Citrus Paste for Poultry

FOR CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD & GRILLED DISHES 

This paste will pump up fragrance and flavor in chicken parts, a whole chicken, or four duck breasts. It’s best made up fresh whenever you plan to use it. The citrus tang is especially sweet with smoked fare.

The Citrus Paste for Poultry recipe offers a delightful and aromatic way to infuse your poultry dishes with the lively essence of citrus fruits. This paste combines the tangy notes of orange and lemon with the warm and earthy undertones of coriander. The result is a harmonious blend that adds layers of complexity to your poultry preparations.

This paste is easy to create and requires simple yet impactful ingredients. The fresh zest of oranges and lemons brings a burst of bright flavor, while ground coriander contributes a mild spiciness and depth. The addition of kosher salt, vegetable oil, and ground white pepper helps create a balanced and well-rounded profile, enhancing the taste of the poultry.

To prepare the paste, the ingredients are combined in a food processor to create a smooth and cohesive mixture. The paste can be generously rubbed on poultry, ensuring that it reaches both the surface and under the skin. This step not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize and infuse the meat with the aromatic essence of citrus and coriander.

After applying the paste, allowing the seasoned poultry to rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature is crucial. During this time, the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious marriage of taste. The paste’s citrusy brightness and the aromatic spiciness of coriander seep into the meat, transforming it into a culinary delight.

For those looking to experiment further, the recipe offers a variation by introducing freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. This addition transforms the paste into a marinade, providing an extended period of flavor infusion. The choice of using specific grapefruit varieties like the Rio Star grapefruit enhances the complexity of the marinade.

Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or cooking your poultry in other ways, the Citrus Paste for Poultry promises to elevate your dishes with a burst of zesty and aromatic goodness. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to option for enhancing the flavor profile of various poultry cuts. This paste showcases how the vibrant and fresh qualities of citrus fruits can add a delightful twist to traditional poultry dishes, making them truly unforgettable culinary experiences.

MAKES: ABOUT ½ CUP

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons packed minced fresh orange zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons packed minced fresh lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or sunflower oil
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a food processor, combine the minced fresh orange zest, fresh orange juice, minced fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, ground coriander, kosher salt, vegetable oil, and ground white pepper.
2. Process the ingredients until a paste forms. This will create a flavorful and aromatic paste with a balanced citrus and spice profile.
3. Rub the paste generously on poultry, ensuring it is massaged over and under the skin. This step allows the paste’s flavors to infuse into the meat, enhancing its taste.
4. Allow the seasoned poultry to sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature before cooking. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat.
5. Once the poultry is marinated, you can proceed to cook it according to your preferred method—grilling, roasting, or any other cooking technique you prefer.

VARIATION:

• If you want to create a marinade with a citrus twist, you can transform this paste by adding 1½ cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (from about 3 grapefruits). The grapefruit juice will add a tangy and bright flavor to the mix. This variation is especially enhanced when using a specific type of grapefruit called the Rio Star grapefruit, known for its complex and robust juice. Simply mix in the grapefruit juice with the paste to create the marinade, and use it to marinate your poultry for an extended period before cooking.
• The Orange-Coriander Paste is a versatile and aromatic option to enhance the flavor of poultry dishes. Whether you choose the paste or the marinade variation, this recipe is sure to add a burst of citrusy and zesty goodness to your meals.