Rosemary and Balsamic Marinade
This Rosemary and Balsamic marinade is delicious on chicken, steak or pork or even as a salad dressing. I participate in the Whole Foods Market Ambassador program and a theme this month along with grilling stone fruits where you can find my recipe for Grilled Peaches and Cherries with Honey Goat Cheese was marinades. I make this marinade all the time so thought it would be a good time to share it with you. I wish to thank Whole Foods Market for supplying me with a gift card to purchase the ingredients.
1 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
2-3 Cloves Garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste
Combine olive oil and vinegar. Strip rosemary leaves from stem. Peel garlic cloves and smash with knife. If using for a salad dressing, finely chop the garlic and rosemary. Add rosemary and garlic to olive oil mixture then add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
Pour over desired meat and let marinate. Cook meat as desired. Be sure to check out the tips below from Whole Foods Market on marinating times for different meats and other cool ideas.
Marinating Tips
•Why it’s cool: Marinating meat, veggies, mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh gives your food a new depth of flavor – and possibilities are endless! Marinades can also tenderize meat.
•Need to know:
Red meat and pork should be marinated for at least an hour and up to overnight.
Poultry cuts on the bone should marinate for about an hour, but boneless cuts like a breast only need 30 minutes – too long and it gets mushy!
Never marinate fish or shellfish longer than 20 to 30 minutes in a citrus- or vinegar-based mixture! You can actually cook the fish from the acid in the marinade.
Veggies such as bell peppers, onions, summer squash, etc. can be marinated for 30 minutes or longer, but no more than an hour or two is necessary.
Thick veggies like potatoes, sweet potatoes and thick cuts of carrots need to be parboiled first.
Marinate pineapple, peaches, plums, and nectarines for about 30 minutes.
•Recipe: Summer Squash Grilling Packs
•Take it easy: Whole Foods Market sells a variety of pre-cut veggies that are ready to marinate and grill for quick & easy summertime meals.
Guide from WFM: Marinade and Dry Rub Ideas