Big and bold flavors in a flash

Hungry for a meal bursting with flavor, but have little time to prepare? Spice rubs, pastes and marinades are a surprisingly simple way to get instant, robust flavor from your favorite summer foods in a flash. In just 30 minutes and with a few ingredients, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your meal.

Rubs, pastes and marinades are easy and fast cooking techniques that deliver high, satisfying flavor - and they're perfect for chicken, steak, pork and fish. A rub is a dry blend of herbs and spices that is rubbed onto the surface of meat, poultry or fish to impart an instant flavor. To make a wet rub or "paste," simply combine the dry blend with a touch of oil, water, honey or juice before applying to food. A marinade soaks food in a seasoned liquid to infuse flavor and/or tenderize. Marinades typically contain an acid such as vinegar or citrus juice as well as a variety of herbs and spices. Once foods are prepared with a rub, paste or marinade, they are ready to be cooked - either grilled, broiled, roasted or pan seared.

In the mood for something different tonight - perhaps Caribbean or Cajun cuisine? Try these five simple recipes from the flavor experts, McCormick & Company, Inc., to add bold flavor to all your summer meals.

Escape to the Islands with the combination of sweet and spicy flavors in Jammin' Jerk Chicken. This easy spice paste combines McCormick Caribbean Jerk Seasoning with thyme and allspice. A touch of orange brings a surprise of sweet and sour flavor to the mix and helps the chicken stay moist.

If you're in the mood for a different "sweet-heat" pleaser, head down the Rio Grande with South-of-the Border Pork Tenderloin. Spicy flavors of garlic, black pepper and specially blended McCormick Chili Powder are perfectly matched with sweet brown sugar for a southwestern feel.

When you're looking to liven up steak, try Sizzlin' Steak à la Montreal. McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning, the crowd-pleasing spice blend founded in Montreal, combines the satisfying flavors of coarse-ground pepper, coriander and dill. Paired with balsamic vinegar and ground mustard, this spice paste will jazz up any steak.

Take on the Big Easy with N'awlins Cajun Tuna. It combines the heat of OLD BAY Seasoning and red pepper with thyme and oregano to create a spice rub that is the perfect seasoning for seafood.

Take a trip to Italy in just 20 minutes with a bite of Mama Mia Herb Marinated Chicken. Calling for Italian staples of olive oil, lemon, garlic and the all-in-one McCormick Italian Seasoning, this marinade keeps chicken perfectly moist and tender for a true Italian culinary experience.

Also see: specialty steaks online

About The Author:

Taylor Kent is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-steaks.com. Great tips on buying top quality meats, steaks and seafood from the finest ranchers and butchers.