Mediterranean Za'atar Infused Marinade for Chicken, Meat, and Fish
Transport your taste buds to the Eastern Mediterranean with this vibrant Za'atar marinade, bursting with flavor from olive oil, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs. This delightful mixture combines toasted sesame seeds, earthy cumin, fragrant dried mint, and oregano, enhanced by a hint of smoked paprika. Perfect for marinating chicken, lamb, pork, or robust fish like salmon and mackerel, this marinade can be expertly slipped beneath the skin of meats for an intense flavor infusion. Ideal for grilling, roasting, or barbecuing, this marinade offers versatility and a delightful twist to your meals while also promoting tenderness in the protein of your choice.
N/A
Servings
130
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (toasted)
cumin seed
1 teaspoon (whole)
dried mint
2 tablespoons (dry)
dried oregano
2 tablespoons (dry)
smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons (none)
lemon
1 (finely grated zest and juice)
Instructions
1
In a pestle and mortar or spice grinder, place the toasted sesame seeds, cumin seed, dried mint, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Lightly crush or grind the spices to release their aroma and flavor.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed spice mixture with extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until well integrated, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Generously rub the Za'atar mixture all over your chosen protein (chicken, lamb, pork, or fish), ensuring an even coat. For best results, slip some marinade underneath the skin of the meats.
4
Cover the marinated protein with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable bag, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for meats and poultry. For fish, marinate for 30 minutes only.
5
Before cooking, allow the marinated protein to return to room temperature for about 20 minutes.
6
For barbecuing, turn the protein frequently and baste with any excess marinade to keep it moist.
7
To roast a whole chicken, rub it all over with the marinade and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours or until cooked through and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
2.8g
Carbs
2.4g
Protein
0g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Za'atar Infused Marinade?
It is a vibrant, aromatic marinade featuring olive oil, lemon, and a blend of toasted sesame seeds, cumin, mint, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Which proteins are suitable for this marinade?
This marinade is perfect for chicken, lamb, pork, and robust fish like salmon or mackerel.
Can I use this marinade for fish?
Yes, it is excellent for fish, particularly robust varieties like salmon and mackerel.
What is the recommended marinating time for meat and poultry?
For meats and poultry, you should marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight for the best flavor.
How long should I marinate fish?
Fish should only be marinated for 30 minutes to ensure the best texture.
Do the sesame seeds need preparation?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds to release their full aroma.
What tools are recommended for crushing the spices?
You can use either a pestle and mortar or a spice grinder to lightly crush the spices.
What type of oil should be used?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich Mediterranean flavor profile.
How can I ensure an intense flavor infusion for meats with skin?
For chicken or other skin-on meats, slip some of the marinade directly underneath the skin.
Should the protein be cooked straight from the fridge?
No, allow the marinated protein to return to room temperature for about 20 minutes before you begin cooking.
Is this marinade good for barbecuing?
Yes, it is ideal for barbecuing; just remember to turn the protein frequently and baste with excess marinade.
How do I roast a whole chicken with this marinade?
Rub the marinade all over the chicken and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours.
What temperature is used for roasting?
The recommended roasting temperature for a whole chicken with this marinade is 400°F (200°C).
Which herbs provide the aromatic profile?
The primary aromatic herbs used are dried mint and dried oregano.
What spice adds an earthy note to the marinade?
Whole cumin seeds provide the earthy foundation for this spice blend.
Does this recipe use smoked paprika?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 130 calories per serving of this marinade.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates does it contain?
The marinade contains 2.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the marinade itself?
The marinade mixture contains 2.4 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no sugar.
What is the fiber content?
The fiber content for this recipe is 0 grams.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this marinade recipe.
How much sesame seed is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds.
How much olive oil is used?
You will need 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the amount of cumin seed required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds.
How much dried mint is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of dried mint.
How much dried oregano is included?
You will need 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
Does the marinade help tenderize the meat?
Yes, the combination of lemon juice and oil helps to promote tenderness in the protein.
What regional cuisine inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean.