Smokey Twist: Nature's Kitchen Mexican Ranch Rub

Dive into the bold, creamy world of Nature's Kitchen Mexican Ranch Rub—a unique blend that marries garlic, onion, smoked paprika, chilli powder, and cumin for a rub that's perfect for grilling, roasting, or dipping. This seasoning adds a tangy, spicy edge to any dish, making it a go-to for those craving a fusion of flavours. Whether you're firing up the barbecue or prepping a quick marinade, it brings a fresh take on traditional tastes. Let's explore its cultural roots and 10 ways to incorporate it into Mexican-inspired mains and sides.

Cultural Origins of Mexican Ranch Rub

Mexican Ranch Rub is a modern culinary hybrid, rooted in the cross-border exchanges between Mexico and the United States. Ranch seasoning itself originated in the 1950s when Steve Henson, a plumber-turned-rancher in California, created a buttermilk-based dressing at his Hidden Valley Ranch to feed guests. It exploded in popularity after being commercialised, becoming a staple in American salads and dips.

The "Mexican" twist comes from the Tex-Mex cuisine that flourished in the 19th and 20th centuries along the U.S.-Mexico border. As Mexican immigrants and vaqueros (cowboys) shared grilling techniques like carne asada, American flavours began blending with indigenous Mexican spices such as chilli and cumin—introduced by pre-Columbian civilisations like the Aztecs. This rub embodies that fusion, popularised in the Southwest U.S., where ranch met mole-inspired heat. It's a symbol of cultural adaptation, reflecting how migrant communities in places like Texas and California reinvented home cooking during waves of immigration in the early 1900s. Nature's Kitchen captures this essence, offering a convenient way to evoke the smoky rancheros of borderlands.

10 Ways to Use Nature's Kitchen Mexican Ranch Rub in Dishes and Sides

Inspired by Mexican grilling traditions and Tex-Mex comfort foods, this rub excels on meats and veggies. Here are 10 ideas, starting with 1-2 tablespoons per pound of protein or veggies for balanced flavour.

1. Grilled Carne Asada: Rub the skirt steak with the blend and let it marinate overnight. Grill to medium-rare and slice for tacos. Pair with a side of grilled nopales (cactus pads) lightly dusted with the rub for an authentic border barbecue.
2. Ranch-Infused Quesadillas: Season chicken strips with the rub, cook, and stuff into tortillas with cheese. For a side, toss avocado slices with a pinch of the rub and lime for a creamy guacamole twist.
3. Roasted Vegetable Medley: Coat zucchini, bell peppers, and onions in olive oil and the rub, then roast. This veggie side complements enchiladas, drawing from Mexican market stalls' fresh produce.
4. Shrimp Ceviche Starter: Marinate raw shrimp in lime juice mixed with the rub for a zesty cure. Serve as an appetiser with tortilla chips, echoing coastal Mexican seafood traditions.
5. Pork Tamales Filling: Rub pork shoulder before slow-cooking and shredding for tamale masa. Add a side of elote (corn on the cob) slathered with the rub-infused mayo for street-food flair.
6. Bean Dip Layered Side: Blend refried beans with the rub for a dip, layered with cheese and salsa. Perfect alongside birria, representing communal Mexican potlucks.
7. Chicken Fajitas Sizzle: Season chicken and veggies with the rub for skillet fajitas. Include a side of Mexican rice pilaf with a subtle rub seasoning for added depth.
8. Stuffed Jalapeños (Rellenos): Mix cream cheese with the rub and stuff into jalapeños, then bake. As a spicy side, it nods to bold flavours in Jalisco cuisine.
9. Beef Barbacoa Tostadas: Rub beef chuck and slow-cook until tender. Top crisp tostadas and serve with pickled onions seasoned lightly with the rub.
10. Cornbread Muffins Side: Incorporate the rub into cornbread batter for a savoury twist. This fusion side pairs with pozole, blending U.S. Southwest and Mexican influences.

Nature's Kitchen Mexican Ranch Rub transforms simple ingredients into vibrant, shareable meals that honour border culture's innovative spirit. Experiment and enjoy!

Adjust spice to taste; recipes are approximate.

All of our products are blended in an area containing celery mustard and sesame

Nutrition Facts
Serv. Size: ONE TEASPOON PER TWO PORTIONS (10 g), 
Servings: 6, Amount Per Serving: Calories 35,
Fat Cal.. 5,
Total Fat 0.5g (1% DV),
Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV),
Trans Fat 0g,
Cholesterol. 0mg (0% DV),
Sodium 5mg (0% DV),
Total Carb. 8g (3% DV),
Fibre 3g (12% DV),
Sugars 2g,
Protein 1 g,
Vitamin A (20% DV),
Vitamin C (4% DV),
Calcium (6% DV),
Iron (8% DV).
% Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.