Herbs and Spices Good for Seasoning Pork
Pork is the most widely consumed meat in the world. So, it is natural that most cuisines have their own take on it, giving rise to countless unique recipes. From Asian stir-fries to European roasts, a common factor at the core of them all is the harmonious blend of flavors and ingredients as well as the importance of using the right herbs and spices to enhance the meat’s taste. But the overwhelming number of choices may be a bit too much when it comes to season pork, especially for amateur cooks. So, it can be handy to learn the basics.
What Herbs and Spices Go Best When Seasoning Pork
As with any other meat, the spices and condiments you want to put into pork depend on your preferences and dietary habits. Here’s what you can start with:
| Name | Taste and Flavor | Used for | Blending Ideas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paprika | Mild, sweet, and smoky | Roasts, grills, baking, pulled pork | Cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder |
| Garlic Powder | Savory, robust, and slightly sweet | Roasts, grills, stir-fries | Onion powder, thyme, cumin, paprika |
| Onion Powder | Sweet and savory | Baking, braising, stir-fries | Garlic powder, thyme, oregano, cumin |
| Cayenne | Spicy and pungent | Grills, roasts, stir-fries | Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano |
| Thyme | Earthy, lemony, and slightly minty | Grills, roasts, braising | Sage, oregano, garlic powder |
| Oregano | Robust and slightly bitter | Grills, roasts, braising | Thyme, sage, garlic powder |
| Cumin | Earthy and warm | Grills, roasts, braising | Coriander, paprika, garlic powder |
| Cinnamon | Warm, sweet, and slightly spicy | Baking, roasts | Oregano, paprika, allspice, |
| Ground Mustard | Tangy and slightly spicy | Grills, roasts, baking | Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, thyme |
| Coriander | Citrusy and slightly sweet | Grills, roasts, baking | Cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano |
| Sage | Earthy, minty, and slightly peppery | Grills, roasts, braising | Thyme, oregano, garlic powder |
| Allspice | Warm and sweet with notes of clove | Pulled pork, roasts | Cinnamon, sage, thyme, garlic powder |
Salt and black pepper have been kept out of the list above because they are essential for most recipes. If you don’t fancy any of the seasoning ideas above, a simple mixture of salt and pepper can bring all the flavor to your simple weeknight dinner.
Incorporate a little brown sugar into your dry rub to add a bit of sweetness along with an appetizing glazed color to the dishes.
For an even quicker fix, go for one of these tried-and-tested spice blends that go just as well with pork and are readily available at supermarkets:
| Spice Blend | Main Ingredients* | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Five Spice | Cloves, star anise, Sichuan pepper, Chinese cinnamon, fennel seeds | Char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), braised pork, roast pork belly |
| Cajun Seasoning | Salt, cayenne pepper, garlic, green onions, parsley, paprika | Cajun-spiced pork chops, pork jambalaya |
| Curry Powder | Turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, cardamom, red pepper, | Spicy pork curry, vindaloo |
Don’t let the blending ideas suggested here limit your culinary creativity. Though these are the ‘safest’ options, you can always come up with a unique spice rub when you know which spices and herbs go well with the meat. Mix them together in your preferred proportions; just make sure there’s enough to coat the meat on both sides before you start cooking.
If you want to marinade your pork, mix the spices with wet ingredients like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil, as your recipe requires.