FOR GRILLED DISHES
Try a drizzle of this over fish or shrimp kebabs, or mussels or clams cooked over a hot grill fire until they yawn open. Baste or spoon it on near the end of the grilling. The baste is best made up as you want to use it. Let it sit while you get your seafood cooked for the flavor to bloom.
The Chile-Lemon Baste is a versatile and aromatic infusion that adds a delightful zing to grilled seafood. With just a handful of ingredients, including extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, red chile flakes, and a pinch of salt, this baste offers a burst of flavors that complement the natural taste of seafood.
The combination of zesty lemon zest, the mild heat of crushed red chile flakes, and the rich savoriness of garlic creates a harmonious blend that enlivens your grilled dishes. The olive oil acts as a carrier for these flavors, infusing the seafood with a tangy, aromatic essence.
Gently warming the mixture over low heat allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a baste that’s full-bodied and well-rounded. The warmth helps extract the essence of the ingredients without overpowering them, preserving their individual characteristics.
This Chile-Lemon Baste isn’t just limited to seafood; it can also enhance the flavor of other grilled dishes like vegetables or even poultry. Its simplicity makes it an ideal addition to your grilling repertoire, offering an easy way to elevate your culinary creations with minimal effort.
Once you’ve grilled your seafood to perfection, spreading or spooning on the Chile-Lemon Baste just before removing it from the grill imparts an intense burst of flavor. The tangy lemon, the subtle heat of chile, and the underlying garlic notes all work in harmony to create a memorable dining experience.
Incorporating the Chile-Lemon Baste into your grilling routine is an excellent way to create dishes that are not only visually appealing but also rich in taste. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking to add some zest to your weekday meals, this baste can be your secret weapon for transforming ordinary seafood into extraordinary delights.
MAKES: ABOUT ½ CUP
INGREDIENTS:
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- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Zest from 2 medium lemons
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- 2 teaspoons crushed hot red chile flakes
- Pinch of kosher salt or coarse sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
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- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, sliced garlic clove, crushed hot red chile flakes, and a pinch of kosher salt or coarse sea salt.
- Warm Gently: Warm the mixture gently over low heat for about 10 minutes. This will infuse the flavors of the ingredients into the oil. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as it shouldn’t reach a high temperature.
- Remove from Heat: After warming, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture stand at room temperature briefly. This allows the flavors to meld even further.
- Apply to Grilled Seafood: Spread or spoon the infused oil mixture onto grilled fish or shellfish shortly before they are ready to come off the grill. The flavorful oil will add a burst of flavor to the seafood.
