Making Meat and Fish Flavorful
Tips and tricks to flavoring meats and fish with spices, sauces and marinades.
BY VICKI MARTINEZ
Are you ready to pump up your protein flavor profiles? We tapped into the seasoned cooking chops of several experts at Primal Kitchen, including Lindsay Taylor, senior writer and educator, for their tips on meat seasoning.
Go Picasso on Poultry
The mildness of poultry makes for a bona fide blank canvas for flavor development. Poultry pairs with almost any flavor. “I think of chicken as a neutral palette,” says Taylor. “I love herby marinades. Greek or Italian style marinades are great as a chicken marinade.”
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Primal Kitchen Tip:
Balsamic Vinaigrette & Marinade makes a great chicken marinade.
Taylor also recommends marinating any poultry you plan to grill. Cooking isn't only about developing flavor, she says. The texture of your protein can either add to or detract from its flavor. “Marinating makes a difference both in flavor and texture,” she adds.
Be Bold with Beef
Go big and bold with beef because dainty doesn’t do well. Beef is a strong flavor unto itself.
“There's no reason to marinate a really good steak. Let it stand by itself,” says Taylor. “With red meat, consider dry rubs or salt and pepper. Then use finishing sauces after grilling to enhance flavor.” Her go-to is Primal Kitchen® Steak Sauce.
Primal Kitchen Tip:
Beef is so dense most marinades don’t penetrate deep enough to impart flavor. If you do choose to marinate beef, cut the meat into pieces. More surface area equals more flavor.
Ground beef is a great protein source that’s easily infused with flavor. Choose meat seasonings that complement but can compete (in a good way) with the strong umami of beef.
Herbs and spices for beef:
- Basil
- Dill
- Marjoram
- Pepper
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Practice a Little Finesse with Fish
Light and tender, fish and seafood enjoy a bit of pampering when it comes to flavoring. Taylor suggests milder, more delicate sauces. Citrus adds a refreshing brightness, without overpowering fish or seafood. You don't want a robust, herby flavor that overshadows your main protein ingredient.
Primal Kitchen Tip:
When slow baking fish, mix a flavorful dressing with mayo and pour over fish in a pan. The mayo helps lock in moisture.
Pork in Paradise
If you want to take pork to flavor paradise, go tropical. Think pineapple, mango and Hawaiian flavors. Using sweeter sauces and marinades pulls out the mildly sweet taste of pork.
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Primal Kitchen Tip:
If a recipe calls for searing meat, don't skip it. It's not just for color. Searing helps seal in flavor.
Of course, you can go to all the trouble of creating these delicious and flavorful meals, then ruin it by overcooking. “That’s the number one flavor killer,” says Taylor. “Make sure to take it slow, use lower heat and invest in a quality instant-read thermometer.”
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