The summer months are rolling in… it’s the perfect time for a barbecue! Basking in the sun, enjoying good food with our friends and family are just two of the best things that this lovely season has to offer. All we need to know now is just one thing: what is the best extra virgin oil to highlight the flavour of our grilled fish and meat? And what about vegetables and vegan dishes?
As we often repeat, every dish has its oil. A perfect barbecue has its rules, and this includes what EVO oil to use. It goes without saying that it must have low acidity levels, but apart from this, there are other aspects that should be taken into account, depending on what you are grilling.
Meat
Did you know that the secret to a tender, juicy steak is all in the marinade? Marinating meat in extra virgin olive oil before grilling it reduces the amount of toxic compounds that are released when searing it.
Marinating time depends on the cut. Poultry, for instance, should soak in oil for 2 to 4 hours, whereas beef and pork require at least 4 to 6 hours.
The type of EVO oil used for the marinade, as well as that drizzled over the dish before serving it, is extremely important: an oil of intermediate fruitiness is ideal for chicken, whereas red meat requires a more intensely fruity oil.
Fish
In this case too, marinating time depends on the type of fish we want to grill: delicate ones require less time than strong-flavoured fish, but always less then meat. The best oil for both the marinade and the final drizzle is a light to medium fruity oil.
Vegetables
An oil of medium fruitiness is the best choice for grilled vegetables, because it perfectly highlights their scent and flavour, thus creating an excellent side dish.
Vegetarian alternatives
And what about vegans and vegetarians? A great alternative is a delicious spelt salad with sautéed vegetables, a simple but tasty dish that is both quick and easy to make. You only need to boil the spelt in salted water for 20 minutes. Meanwhile dice the vegetables (the best are peppers, aubergines, zucchini and onions) and sauté in a pan with a few drops of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt until cooked. Mix in with the spelt and drizzle with Turri’s organic extra virgin olive oil for a perfect final touch.
And now that we have told you all the secrets for an excellent barbecue, including the perfect oil, you are ready for a sizzling start!
