Meat can often be a mundane and unexciting part of our diet. We all know the usual suspects - chicken, beef, pork - and it can be hard to get excited about eating them day in and day out. In this blog post, we will explore 10 ways to make meat more exciting again. From marinades to seasonings to different cooking methods, we have you covered!

Marinades

A marinade is a great way to add flavor and moisture to your meats. From lemon garlic to teriyaki to Jamaican jerk, there are limitless possibilities! Marinate your meat any time between 30 minutes and 8 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor absorption.

Rubs

Rubs are another fun way to add flavor and texture to your meats. Combine herbs, spices, sugar and salt together and rub them onto the surface of the meat before cooking. This can help lock in moisture as well as delivering a delicious burst of flavors.

Finishing Sauces

Finishing sauces are a great way to give your dish that last minute boost of flavor. Drizzle over cooked steaks, chicken or pork and watch as the flavor takes your dish to the next level. This recipe for horseradish sauce is a must-try!

Brines

Brining is a great way to add moisture and flavor to meat before cooking. Submerge meat in a brine of water, salt and other seasonings for up to 12 hours in the fridge. Not only will this give you juicy and flavorful results, it will also help keep your meats from drying out during cooking.

Smokey Flavors

Smokey flavors are a great way to boost the flavor of any cut of meat. Rub smoked paprika on steaks before grilling, smoke wood chips on barbecues or use liquid smoke in marinades - all options to give your dishes that authentic smokey flavor.

Spice Blends

Don't just rely on salt and pepper to season your meats - get creative with different spice blends! Mix together warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice for a unique flavor profile. Or combine smoky flavors like cumin, chili powder and smoked paprika for a Southwestern flair. 

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are an easy way to add flavor without much effort. Scatter fresh herbs over cooked meat or chop them up and mix into marinades or rubs. Another idea is to create herb butter by blending softened butter with your favorite fresh herbs, ideal for topping steaks and burgers. This can be particularly handy when paired with some of the best premade pulled pork to make a delicious sandwich.

Citrus

Citrus can add a bright and refreshing flavor to any meat dish. Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over cooked fish, drizzle orange juice over chicken before baking or even make a marinade with orange juice and soy sauce for pork! 

Umami Boosters

Umami is the fifth taste that can often be missing from dishes. To give your meats an umami boost, try adding ingredients like miso paste, anchovies or Parmesan cheese to marinades, rubs or finishing sauces.

Different Cooking Methods

Sometimes it's not just about flavoring - there are also different cooking methods you can try! Grill, sear, roast, bake or poach your meat for different textures and flavors. Each method will give you a unique result that can take an ordinary dinner to extraordinary with just a few simple steps.

That's it - 10 ways to spruce up mundane meat dishes. Get creative in the kitchen and don't be afraid to experiment! Who knows - you may even find your new favorite dish.