Herb and Garlic Marinade

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Yield:
Makes 3/4 cup, enough for 2 1/2 pounds of meat or fish

This basic marinade imparts a bright flavor and keeps meats moist. It's perfect for grilling and also enhances the flavors of fresh vegetables, tofu, and soft cheeses. The marinade doesn't work well as a sauce, so discard it before cooking.

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • ½ cup mixed fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, savory, sage, parsley, and rosemary, coarsely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon coarsely chopped garlic

  • Zest of 1 lemon (1 tablespoon)

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Lemon wedges, for garnish

Directions

  1. Whisk together ingredients in a nonreactive dish. Arrange meat in dish; rubwith marinade. Cover; refrigerate forlength of time specified below, turning meat occasionally.

  2. Removemeat from refrigerator; let it come to a cool room temperature beforecooking. Remove meat from the marinade; discard the marinade. Usinga paper towel, wipe off any large piecesof herbs or garlic from meat. Seasonmeat with salt and pepper.

  3. Cook meat as desired. Garnish withherbs; serve with lemon wedges.

Cook's Notes

Marinating times:

•Shellfish: 20 minutes
•Cheese, tofu, and vegetables: 30 minutes
•Thin and flaky fish fillets: 30 minutes
•Thick and fatty fish fillets: 1 hour
•Beef, chicken, game, lamb, and pork: 6 to 24 hours

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