5 Ways To Use Orange-Infused Olive Oil

Orange-infused olive oil is a flavorful blend of extra virgin olive oil and fresh orange essence, offering a citrus twist to both savory and sweet dishes. It's versatile, healthy, and perfect for elevating meals with minimal effort. Here are five easy ways to use it:

1. Citrus Salad Dressing: Create a refreshing vinaigrette with orange-infused olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and fresh orange juice. Perfect for salads with mixed greens, citrus fruits, and nuts.
2. Marinades for Meat and Fish: Tenderize proteins like chicken, seafood, or tofu with a marinade combining the oil, garlic, soy sauce, and herbs.
3. Baking: Replace butter or regular oil in baked goods like brownies, cakes, and muffins for a moist texture and zesty flavor.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over veggies before and after roasting to enhance their natural sweetness and add a citrusy kick.
5. Dessert Topping: Add a drizzle to desserts like vanilla ice cream, panna cotta, or fresh berries for a sophisticated finish.

Quick Tip: Use orange-infused olive oil as a finishing touch to preserve its citrus flavor. Store it in a cool, dark place and use it for dishes below 375°F to retain its quality.

This oil not only adds flavor but also offers health benefits, as regular olive oil consumption is linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Try it in your kitchen today and transform everyday meals into something special!

How to use Blood Orange Olive Oil

1. Make a Citrus Salad Dressing

Let’s talk about making a vibrant citrus salad dressing that’s bursting with flavor. Using orange-infused olive oil as the star ingredient, you can whip up a dressing that’s both refreshing and versatile.

Start with Big Horn Olive Oil's ultra-premium orange-infused olive oil as your base. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ⅓ cup orange-infused olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (white wine, apple cider, or champagne work well)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper

For an extra citrusy kick, add 2-3 teaspoons orange zest and ⅓ cup fresh orange juice. Whisk everything together or shake it in a jar until it’s perfectly blended. Store it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

"This orange vinaigrette recipe is a great way to add a touch of fresh sweetness–with orange and honey–to a classic vinaigrette base." - Holly Erickson & Natalie Mortimer, The Modern Proper

Pairing the Dressing with Salads

This dressing works beautifully with a variety of salads. Here are a few combinations to try:

Dijon mustard acts as a natural emulsifier, keeping the dressing smooth and well-blended, while the minced shallots add a subtle, savory depth. If your dressing separates after sitting in the fridge, just give it a quick shake to bring it back to its silky consistency.

This citrus vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate any salad!

2. Add to Meat and Fish Marinades

Transform meats and seafood with orange-infused olive oil, which enhances marinades and naturally tenderizes proteins thanks to its citrusy acidity.

Big Horn Olive Oil's orange-infused olive oil is a fantastic choice for marinades, offering consistent flavor and ease of use. Here’s a simple formula to create a well-rounded marinade that works with almost any protein:

Marination Times

Follow these recommended marination times for best results:

• Chicken: 2–4 hours
• Fish/Shrimp: 15–30 minutes max
• Tofu: 1–2 hours
• Vegetables: 30 minutes

"The acidity in orange juice helps break down meat fibers, making it more tender." – Cookery Recipes

Tips for the Best Marinade Results

• Set aside about ¼ cup of the marinade before adding raw protein. Use this as a basting sauce while cooking.
• For delicate proteins like fish, stick to shorter marination times to maintain their natural flavors.
• Pat proteins dry before cooking to achieve better browning.
• Let proteins come to room temperature before cooking for even results.

Best Protein Matches

The bright, citrus flavor of orange-infused olive oil pairs wonderfully with:

• Seafood: salmon, shrimp, sea bass
• Poultry: chicken breasts, turkey cutlets
• Plant-based options: firm tofu, tempeh
• Pork: tenderloin, chops

For an extra touch, reduce the reserved marinade until it thickens slightly, then drizzle it over the cooked protein before serving.

3. Use in Baking

Big Horn Olive Oil's orange-infused olive oil can bring a delightful twist to your baked goods. It adds a moist texture and bright citrus flavor, making it a versatile ingredient beyond salads and marinades. Imagine your favorite treats with a refreshing, zesty upgrade!

Substitution Guidelines

If you're swapping out traditional fats for orange-infused olive oil, here’s how to do it:

• For melted butter or liquid oils: Use a 1:1 ratio.
• For solid butter: Replace 1 cup of butter with ¾ cup of olive oil.
• Starting small: Begin by substituting 1–2 tablespoons of your usual oil to test the flavor.

Perfect Pairings

This infused olive oil pairs wonderfully with:

• Dark chocolate brownies
• Citrus pound cakes
• Cardamom muffins
• Almond biscotti
• Orange-scented scones

"Olive oil that has been infused is great for intensifying flavors like lemon and blood orange."
– Lisa Thomson, Chef and Brand Specialist, Global Gardens, California

Baking Tips for Success

Want the best results when baking with orange-infused olive oil? Keep these tips in mind:

Texture Benefits

Using orange-infused olive oil in your baked goods offers more than just flavor - it improves texture too:

• Keeps baked goods moist longer, thanks to natural antioxidants.
• Creates a lighter, airier crumb.
• Delivers a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

"When substituting olive oil for butter, the rule of thumb is to use 3 tablespoons oil for every 1/4 cup butter."
– Jackie Freeman, Professional Chef and Cookbook Author

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4. Finish Roasted Vegetables

Give your roasted vegetables a flavorful twist with a drizzle of Big Horn Olive Oil's orange-infused olive oil. This simple addition not only enhances their natural sweetness but also adds a refreshing citrusy kick.

