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The Ultimate Lemon Herb Marinade Recipe: Add Zest to Any Dish!

Hey everyone, and welcome back to my kitchen! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary arsenal: the lemon herb marinade. This incredibly versatile marinade is bursting with fresh, bright flavors, and it’s perfect for adding a touch of magic to all sorts of dishes.

The base of this wonderful all-purpose marinade is simple yet powerful: lemon, garlic-shallot puree, and olive oil. These three ingredients come together to create a flavor profile that’s both zesty and savory, perfectly complementing a variety of proteins and vegetables.

Now, before we dive into the specifics, let me address something quickly. In the recipe below, I use my garlic shallot puree. This is a flavorful concoction I often have prepped in my fridge, but don’t worry! Feel free to use regular crushed garlic if that’s more convenient for you.

Alright, let’s get marinating!

The Recipe: Simple Lemon Herb Marinade

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and it yields enough marinade to flavor a generous amount of protein or vegetables.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cilantro leaves parsley or tarragon
1 lemon
1/8 cup white wine optional
3/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic shallot puree or 1 clove minced garlic

Instructions:

Roughly chop the cilantro and carefully remove the zest (outer yellow peel from the lemon). The zest adds a lot of flavor to this marinade.
Next, cut the lemon in half and add lemon juice to a mixing bowl. Add the wine, chopped cilantro and lemon zest, followed by the garlic.
Slowly pour the olive oil into the marinade and whisk quickly until it starts to thicken. This is called an emulsion.
When the marinade has thickened, let it sit about 30 minutes and then pour it over your meat.

Tips for Success

For best results, marinate your protein or vegetables for at least 30 minutes. However, for deeper flavor infusion, you can marinate for up to 24 hours.
Reserve some marinade before adding your protein. This reserved marinade can be used for basting while cooking or as a flavorful sauce for your finished dish.
If you’re using this marinade for chicken or pork, be sure to discard the used marinade after cooking for food safety reasons.

For a visual guide on making this fantastic marinade, be sure to check out the video I’ve included in this post. You’ll see the entire process come together, from prepping the ingredients to marinating your protein.

🎬 Watch How to Make This Recipe

Want to see this recipe come to life? Check out this video where I walk you through the entire process, step-by-step!

Unleash the Flavor: Versatile Uses for Lemon Herb Marinade

The beauty of this lemon herb marinade lies in its versatility. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Seafood: This marinade is an absolute dream for seafood lovers! Use it to marinate shrimp, scallops, salmon, mahi-mahi, or any other fish of your choice. The bright lemon and herbs perfectly complement the delicate flavors of seafood, resulting in a truly delicious dish.
Chicken and Pork: Don’t shy away from using this marinade with chicken or pork! It’s a fantastic way to brighten up the flavors while grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Simply marinate your chicken or pork for at least 30 minutes, then cook it according to your preferred method.
Vegetables: This marinade isn’t just for proteins! Try tossing your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers, in the marinade before grilling or roasting. The lemon and herbs add a wonderful depth of flavor that elevates the taste of your veggies.

Beyond the Basics:

This lemon herb marinade is a fantastic foundation for further customization. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profiles. Here are a few ideas:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Swap the fresh herbs for dried herbs if fresh options aren’t available.
For a Mediterranean twist, add a teaspoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the marinade.

I encourage you to get creative and explore the possibilities! With this versatile lemon herb marinade in your arsenal, you’ll be able to add a touch of magic to all sorts of dishes, from simple weeknight meals to impressive dinner parties.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, whip up this amazing marinade, and get ready to experience the burst of flavor it brings to your culinary creations!

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