that it helps maintain a uniform taste as you can maintain a consistent flavor for different kinds of dishes. You can use the mix for various meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and fish, making it a valuable addition to every spice rack.

Types of All Around Seasoning Mixes

There are different types of all-around seasoning mixes available in the market today. Some seasoning mixes are specialized and designed to add specific flavors to dishes. Here are some popular types of all-around seasoning mix that can kick up your dishes' taste.

BBQ Seasoning Mix

This seasoning mix is popularly used on meats and adds a smoky flavor profile to the dishes. It includes ingredients such as smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.

Italian Seasoning Mix

As the name suggests, this seasoning mix is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It usually consists of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and garlic powder.

Taco Seasoning Mix

This seasoning mix is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and is used to flavor up tacos. It usually includes paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Curry Seasoning Mix

This seasoning mix is used in Indian cuisine and consists of a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. It adds an exotic zing to your dishes.

How to Use All Around Seasoning Mix

All around seasoning mix can be used on so many different dishes. Here are some different ways to use it:

On Meats:

Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or sauteing, you can use all-around seasoning mix to add flavor to your favorite meats. You can sprinkle it onto chicken breasts, beef steak, or pork chops before cooking, or you can mix it into ground meat for burgers or meatloaf.

On Vegetables:

All around seasoning mixes can also be used on vegetables either by sprinkling it on raw vegetables or sauteing them with some oil and seasoning mix. The mix helps to enhance the taste and aroma of vegetables.

On Soups and Stews:

All around seasoning mix can be used to add flavor to your soups, stews, or chilies. Adding it to your recipes towards the end of the cooking process can boost the flavors to another level.

On Snacks and Appetizers:

All around seasoning mix can be a great addition to snacks and appetizers. You can sprinkle it on popcorn, roasted nuts, or even use it as a seasoning for homemade potato chips.

Conclusion

All around seasoning mix is a must-have in your spice rack to enhance your dishes' flavor profiles. It saves time and money by combining the best herbs and spices into a single mix. Using different types of all-around seasoning mixes can change the flavor of your dishes to elevate them from ordinary to extraordinary.

Making your own all around seasoning mix recipes can be a great way to save money and add flavor to your meals. By creating your own mix, you can control the ingredients and tailor the flavor to your liking. Below are some valuable tips to help you create the best seasoning mixes for your meals.

Tip 1: Determine the Purpose of Your Seasoning Mix

Before creating your seasoning mix, it is important to determine the purpose of your mix. Do you want a versatile seasoning mix that can be used on various meats and vegetables, or are you looking for a specific seasoning mix for a particular recipe? By defining the purpose of your seasoning mix, you can design the right blend of spices and herbs that will best compliment the flavor of the dish.

Tip 2: Choose Quality Herbs and Spices

Choosing high-quality herbs and spices is essential for creating a flavorful seasoning mix. Fresh herbs and spices are preferable but dried herbs and spices can also be used. It is important to note that different herbs and spices have varying shelf lives. For example, whole spices can last between three and four years, ground spices can last for two to three years, and dried herbs can last up to two years. It is recommended to store spices and herbs in a cool, dark place in airtight containers to prolong their shelf life.

Tip 3: Experiment with Different Combinations of Herbs and Spices

The beauty of making your own all around seasoning mix is the opportunity to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. Seasoning mix recipes can vary in the number of herbs and spices used, as well as the ratio between them. It is important to note that some herbs and spices pair better together than others. Some popular herb and spice combinations include:

• Italian seasoning mix - basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Cajun seasoning mix - paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
• Taco seasoning mix - chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Consider experimenting with different herb and spice combinations to create your own unique seasoning mix recipe.

Tip 4: Take Note of Flavors and Aromas

When creating your seasoning mix recipe, it is important to take note of the flavors and aromas of the herbs and spices used. Some herbs and spices have very strong flavors and can overpower other ingredients in a dish, while others have more subtle flavors. It is important to consider the balance of flavors in the seasoning mix, as well as how the flavors will contribute to the overall flavor of the dish. Additionally, some herbs and spices have strong aromas that can affect the overall aroma of the dish. Consider how the aroma of the seasoning mix will compliment the aroma of the dish.

Tip 5: Create a Universal Base Mix

Creating a universal base mix can be a great way to save time and simplify meal prep. A base mix includes the most commonly used herbs and spices and can be added to different dishes to provide a baseline of flavor. Some herbs and spices commonly included in a base mix include garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, dried parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano. Create your own universal base mix by combining your preferred herbs and spices in the ratios you prefer.

Tip 6: Adjust the Salt Level

Salt is an important component in all around seasoning mix recipes as it enhances the flavor of the herbs and spices used. However, it is important to use salt in moderation as too much salt can overpower other flavors and contribute to health issues. Consider using sea salt or kosher salt instead of regular table salt for a more flavorful seasoning mix. Additionally, it is important to taste the seasoning mix as you create it to ensure that the salt level is to your liking.

Tip 7: Store Your Seasoning Mix Correctly

Proper storage is important to prolong the shelf life of your all around seasoning mix. Store your seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat, light, and humidity can cause the herbs and spices to lose their flavor and aroma more quickly. Additionally, it is important to label your seasoning mix with the date it was made. Generally, all around seasoning mixes will last up to six months if stored properly.

Conclusion

Creating your own all around seasoning mix recipe can be a fun and rewarding experience. Experimenting with different herbs and spices can help you create unique and flavorful seasoning mixes that can be used in various dishes. Keep in mind the purpose of your seasoning mix, choose quality herbs and spices, experiment with different combinations, take note of flavors and aromas, create a universal base mix, adjust the salt level, and store your seasoning mix correctly for the best results.