Perfect Timing

Timing plays a huge role in preserving the vibrant citrus flavor. The best moment to drizzle the oil is right after the vegetables come out of the oven. This ensures the fresh, zesty notes remain intact.

Complementary Seasonings

Pairing the orange-infused olive oil with the right herbs and spices can take your dish to the next level. Here are some great options to try:

• Fresh herbs: Rosemary, sage, and thyme
• Warming spices: Smoked paprika and cumin
• Unique touches: A pinch of Chinese five spice or a dash of tarragon

Two-Step Application Method

For a deeper, more balanced flavor, try adding the orange-infused olive oil in two stages:

• Pre-Roasting
  Toss your vegetables with a light coating of the oil before they go into the oven. This helps them caramelize beautifully, creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Post-Roasting
  Once the vegetables are done, drizzle a bit more oil over them just before serving. This locks in the bright citrus notes and elevates the overall flavor.

Expert Tips

• Add thin slices of orange to the roasting pan for an extra pop of citrus.
• Roast each type of vegetable separately to keep their textures and colors distinct.
• Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt to bring out all the flavors.

The combination of caramelized edges and a bright citrus finish transforms roasted vegetables into a dish that’s both refined and irresistibly delicious.

5. Top Desserts

Just like in savory dishes, a drizzle of orange-infused olive oil can completely transform desserts. This citrusy addition not only enhances sweetness but also brings out deeper, more complex flavors.

Perfect Pairings

The bright, rich flavor of orange-infused olive oil pairs beautifully with several dessert favorites:

• Vanilla desserts: A few drops on vanilla bean panna cotta can take its flavor to another level.
• Frozen treats: Add a drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elevated treat.
• Fresh berries: Mix it with fresh berries and labneh for a refined and refreshing dessert.

This ingredient’s adaptability invites creativity, as highlighted in the berry labneh recipe below.

Berry Labneh Creation

For a dessert that strikes a balance between sweet and tangy, try a berry labneh dish inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi. The orange-infused olive oil adds a zesty brightness that perfectly complements the tangy yogurt and fresh berries.

"This creamy berry labneh with orange infused olive oil comes together in a dish that feels like a quiet moment at the table - simple, soothing, and full of flavor." - Ksenia Prints

This recipe is a testament to how a small twist can completely reimagine classic desserts.

The Science Behind the Flavor

Orange-infused olive oil enhances dessert flavors by extending the tasting experience. Its citrusy notes linger on the palate, allowing subtle nuances to shine through.

Serving Tips

When using orange-infused olive oil to finish desserts, keep these tips in mind:

• Drizzle it just before serving to maintain its fresh, citrusy aroma.
• Start with a small amount - you can always add more if needed.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to amplify the sweetness and complexity.

For a sophisticated touch, try pairing orange-infused olive oil with dark chocolate desserts. The combination creates a flavor profile that’s both surprising and indulgent.

This versatile ingredient brings endless possibilities to the dessert table, making it a perfect way to end any meal on a memorable note.

Conclusion

Orange-infused olive oil brings a vibrant citrus touch to a wide range of dishes - whether it’s salads, marinades, baked goods, roasted vegetables, or even desserts. Its versatility in the kitchen makes it a standout ingredient for adding flavor and flair.

Studies indicate that consuming olive oil regularly is linked to a 19% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and a 17% lower risk of cancer-related mortality. According to registered dietitian Julia Zumpano:

"Extra virgin olive oil provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits".

To preserve its flavor and quality, it’s best to cook with this oil at temperatures below 375°F and store it in dark glass bottles, away from light and heat. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh citrus salad, enhancing a chocolate dessert, or adding the final touch to grilled fish, orange-infused olive oil takes your cooking to the next level.

For a perfectly balanced combination of health benefits and bright citrus flavor, consider trying Big Horn Olive Oil’s ultra-premium, cold-pressed orange-infused extra virgin olive oil. It’s a simple way to elevate your dishes and enjoy all the benefits this exceptional oil has to offer.

FAQs

What’s the best way to preserve the citrus flavor of orange-infused olive oil when cooking?

To preserve the bright, citrusy flavor of orange-infused olive oil, it’s best to add it after cooking. Heat can mute its fresh and zesty notes, so think of it as a finishing touch. For instance, try drizzling it over sautéed vegetables or freshly cooked fish right before serving to enhance the dish with a pop of flavor.

This oil also works beautifully in cold dishes. Use it in salad dressings, marinades, or even as a drizzle over desserts like vanilla ice cream. These no-heat methods let the vibrant citrus essence take center stage, ensuring every drop delivers its full aroma and taste.

What are the health benefits of orange-infused olive oil compared to regular olive oil?

Orange-infused olive oil doesn’t just add a burst of flavor to your meals - it also packs some impressive health perks. Thanks to the addition of orange, this oil is enriched with vitamin C and natural antioxidants like flavonoids. These nutrients can give your immune system a boost and help maintain healthy cells. When paired with the heart-friendly fats in olive oil, it becomes a powerhouse for your overall well-being.

This flavorful infusion may also aid in reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and even helping to manage blood pressure levels. By blending the goodness of premium olive oil with the natural benefits of oranges, orange-infused olive oil is both a tasty and wholesome option for your cooking adventures.

What types of desserts work best with orange-infused olive oil?

Orange-infused olive oil adds a delightful citrusy touch to desserts, especially those that pair well with fruity undertones. It's a standout ingredient in olive oil cakes, where its bright notes elevate the flavor profile. You can also use it to give brownies a refreshing twist or drizzle it over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a subtle, aromatic flair. That said, it’s best to avoid using it in overly sweet or heavy desserts, as its delicate flavor might not come through as much.

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