If meat is regularly on the menu in your home, then we’re about to let you in on a little secret. Whether it’s chicken, beef, lamb, or pork, enhancing the flavor profile of your favorite meat dishes is easy with La Española’s varied and versatile Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) range. Ideal for marinades, medium-heat cooking, and adding a gourmet finish to roasted meats, this distinctive, fruity condiment will forever change how you prepare your meat at home.
Next Level Marinades with Chicken and Olive Oil
Chicken is a staple in many weekly meal plans, and for good reason. Lean, succulent, and versatile, it has long been a favorite protein among home cooks. With its mild flavor, however, the success of any chicken dish depends on the ingredients used to enhance it. That’s where extra virgin olive oil comes in.
Crafting the perfect marinade to cook chicken in is a great way to elevate its flavor profile. This Griddled Lemon and Rosemary Chicken with Butterbean Salad is flavorful and satisfying in equal measure, and a great way to discover the power of Extra Virgin Olive Oil when used as a base for marinades. Here we’ve combined it with lemon juice, rosemary, and garlic, but it also works equally well as garnish on its own, as this Twice-Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Vegetables recipe amply demonstrates.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Sauces
Looking to add a gourmet touch to your favorite homemade sauces? Then using extra virgin olive oil as the base is the way to go. This Authentic Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe takes a popular Italian pasta dish to the next level. The blend of cream, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil adds depth to the flavor of this classic dish. What’s more, you can rustle this dish up in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect midweek gourmet treat.
Seasoning Roast Meat with EVOO
Roasted meats can also be seasoned with extra virgin olive oil with spectacular results. Whether it’s for the holiday season or just your average Sunday roast, this Roast Turkey with Apples is the perfect recipe to put our theory to the test. Simply season the turkey generously with salt and black pepper, both inside and out. Rub the entire turkey with La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ensuring an even distribution, then sprinkle the dried thyme evenly over the surface and you’ll soon taste the difference.
How to Give Stew Recipes a Chef’s Touch
Olive oil may not be the first ingredient that springs to mind when you’re preparing to craft a delicious homemade stew, but you’d be surprised how much it can add to the end result. This Beef Pimentón Stew with Truffle Oil and Garlic Mash is a mouthwatering beef recipe that’s taken up a notch by the simple addition of La Española Olive Oil flavored with White Truffle Oil. With its rich olive oil aromas and umami tasting notes, it’s the perfect olive oil blend to add a chef’s touch to your cooking.
How to Prepare Restaurant Quality Veal at Home
And now for the icing on the cake: this Veal Carpaccio with Broad Beans and Truffle Oil makes for an exquisite starter, mezze style meat dish, or simply as a light and gourmet main. Seared lightly on a hot pan, the tender veal is elevated by simply drizzling extra virgin olive oil infused with white truffle. Serve it at your next dinner party and you’re sure to be the talk of the table.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cooking Meat with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Why should I use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with meat dishes?
Extra virgin olive oil enhances the natural flavor of meat, adds richness, and helps bring out the flavors of added herbs and spices more effectively. Its balanced fats also contribute to better texture and moisture during cooking.
Can extra virgin olive oil be used for cooking meat at high temperatures?
Yes. While EVOO has a lower smoke point than refined oils, it is suitable for most home cooking methods such as sautéing, roasting, pan-searing, and grilling at moderate to medium-high heat. Find out more about smoke points and frying with olive oil here.
Does extra virgin olive oil change the taste of meat?
It can—positively. Mild EVOOs subtly enhance flavor without overpowering, while robust EVOOs add peppery, herbal, or fruity notes that complement red meat, lamb, or game.
Does extra virgin olive oil change the taste of meat?
EVOO works well with all meats, including beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and veal. The key is matching the intensity of the olive oil to the meat’s flavor profile.
How can EVOO improve marinades for meat?
Extra virgin olive oil helps emulsify marinades, allowing herbs, spices, and acids to penetrate the meat more evenly. It also prevents dryness and improves tenderness.
Is extra virgin olive oil better than butter or other oils for meat?
Unlike butter or highly refined oils, EVOO offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It also provides more nuanced flavors, making dishes more complex and aromatic.
Can I finish cooked meat with extra virgin olive oil?
Absolutely. Drizzling EVOO over cooked meat enhances aroma, adds freshness, and elevates presentation—especially when using high-quality, flavorful olive oil.
What type of EVOO should I use for red vs. white meat?
Use robust, peppery EVOOs for red meats like beef and lamb, and lighter, fruitier EVOOs for chicken, turkey, and pork to avoid overpowering delicate flavors.
How much extra virgin olive oil should I use when cooking meat?
Use enough to lightly coat the meat or pan, typically 1–2 tablespoons. Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to flavor.
Food for Thought
At La Española, we take pride in providing a hub for food enthusiasts to discover enticing new recipes and learn about the benefits of cooking with olive oil. To keep abreast of the latest tips and recipes, make sure to check out our blog.