Grilling isn’t rocket science.
Sometimes the biggest problem is bland meat.
We asked editors what they keep within reach of the charcoal.
Here’s the stash.
The Basic
Start here. Kinder’s All-Purpose Meat & Vegetables Rub.
Food Editor Patty Catalano likes things simple. Charcoal adds enough noise, she says, so why layer on a symphony of spices? She wants a backbeat, not a full band. This blend is exactly that: garlic, salt, black pepper, Ancho chili powder, and paprika. That’s it.
She buys the bulk jar at Costco. You can find it at Walmart, too, for less than $4.
“Simple yet flavorful” isn’t just a slogan; it’s the strategy.
The Umami Bomb
Burlap & Barrel has this jar labeled Umami Steak Seasoning.
You probably assume it belongs strictly on ribeye.
Assume wrong.
Executive Editor Lauren Miyashiro treats it as a catch-all. It hits hard on burgers, chicken, broccoli, and grilled corn. The texture matters, too; it’s got crunchy bits of garlic and shallot plus black Urfa chili that she describes as “chef’s kiss.”
It’s popular enough to be a problem.
The small 2.3-oz jar?
Sold out.
But grab the 19-oz tub while it’s there. You’ll make it through July.
The Beach Breeze
Mara Weinraub, who runs our Groceries vertical, packs a tiny jar of this in every vacation bag.
Why?
To maximize sun exposure by minimizing kitchen time.
It’s a lemon-herb blend featuring Cyprus sea salt, oregano, dill, marjoram, basil, thyme, and onion. The scent profile screams Mediterranean. It transforms shrimp skewers or salmon in minutes. Ideal if your dining table is a beach towel.
The Spice Rack Hero
Skip the taco kits from 1985.
Go to The Spice House instead.
Jan relies on their Shawarma Seasoning.
Don’t let the name fool you.
Coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, sumac, cardamom…
It turns chicken thighs or lamb chops into something that smells like a night out in Beirut. Warm. Savory. Slightly smoky without the smoke ring.
It’s aggressive in the best way.
Your guests might ask for the recipe.
You won’t give it up easily.
Is there really anything more important than a good rub?
Maybe.
Probably ice cream.
