What Spices Go with What Meat?

A perfectly seasoned entree can be the highlight of a wonderful meal. Achieving this feat is not always as easy as one might think. Most folks just don't know what the best meat spices are. As a matter of fact it can be downright challenging to remember which herbs and spices complement what meat and egg foods. Cookbooks can be great resource for seasoning ideas but invariable I find a great recipe and do not have an ingredient on hand. This comprehensive list of complementary spices can serve as a handy resource for making a shopping list or simply inspiring some new ideas about how to use what you already have on hand. Feel free to experiment with the following seasonings or combinations of spices to enhance the flavor of the food for which it is recommended.

Beef - Basil, Bay Leaf, Black Pepper, Cayenne, Cumin, Curry Powder, Dry Mustard Powder, Garlic, Green Pepper, Lemongrass, Onion, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme

Fish - Bay Leaf, Cayenne, Curry Powder, Celery Seed, Chives, Dill, Fennel, Lemongrass, Lemon Zest, Marjoram, Mint, Dry Mustard Powder, Onion, Paprika, Parsley, Red Pepper, Saffron, Sage, Sesame Seed, Tarragon, Thyme, Turmeric
   
Lamb- Basil, Cinnamon, Cumin, Curry Powder, Garlic, Marjoram, Mint, Onion, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Sesame Seed, Thyme

Poultry - Basil, Bay Leaf, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Curry Powder, Garlic, Lemongrass, Mace, Marjoram, Mint, Onion, Paprika, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Saffron, Savory, 
Tarragon, Thyme

Pork - Allspice, Caraway, Celery Seed, Cloves, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Juniper Berries, Dry Mustard Powder, Paprika, Sage, Savory

Veal - Bay Leaf, Black Pepper, Curry Powder, Dill, Ginger, Lemon, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Saffron, Sage, Tarragon

Eggs - Basil, Chives, Curry Powder, Dry Mustard Powder, Green or Red Pepper, Onion, Paprika, Parsley, Tarragon

Cheese - Chives, Nutmeg, Oregano, Red Pepper, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme

Sources:
Quick from Scratch, Herbs and Spices
American Express Publishing Company, 1998

Add Spice to Your Life, Sarah L. Francis, PhD, MHS, RD
University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension, 2007