swap onion spice for?

dewetha · Nov 21, 2011

I have a frequent guest that is allergic to onion. i'm looking at making my own rib rubs and wonder what i can substitute with to get the flavor profile Onion bring to the plate.

ecto1 · Nov 21, 2011

That is a tough one my first thought would be to try some spices that you don't use on a regular basis. Onion is such a unique flavor that it will be hard to duplicate. Mix you rub up without onion you may find that you like it. If not add some things in like , Cumin, Chinese 5 spice, Turmeric, or Saffron any thing savory. The great thing about rubs is there is no one rub to rule them all. You can put any ingredients you like to get what you are looking for.

dewetha · Nov 21, 2011

thanks. I am about to drive my self nuts with rubs

I have complied a list rub from this site and a few others to get a feel for spices. I love to tinker so If I can get the base flavor down I will be happy to tweak it. I saw some advice about a ratio of 8:3:1:1. armed with that knowledge and 12 cool rub recipes(plus Jeff's) I getting ready start mixing test batches.

scarbelly · Nov 22, 2011

I have not used it but I hear there is an Indian spice called Hing that is a good substitute for Onion. You might want to look into it.

DanMcG · Nov 22, 2011

how about chive or leeks? Probably the same allergen but hat to put it on the table

dewetha · Nov 22, 2011

seam like I will just go onion less. no big deal I suppose since the rub is just part of the overall process.

oldschoolbbq · Nov 22, 2011

Dewetha, have you tried Ground Cloves. They are a very under rated Spice which will brighten up your rub flavor and have them saying,Mmmm-what was that?

Easy test,just place a tsp. of your rub in a cup and add just a touch until you taste it and decide if you like it,gives a bit of Exotic flavor..

Just a thought.......

dewetha · Nov 22, 2011

no on the cloves, but i will add it to my list of "secret ingredients" to try. that list is getting long :) i now have cloves, cinnamon , cocoa,coffee,ginger and a few others.

thanks.

michael ark · Nov 22, 2011

How about fresh ginger.Yea i know it's not in the same flavor profile but it's strong like it.

chef jimmyj · Nov 22, 2011

Scarbelly said:
I have not used it but I hear there is an Indian spice called Hing that is a good substitute for Onion. You might want to look into it.

Gary...This Hing (aka Asafoetida) can be used for an Onionish Flavor...But it Stinks until it is Cooked in Fat...It will corrupt the rub and I don't know if it would change in the Dry heat of smoke...JJ

SmokinAl · Nov 23, 2011

I have a friend who is allergic to onions too. I don't think there is a good substitute for onion, because every thing he cooks tastes terrible.

mab007 · May 27, 2015

Shallots or green onions can be used for your allergic to onion friend. Not sure if I have ever seen dried versions....you may have to dehydrate a batch yourself

smokewaggin · Sep 11, 2015

dewetha said:
I have a frequent guest that is allergic to onion. i'm looking at making my own rib rubs and wonder what i can substitute with to get the flavor profile Onion bring to the plate.

Just an FYI, most people with a true allergy to onion are also allergic to the whole allium family which includes garlic. Additionally some are only allergic to raw onion, once it is cooked they have no reaction. I have a nephew who has a raw onion allergy, and his reactions can be severe but if they are cooked he has no issues.

mab007 · Sep 11, 2015

Any of these tips work?

Bearcarver · Sep 11, 2015

Smokewaggin said:
Just an FYI, most people with a true allergy to onion are also allergic to the whole allium family which includes garlic. Additionally some are only allergic to raw onion, once it is cooked they have no reaction. I have a nephew who has a raw onion allergy, and his reactions can be severe but if they are cooked he has no issues.

Exactly!!! NO RAW ONIONS !!! This is an Old Thread, but since it was opened again------------

Out of all the foods & Spices I have ever eaten, the only one that makes me sick is "Raw Onions". This includes Shallots, Green onions, or any other kinds.

However I love them Fried or Deep Fried, as long as the Stink is cooked out of them.

As for Garlic, I can handle that but not a heavy dose of it.

Also I have no problem with Onion Powder or Garlic Powder, as long as I don't flood something with it. I use these powders in Many of my Smoked Meats, including Bacon, Rime Rib, Chuckies, CB, BBB, etc, etc.

Bear

swap onion spice for?

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