Tips and recipes for using spice rubs to make meal prep easier and more flavorful, including ideas for prepping meats and vegetables in advance.
If you’re someone who likes to meal prep, you know how important it is to have flavorful and versatile ingredients on hand to make meal prep easier and more enjoyable. One ingredient that can help take your meal prep to the next level is spice rubs.
Spice rubs are a blend of herbs and spices that can be used to add flavor and complexity to meats, vegetables, and other ingredients. In this post, we’ll explore the world of spice rubs for meal prep, including tips and recipes for using them to make your life easier and your meals more delicious.
Why Use Spice Rubs for Meal Prep?
Spice rubs are a great way to add flavor to your meal prep without adding extra calories or fat. By using a spice rub, you can enhance the natural flavor of your ingredients and create delicious, flavorful meals that you’ll actually look forward to eating. Spice rubs can be used on a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and even grains like rice and quinoa.
Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to your personal taste preferences.
And in case that isn’t enough, you can save money, too. Commercially-bought spice blends can be expensive. Buying your own bulk spices and then making your own spice blends and rubs can save you money without a great deal of work on your part.
Tips for Using Spice Rubs for Meal Prep
Before we dive into some recipe ideas, here are some tips for using spice rubs for meal prep:
- Make a large batch: Spice rubs can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks, so it’s a good idea to make a large batch to have on hand for future meal prep sessions.
- Use a variety of spices: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different spices and herbs to create your own custom spice blends. Experiment with different flavor profiles to find what works best for you.
- Use a little at a time: A little goes a long way with spice rubs, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s been added.
- Customize to your preferences: If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, be sure to customize your spice rubs accordingly. For example, if you’re sensitive to heat, you may want to avoid adding spicy ingredients like cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Spice Rub Recipe Ideas for Meal Prep
Here are some recipe ideas to inspire you to use spice rubs in your meal prep:
- Moroccan-Spiced Chicken: Combine cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic powder to make a delicious Moroccan-inspired spice rub. Rub the spice blend onto chicken breasts or thighs and bake in the oven for an easy and flavorful protein source.
- Taco-Spiced Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins, and they taste even better when seasoned with a homemade taco spice blend. Mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, and toss with cubed sweet potatoes. Roast in the oven for a healthy and delicious side dish.
- Curry-Spiced Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of vegetarian dishes. Mix together curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander to make a flavorful spice blend. Toss with canned chickpeas and roast in the oven for a tasty and healthy snack or protein source.
- Italian-Spiced Vegetables: For a Mediterranean-inspired meal prep dish, try seasoning your favorite vegetables with an Italian spice blend. Combine dried oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder, and toss with sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Roast in the oven for a healthy and delicious side dish.
Final Thoughts
Spice rubs are a simple and easy way to add flavor and variety to your meal prep routine. By using different spices, you add unique flavor in a quick and potentially healthy way.
Using spice rubs for meal prep makes sense because it adds flavor and complexity to meals without adding extra calories or salt, making it a healthy and efficient way to meal prep. Additionally, using spice rubs to prep meats and vegetables in advance can save time and make meal planning easier.