Summer Grilling & Smoking with Olive Oil Marinades

Rumors & Misconceptions Debunked! High Heat Grilling with Extra Virgin Olive Oil… 

Don't be surprised! Extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of 410°F, debunking misconceptions about its use in high-heat cooking. It is an excellent cooking and finishing oil with a smoke point that can handle the heat.

The term "smoke point" refers to the temperature at which oil begins to emit smoke. This smoke results from fat breakdown, leading to unpleasant odors and flavors. To prevent the undesirable burnt taste and aroma in your culinary creations, selecting an oil that can withstand the heat for your chosen cooking method is crucial. Celebrate the versatility of olive oil!

When grilling and smoking, the temperatures typically align well with olive oil's capabilities. These cooking methods rarely involve extreme heat, ensuring your food is perfectly cooked without burning. 

Standard Grilling Temperatures

High Heat: 400°F-450°F

Medium-High Heat: 350°F-400°F

Medium Heat: 300°F-350°F 

Medium-Low Heat: 250°F-300°F

Low Heat: 200°F-250°F 

Optional Smoker Temperatures…200°F-250°F 

Marinades for Smoking 

Marinades are excellent for enhancing the flavor of smaller cuts and pieces, such as fillets, chops, steaks, and wings, when smoking meat and seafood. Allowing the marinade ingredients to penetrate the surface area of these delectable treats produces a significant infusion of flavor internally and externally. When creating a marinade specifically for smoking, selecting ingredients that harmonize well with the smoky essence is crucial. Optimal flavor pairings include savory elements such as onion, garlic, and salt; spicy components like black pepper and hot peppers; sweetness from honey; citrusy notes derived from lemon, lime, or orange; and the robust presence of hearty herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme.

Here are two of our favorite smoking marinades in action…

Spicy & Peppery Smoked Wings 

This marinade combines Cayenne Infused Olive Oil, Pepe e Aglio Seasoning, Habanero Honey Infused Vinegar, and Fleur de Sel for a triple-pepper punch. With an overnight marinade, the wings become tender and flavorful, complementing the smoky cooking method.

Sicilian Smoked Salmon 

Infused with fantastic Italian flavors, our salmon fillets are perfect for smoking. The combination of Pesto Infused Olive Oil, Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic, Fleur de Sel, and Sicilian Seasoning Blend adds herbaceous and zesty elements, ideal for summer. Enjoy these smoked salmon fillets with fresh seasonal veggies for a delightful meal any time of day. 

Marinades for Grilling 

When grilling meat, seafood, and vegetables, selecting a marinade that delivers robust flavors, withstands high heat temperatures, and complements the smoky char imparted by the grill or coals is essential. Unlike smoking, grilling involves significantly higher temperatures (350°F+), subjecting the food to concentrated heat and flames. The only potential concern is the occurrence of flare-ups when drippings from the grilled items come into contact with the heat source, resulting in brief bursts of fire. These flashes can lead to undesirable scorching, which we aim to avoid. Therefore, we have incorporated scorch-avoidance tips into these two exceptionally delightful recipes. 

Citrusy Steak Asado 

Inspired by Argentina's grilling expertise, our steak marinade incorporates Persian Lime Infused Olive Oil, Cilantro & Garlic Infused White Balsamic, and Chimichurri Seasoning Blend for tangy and savory South American flavors. Serve this steak with tortillas, rice, beans, and a variety of delicious salsas and sauces for a complete culinary experience.

Garlicky Tuscan Grilled Vegetables 

Get ready for a burst of flavor! These grilled veggies have been marinated in our magical blend of Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil, Vinoso Wine Vinegar, and Garlic Seasoning. With these Italian-inspired ingredients, we've created a symphony of tastes to make your taste buds dance joyfully. Sometimes, the simplest recipes bring the most incredible flavors to life. So fire up that grill and get ready to savor the wonderful essence of Italy in every bite!