Spice-Rubbed Mix Grill

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A savory, sweet spice rub transforms pork, chicken, and lamb into a flavorful grill masterpiece, perfect for family gatherings or weekend feasts.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp ground mace
  • 1/2 tbsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • salt
  • 1 boneless pork loin
  • 8 boneless chicken breast halves
  • 8 rib lamb chops

Instructions

  1. Mix the dark brown sugar, ground cumin, chili powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground mace, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
  2. Sprinkle the pork loin, chicken breast halves, and lamb chops with salt and then coat evenly with the spice rub.
  3. Transfer the seasoned meats to a baking dish and cover; refrigerate and marinate overnight.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high, remove meats from the fridge, and grill until cooked through, about 10–12 minutes per side.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of chili powder, or add a touch of garlic powder to the spice rub. If you're short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours instead of overnight. Ensure the grill is preheated properly for even cooking. If using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for pork and chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled meats alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Peas With Mushrooms for a fresh side. Consider adding a quinoa salad or Sweet And Savory Rice Pilaf to complement the spices. For a fun presentation, serve with a selection of dipping sauces.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the meats in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the grill for a few minutes on each side to maintain the smoky flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spice-Rubbed Mix Grill contains roughly 1225 calories, with 22g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (222% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2095mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

1225 kcal 61% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.4g 45% DV
Total Fat 75.9g 97% DV
Carbs 152.2g 55% DV
Fiber 62.2g 100% DV
Sugar 9.8g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2095.1mg 91% DV
Potassium 1867mg 40% DV
Cholesterol 2.7mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 315.3mcg 35% DV
Vitamin C 51.1mg 57% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 1096.3mg 84% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! This spice rub works well with various meats. You can substitute beef steaks or even fish like salmon. Just be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary depending on the type of meat used.

What can I do if I don't have all the spices?

If you're missing any spices, you can substitute with what you have on hand. For example, use allspice instead of ground cloves or omit the cayenne if you prefer a milder flavor. The key is to maintain a balance of sweet and savory.

How can I ensure my meat stays juicy while grilling?

To keep the meat juicy, avoid pressing down on the meat while grilling, as this can release the juices. Also, allow the meat to rest for about 5 minutes after grilling before slicing, which helps retain moisture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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