The Store-Bought Seasonings Chefs Rely on All Grilling Season

If I had to pick one overall, I’m gonna have to go with the McCormick veggie seasoning. It’s simple. You can add to it. You can apply it to anything: meats, poultry, vegetables, stocks … it’s all-around season. If I’m doing a marinade or dry rub for steaks I add a little sugar to sweeten it up, but not turn it too sweet. On seafood, I add just a little Cajun seasoning to give it a little spice, a little hotness, a little Cajun flavor. And vegetables, [like] spinach, corn salsa, pico de gallo, tomatoes for bruschetta, or a vegetable medley — just a little salt. I don’t think people use it enough.” —Frank Judkins, head chef at Sea Salt Lounge

Buy: McCormick Perfect Pinch Vegetable Seasoning, $4.54 for 2.75 ounces at Walmart 

“This seasoning is by far the most versatile flavor driver I use for grilling! It’s a smoky, spicy blend with a base of garlic powder and onion powder that adds a savory depth and a kick to any meal. I like to add it to burger patties, use it as a marinade for fish and vegetables, or mix it with melted butter and drizzle it over grilled corn. It also makes an appearance outside of grilling season in my scrambled eggs and can turn a plain pot of rice into dirty rice in seconds.”  —Kat Marris, chef and recipe developer at Green Chef

Buy: Kingsford Cajun Style All-Purpose Seasoning, $2.98 for 5 ounces at Walmart

“Anytime I’m in need of a great seasoning blend I use Cajun Two Step. This New Orleans-style spice mix is the perfect harmony of smoked paprika, cayenne, chilis, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. There is no better way to elevate your steaks, fish, chicken, or grilled veggies than a bit of Cajun Two Step. I’ve used this blend to amp up a simple steak/cut of fish or as my spice rub for any briskets, ribs, or beef ribs done on the smoker.” —Taylor Weldon, culinary director at P.J. Clarke’s

Buy: Cajun Two Step Seasoning, $4.76 for 8 ounces at Walmart

One of my top choices of blended seasonings available in most supermarkets is Everything bagel seasoning, which is composed of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, salt, and dried onion. I love to use this blend on seafood and for dry rubs on all my meats before grilling. I reside on the East Coast, so grilled striped bass is a favorite of mine. I poached the bass in vegetable stock with fava beans, snap peas, and asparagus pearls before straining all and then pan-searing the vegetables with lemon/white wine/butter. I finish the bass on the grill — skin-down — and I top with a thin cream cheese and gochujang smear and everything bagel seasoning.” —Brian Pancir, corporate culinary director at Thompson Hospitality Group

Buy: Good & Gather Everything Seasoning, $2.19 for 2.5 ounces at Target

“I love going to Trader Joe’s and finding all of their fun seasonings. During different times of the year they offer very unique blends like the BBQ rub seasoning. I love to use it on a variety of things, but especially for fresh-cut fried potatoes and in steak marinades. It is a great blend to use in steak marinades for meat that will go on the grill in the summer. I also always make sure I have the Mushroom Multipurpose Umami Seasoning on hand because it is great as a pasta seasoning, steak dry rub, and everything in between.” —Stephen Parker, executive chef at Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic

I love using the mushroom powder on ribs and steak. McCormick’s seasoning adds an intense umami flavor while also adding a hint of onion and garlic. (I always try to add ingredients that are packed with umami into whatever dish I’m cooking.) The spice mix also has some salt in there as well, so I don’t need to add as much as I normally would. It’s a perfect rub for these proteins — especially when grilling — and a great way to add tons of flavor in a dry form. —Leah Cohen, chef, restaurant owner, judge on Great American Recipe and former Top Chef contestant.

Buy: McCormick Umami Seasoning with Mushrooms and Onion, $4.33 for 4.59 ounces at Amazon