Category: Seasoning

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8 Creative Uses for Hot Honey Rub

8 Creative Uses for Hot Honey Rub (Sweet Heat Beyond the Grill)

Hot honey rub is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory—and it’s far more versatile than most people realize. While it shines on classic BBQ, this bold seasoning can elevate everyday meals, snacks, and even unexpected dishes.

If you’ve got a bottle of hot honey rub in your pantry, here are 8 creative ways to use it that go way beyond basic grilling.

1. Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Crispy wings and hot honey rub are a match made in flavor heaven. Toss wings with oil and hot honey rub, bake or fry until crispy, then finish with a drizzle of warm hot honey for a sticky-sweet glaze.

Best for: Game day, parties, or weeknight dinners.

2. Sweet-Heat Pork Chops

Rub thick-cut pork chops generously with hot honey rub and grill or pan-sear until caramelized. The sugars create a beautiful crust while the heat balances the natural richness of the pork.

Pro tip: Let chops rest 30 minutes with the rub before cooking.

3. Hot Honey Salmon

Sweet heat pairs surprisingly well with seafood. Sprinkle hot honey rub on salmon fillets and grill, bake, or air-fry. Finish with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors.

Perfect for: Fast, flavorful weeknight meals.

4. Roasted Vegetables with a Kick

Toss Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes with olive oil and hot honey rub. Roast until tender with crispy edges for a vegetable side dish that steals the show.

Great for: BBQ sides or meal prep.

5. Sweet & Spicy Popcorn

Looking for a snack upgrade? Lightly butter fresh popcorn and sprinkle with a pinch of hot honey rub. It’s sweet, salty, spicy, and addictive.

Try this: Add roasted peanuts for a snack mix.

6. Hot Honey Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp cook fast and soak up flavor beautifully. Toss peeled shrimp with oil and hot honey rub, then grill or sauté for 2–3 minutes per side.

Serve with: Rice, tacos, or salads.

7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Fries

Hot honey rub brings out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Use it on wedges, fries, or cubes roasted until golden and caramelized.

Bonus: Finish with a light drizzle of honey or hot honey sauce.

8. Candied Nuts & Snack Mixes

Hot honey rub isn’t just for savory dishes. Toss almonds or pecans with a touch of oil and rub, then roast for a sweet-heat snack that works on salads, charcuterie boards, or straight from the jar.

Why Hot Honey Rub Belongs in Your Pantry

Hot honey rub delivers:

  • Sweet heat without overpowering spice

  • Caramelization from natural sugars

  • Versatility across meats, veggies, and snacks

Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or snacking, this rub adds bold flavor with minimal effort.

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Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Butter Rice & Roasted Asparagus

Weeknight Win: Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Butter Rice & Roasted Asparagus

Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean dinner has to be bland or complicated. If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, surprisingly easy to make, and looks impressive on the plate, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re sharing our ultimate Lemon Pepper Chicken served with fluffy Garlic Butter Rice and crisp Roasted Asparagus. It’s a harmonious meal where every component shines, yet comes together effortlessly.

Let’s dive into making this delicious spread!

The Star of the Show: Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken

Forget the pre-made stuff – making your own lemon pepper chicken from scratch is a game-changer. The fresh lemon zest and juice elevate the flavor, creating a bright and savory chicken that’s perfectly golden and tender.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced into thin cutlets or pounded flat

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1.5 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning

  • 1 large fresh lemon (zest and juice)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

  1. Prep: Pat chicken dry. Slice or pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness.

  2. Dredge: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Lightly coat each chicken piece, shaking off excess.

  3. Sear: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.

  4. Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits.

  5. Finish: Stir in lemon zest. Return chicken to the pan for 1 minute to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

The Perfect Partner: Fluffy Garlic Butter Rice

This isn’t just plain rice; it’s a fragrant, buttery, garlic-infused delight that perfectly complements the chicken’s zesty sauce. The secret? Toasting the rice before simmering!

What You’ll Need:

  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)

  • 2.5 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It:

  1. Sauté Garlic: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  2. Toast Rice: Add uncooked rice. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to coat and lightly toast.

  3. Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid!

  4. Rest & Fluff: Remove from heat and let sit (still covered) for 5-10 minutes.

  5. Finish: Remove lid, add remaining 2 tbsp butter and fresh parsley. Fluff with a fork.

The Vibrant Sidekick: Roasted Asparagus

Quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, roasted asparagus adds a pop of color and a healthy crunch to complete your meal. A little Parmesan takes it to the next level!

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

  1. Preheat: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Prep: Lay trimmed asparagus on the baking sheet.

  3. Season: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and spread in a single layer.

  4. Roast: Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

  5. Finish: If using, sprinkle Parmesan over hot asparagus. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Putting It All Together: Your Meal Plan Timing

For a perfectly timed meal where everything hits the table hot:

  1. Start the Garlic Butter Rice first. It takes the longest active cooking time and benefits from resting.

  2. While the rice is simmering and resting, prep and roast the Asparagus.

  3. Finally, cook the Lemon Pepper Chicken while the asparagus is in the oven.

And there you have it! A complete, utterly delicious, and surprisingly simple meal that will impress your family or guests without keeping you in the kitchen all night. Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors and the comforting satisfaction of a home-cooked masterpiece.

Happy cooking!

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Pop’s Steak Seasoning Sauce & Side Pairing Guide

Pop’s Steak Seasoning

Sauce & Side Pairing Guide

A great steak doesn’t stop at seasoning—it’s the sauce and sides that turn a good meal into an unforgettable one. Pop’s Steak Seasoning, inspired by classic Montreal-style flavor and elevated with rosemary and thyme, delivers bold, savory taste that pairs beautifully with a wide range of BBQ sauces and sides.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard cookout or planning a steakhouse-style dinner at home, this guide will help you build the perfect plate every time.

