Fresh Herb & Lemon Marinade: A Culinary Delight for Chicken and Fish
Introduction
Fresh Herb & Lemon Marinade is a delightful and versatile recipe that elevates the flavors of chicken and fish, making it a perfect addition to your summer culinary repertoire. Adapted from an old issue of Food & Wine, this marinade brings together the zest of lemons and the aromatic freshness of mixed herbs. Its light, tangy, and herby profile is particularly suited for warm weather when fresh herbs are abundant and at their peak.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Fresh Herb & Lemon Marinade
- Cook Time: Not applicable (as it’s a marinade)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Description: This marinade is ideal for chicken and fish. Due to the acid from the lemon juice, fish should not be marinated for more than an hour to prevent it from “cooking” in the marinade. Perfect for summer, when fresh herbs are plentiful.
- Category: Under 15 Minutes
- Keywords: Easy
- Yield: 1 cup
- Storage: Can be refrigerated for up to a week
- Use: Suitable for chicken, veal, all seafood, and shellfish
Ingredients and Quantities
- Mixed fresh herbs: 1/2 cup (finely chopped, use a combination of herbs such as parsley, basil, cilantro, and dill)
- Lemons, zest of: 2 lemons
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 cup (about 2 lemons)
- Dry mustard: 3 teaspoons
- Kosher salt: 2 teaspoons
Nutritional Information (Per Cup)
- Calories: 994.8 kcal
- Fat: 110.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 11.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 1165.5 mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.1 g
- Fiber: 1.9 g
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
Instructions
- Combine All Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dry mustard, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Use Immediately or Store: You can use the marinade immediately by pouring it over your chosen protein, or you can cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to a week for later use.
- Application: This marinade is particularly well-suited for chicken, veal, all seafood, and shellfish. When marinating fish, limit the marinating time to no more than an hour to prevent the acid from the lemon juice from “cooking” the fish.
Tips for Success
- Herb Selection: Use a combination of your favorite fresh herbs. Parsley, basil, cilantro, and dill work exceptionally well together. The mix can be adjusted based on availability and personal preference.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemons provide the best flavor. Make sure to zest the lemons before juicing them to maximize the citrusy aroma and taste.
- Storage: If you have leftover marinade, store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. This allows you to have a ready-to-use flavor enhancer for up to a week.
- Marinating Time: While chicken and veal can be marinated for several hours or even overnight, fish should be marinated for no more than an hour. The acid in the lemon juice can start to denature the proteins in the fish, effectively “cooking” it and changing its texture.
- Versatility: This marinade isn’t limited to chicken and fish. Try it with other proteins or even as a dressing for vegetable salads. The fresh, bright flavors can complement a wide range of dishes.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Garlic Infusion: Mix in 2-3 minced garlic cloves for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sweet Note: Balance the tanginess with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- Citrus Blend: Substitute half of the lemon juice with orange or lime juice for a different citrus profile.
Culinary Applications
For Chicken
To prepare marinated chicken, place chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to overnight. Grill, bake, or pan-sear the marinated chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For Fish
Place fish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the fish marinate for no more than an hour in the refrigerator. Grill or pan-sear the fish until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
For Shellfish
Toss shrimp, scallops, or other shellfish in the marinade. Marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. Grill or sauté the shellfish until they are opaque and cooked through.
Pairing Suggestions
This Fresh Herb & Lemon Marinade pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:
- Grilled Vegetables: Complement the marinated protein with a medley of grilled summer vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus.
- Fresh Salads: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors of the marinade.
- Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa can help soak up the flavorful juices from the marinated and cooked proteins.
- Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to mop up any leftover marinade from your plate for a delightful finish to your meal.
Conclusion
The Fresh Herb & Lemon Marinade is a quick, easy, and versatile recipe that can enhance the flavors of various proteins, particularly chicken and fish. Its vibrant, fresh, and tangy profile makes it an ideal choice for summer grilling or any time you want to bring a burst of freshness to your meals. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner looking to try something new, this marinade is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating delicious meals with this delightful marinade and savor the compliments that follow.
