Roast beef is a delicious and versatile meat that can be flavored in many different ways depending on the herbs and spices used. Choosing the right combination of herbs and spices can really enhance the natural flavor of beef and take your roast to the next level.
What herbs go well with roast beef?
Many fresh and dried herbs pair excellently with roast beef. Here are some of the best herbs to use:
- Rosemary – Rosemary has a robust, woodsy flavor that complements the rich taste of beef. It’s a classic herb used for roasts.
- Thyme – Thyme has a gentle lemon-pepper flavor that won’t overpower the beef. It adds lovely aromatic notes.
- Oregano – Oregano has a slightly bitter, warming flavor that brings out the meaty taste of roast beef.
- Marjoram – Similar to oregano but milder and sweeter, marjoram is a great match for beef’s richness.
- Sage – Earthy, savory sage adds lots of aroma and flavor depth to roast beef.
- Bay Leaves – Bay leaves lend a woodsy, bitter note to beef with their bold, pungent taste.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley brightens up a roast with its fresh, grassy flavor. Great minced on top.
- Tarragon – Licorice-like tarragon has a distinct flavor that complements beef’s hearty taste.
- Chervil – Delicate anise-flavored chervil adds a lightness and brightness to rich roast beef.
- Chives – Oniony chives provide a tangy, pungent punch of flavor to beef.
Any of these herbs pair fantastically with roast beef to accentuate its flavor. Rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano are especially classic. Use them alone or create an herbal blend to get the flavor profile you desire.
What spices work well with roast beef?
Spices can take your roast beef to the next level by adding warmth, depth, and complexity. Here are some great spices to use:
- Black pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper gives roast beef a bit of heat and brings out its flavor.
- Sea salt – A simple sprinkle of coarse sea salt enhances the beef’s hearty taste.
- Garlic powder – Garlic powder provides a robust, savory flavor that beef loves.
- Onion powder – Onion powder adds tang and sweetness to complement the rich meat.
- Paprika – Sweet paprika lends a touch of warmth and smokiness.
- Chili powder – For heat and seasoning, chili powder is an excellent match for beef.
- Cumin – Earthy cumin provides a distinct flavor that heightens the meatiness of roast beef.
- Coriander – Warm and lemony coriander seeds or ground coriander spice up roast beef nicely.
- Cinnamon – A touch of cinnamon brings sweetness and complexity to the meat’s flavor.
- Cloves – Cloves add a subtly spicy, aromatic element that works with roasted beef.
Black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder are especially tasty on roast beef. Mix and match to create the spice profile you like.
What are the best herb and spice combinations for roast beef?
You can create fantastic herb and spice blends to take your roast beef to new heights of flavor. Here are some excellent combinations:
- Rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper
- Thyme, parsley, sage, sea salt
- Oregano, marjoram, paprika, cumin
- Garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon
- Rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, black pepper
- Sage, bay leaves, cloves, black pepper
- Thyme, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder
- Parsley, marjoram, paprika, sea salt
Get creative and make your own signature blends! Herbs provide fresh flavor while spices add depth, heat, and complexity.
What are the best cooking methods to infuse roast beef with herbs and spices?
To really get those herb and spice flavors into the meat, use these cooking techniques:
- Rub the roast all over with an herb/spice blend before roasting. The dry heat will infuse the mixture into the beef.
- Coat the roast in oil first to help the seasonings stick and penetrate better.
- Insert slivers of herbs like rosemary or thyme under the roast’s top layer of fat. As the beef cooks, fat will baste the herbs through it.
- Make deep slits in the roast using a knife and stuff thyme, garlic, etc. into them.
- Pound an herb/spice mixture into the beef using a meat mallet to really drive flavors in.
- Sear roast briefly on the stovetop before roasting to help seasonings adhere.
- Baste regularly during roasting with pan juices mixed with fresh herbs.
- Let roast rest after cooking so juices redistribute herbs/spices evenly.
Using two or more of these techniques together will really amp up the flavor infusion.
What are the best roast beef recipes with herbs and spices?
Here are some outstanding roast beef recipes that use herbs and spices fantastically:
- Herb Crusted Roast Beef – Coated with a zesty mix of rosemary, thyme, garlic, and pepper.
- Onion and Garlic Roast Beef – Infused with the full flavor of sauteed onions and garlic.
- Coffee Spice Rubbed Roast Beef – A woke blend of coffee, chili powder, cumin, and brown sugar.
- Southwestern Roast Beef – Robust adobo, chili, and cumin flavors.
- Roast Beef with Horseradish and Rosemary – Classic pairing of peppery horseradish and rosemary.
- Slow Roasted Beef with Gremolata – Finished with a bright parsley, lemon, and garlic gremolata.
- Roast Beef with 40 Cloves of Garlic – Slow roasted with a full head of garlic for intense flavor.
- Thai Spiced Roast Beef – Infused with the Thai flavors of lemongrass, fish sauce, coriander and chili.
All of these recipes produce phenomenally flavored roast beef using creative herb and spice blends. They make the most of beef’s affinity for big, bold seasonings.
What are some quick serving ideas for leftover roast beef?
Leftover roast beef is delicious, but can get boring if eaten as plain sliced meat. Jazz it up with these quick ideas:
- Slice roast beef thin and eat cold on sandwiches or wraps with condiments.
- Dice beef into chunks and toss with veggies and dressing for a roast beef salad.
- Shred or slice beef and heap on nachos, baked potatoes or pizza.
- Make quesadillas with roast beef, cheese and salsa.
- Saute beef slices with onions and bell peppers for quick tacos or fajitas.
- Toss roast beef pieces in BBQ or teriyaki sauce and serve over rice.
- Layer thinly sliced beef, cheese and tomato on bread for an Italian beef sandwich.
- Simmer beef chunks in broth with veggies for a hearty soup.
Getting creative with spices and globally-inspired flavors will keep leftover roast beef exciting all week long.
Conclusion
Roast beef has an amazing ability to soak up flavor from herbs and spices. Classic combinations like rosemary, garlic and pepper are perfect for enhancing beef’s richness. But don’t be afraid to experiment with lemony marjoram, smoky paprika, or even coffee rubs. Apply seasonings generously before and during cooking using techniques like basting, searing and stuffing to drive in maximum flavor. The result will be roast beef with incredible depth that takes center stage on any dinner table.