The Flavor Profile Behind Pop’s Steak Seasoning

Pop’s Steak Seasoning features:

  • Coarse kosher salt and cracked black pepper for a classic steakhouse crust

  • Garlic, onion, and paprika for savory depth

  • Rosemary and thyme for a fragrant, herb-forward finish

This balance makes it incredibly versatile—bold enough to stand up to rich sauces, yet refined enough to let high-quality beef shine.

Classic & Smoky Pairings

Best Sauce Match:
Pop’s Original BBQ Sauce (coming soon)

Smoky sauces enhance the seasoning’s peppery backbone without overpowering the herbs.

Side Dish Pairings:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes

  • Sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions

  • Grilled asparagus or green beans

Why it works:
Savory herbs, charred beef, and smoky sauce create a timeless steakhouse experience.

Sweet & Tangy Pairings

Best Sauce Match:
Pop’s Honey Mustard

Sweet and tangy sauces contrast beautifully with the bold seasoning.

Side Dish Pairings:

  • Herb-roasted baby potatoes

  • Creamy mac & cheese

  • Fresh cucumber and tomato salad

Why it works:
Sweetness balances the salt and pepper while fresh sides keep the meal light and approachable.

Fruit-Forward Pairings

Best Sauce Match:
Pop’s Peach BBQ Sauce or Apple BBQ Sauce

Fruit-based sauces add a subtle sweetness that complements the herbs in the seasoning.

Side Dish Pairings:

  • Grilled corn with butter and black pepper

  • Sweet potato fries or roasted sweet potatoes

  • Arugula salad with goat cheese and nuts

Why it works:
Sweet-smoky flavors highlight the seasoning’s complexity without masking the beef.

Sweet Heat & Spicy Pairings

Best Sauce Match:
Pop’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce

When heat enters the picture, balance is key.

Side Dish Pairings:

  • Creamy coleslaw

  • Loaded potato salad

  • Grilled zucchini or squash

Why it works:
Cooling, creamy sides tame the heat while letting the steak remain the star.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Steak Plate

  • Season steaks 15–20 minutes before cooking to let flavors absorb

  • Grill or sear over high heat to develop a flavorful crust

  • Let steaks rest before slicing to keep them juicy

  • Serve BBQ sauce on the side so guests can control the flavor balance

Build Your Ultimate Backyard Steak Night

Pop’s Steak Seasoning is designed to work hand-in-hand with Pop’s BBQ Sauces—giving you endless ways to mix, match, and customize every meal. From smoky classics to sweet heat favorites, the right pairing transforms steak night into something special.

Small batch flavor. Big backyard results.

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Fall-Off-the-Bone Smoked Ribs Recipe

Low & Slow Ribs That Melt in Your Mouth

There’s nothing quite like a rack of ribs that’s been smoked low and slow until the meat pulls clean from the bone. These fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor—perfect for weekend cookouts, game days, or anytime you want to impress family and friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or firing up the smoker for the first time, this recipe walks you through every step to rib perfection.

Why This Rib Recipe Works

✔ Low-and-slow smoking locks in moisture
✔ Simple seasoning lets the meat shine
✔ The wrap stage guarantees tenderness
✔ Finished with sauce for sticky, caramelized flavor

This method works beautifully with pork baby back ribs or spare ribs.

Ingredients

For the Ribs

  • 2 racks pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)

  • Yellow mustard or olive oil (binder)

  • 3–4 tbsp dry BBQ rub (recommend Pops Rib Rub)

  • Apple juice or apple cider vinegar (for spritzing)

For the Wrap

  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil

  • 2–3 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • Honey (optional)

For Finishing

Step-by-Step: Fall-Off-the-Bone Smoked Ribs

1. Prep the Ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness. Lightly coat with mustard or olive oil, then season generously on all sides with your BBQ rub.

Tip: Let ribs rest for 30–60 minutes so the seasoning can absorb.

smoking grill

2. Fire Up the Smoker

Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
Use fruit wood like apple or cherry, or hickory for a deeper smoke flavor.

Place ribs bone-side down and smoke uncovered for 2.5–3 hours.

Spritz lightly with apple juice every 30–45 minutes to keep ribs moist.

3. Wrap for Tenderness (The Magic Step)

Remove ribs from the smoker and place them meat-side down on foil. Add:

  • Butter

  • Brown sugar

  • A drizzle of honey (optional)

Wrap tightly and return to the smoker for 1.5–2 hours at 225°F.

This step steams the ribs and creates that fall-off-the-bone texture.

4. Sauce & Set

Unwrap ribs carefully and place back on the smoker, bone-side down. Brush generously with BBQ sauce.

Increase heat slightly to 250°F and cook for 30–45 minutes, until the sauce tightens and becomes sticky (not wet).

5. Rest & Serve

Remove ribs and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in.

Best BBQ Sauce Pairings

These ribs pair beautifully with:

Brush sauce on at the end or serve extra on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ribs

  • Don’t rush the cook – low heat equals tender ribs

  • Use a meat probe – ribs are done when internal temp reaches ~195–203°F

  • Avoid too much sauce early – it can burn

  • Foil tightly – steam is your friend

What to Serve With Smoked Ribs

  • Creamy coleslaw

  • Smoked mac & cheese

  • Baked beans

  • Cornbread

  • Grilled corn on the cob

Final Thoughts

These fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs are the kind of recipe that keeps people coming back for seconds—and asking for your secret. With simple ingredients, patience, and the right sauce, you’ll turn out ribs that rival any BBQ joint.

Fire up the smoker and make it a rib day.