Herb-Infused Lemon Marinade
As the holiday season fades away, I find myself longing for fresh, vibrant flavors that bring a zest to my everyday meals. This Herb-Infused Lemon Marinade is the perfect solution, infusing chicken, fish, or even hearty vegetables like zucchini and potatoes with aromatic notes of rosemary and thyme. With a delightful balance of citrusy lemon and fragrant herbs, this marinade brightens up your dishes while keeping them healthy and flavorful. Whether you’re firing up the George Foreman grill or prepping for a cozy oven roast, this versatile marinade is an essential addition to your culinary repertoire. It not only enhances the natural flavors of your ingredients but also keeps them moist and tender.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
water
1/4 cup (none)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
garlic cloves
2 (pressed)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (none)
lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, water, lemon juice, pressed garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and lemon zest.
2
Whisk or shake the mixture until all ingredients are well blended.
3
For best results, marinate your protein or vegetables: poultry (chicken, turkey) for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight; fish for up to 30 minutes; and firmer vegetables for at least 30 minutes, while softer options like zucchini or yellow squash can soak in the marinade for 20-30 minutes.
4
After marinating, remove the ingredients and discard any excess marinade. Grill, roast, or cook as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Lemon Marinade?
It is a vibrant, citrusy marinade featuring lemon, rosemary, and thyme, designed to enhance chicken, fish, and vegetables.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include olive oil, water, lemon juice, pressed garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and lemon zest.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How much lemon juice should I use?
You should use 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, which should be pressed.
What amount of dried thyme is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What amount of dried rosemary is used?
You will need 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
How much lemon zest is added?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest.
How long should I marinate poultry?
Chicken and turkey should be marinated for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
How long should I marinate fish?
Fish should only be marinated for up to 30 minutes.
How long do firmer vegetables need to marinate?
Firmer vegetables should marinate for at least 30 minutes.
How long should I marinate zucchini or squash?
Softer vegetables like zucchini or yellow squash can soak for 20-30 minutes.
Is this marinade suitable for grilling?
Yes, it is excellent for grilling, including on a George Foreman grill.
Can I use this for oven roasting?
Yes, it is a great choice for prepping ingredients for a cozy oven roast.
How do I mix the marinade?
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or resealable bag and whisk or shake until well blended.
Should I reuse the marinade after use?
No, you should discard any excess marinade after removing the ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a healthy cooking option that uses fresh citrus and herbs to enhance flavor without excess additives.
What type of garlic preparation is best?
The recipe recommends using pressed garlic cloves for the best infusion.
What is the purpose of adding water?
Water is used as a liquid base alongside oil and lemon juice to balance the acidity and volume of the marinade.
Can I marinate potatoes with this?
Yes, hearty vegetables like potatoes are specifically mentioned as being perfect for this marinade.
Does the marinade help keep meat moist?
Yes, it is designed to keep ingredients moist and tender during the cooking process.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include marinade, herbs, lemon, chicken, fish, vegetables, rosemary, thyme, healthy cooking, grilling, and easy recipe.
Is the lemon zest required?
Yes, the 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest provides a concentrated citrus flavor.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple steps.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, because it can be used for overnight marinating, it is ideal for meal preparation.
What herbs provide the aromatic notes?
Dried rosemary and dried thyme provide the aromatic herbal notes.
What is the preparation for the lemon juice?
The lemon juice should be freshly squeezed for optimal freshness.
Can I use this for turkey?
Yes, it works well for poultry including both chicken and turkey.
How much water is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of water.