How to Cook with Lemon-Infused Olive Oil

Jan 16, 2025

Lemon-infused olive oil is a simple way to enhance your dishes with a burst of citrus flavor and the richness of olive oil. Whether you buy it or make it at home, it’s perfect for salads, marinades, or drizzling over vegetables and proteins. Here’s what you need to know:

What it is: A combination of olive oil and lemon zest or juice for a zesty, aromatic flavor.
Why use it: Adds bright flavor, pairs well with herbs, and is versatile for cooking or finishing dishes.
How to make it: Heat olive oil with lemon zest, let it steep, strain, and store in a sterilized jar.
Where to use it: Salads, roasted vegetables, marinades for chicken, seafood, and more.

Pro tip: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results and refrigerate homemade infusions to keep them fresh for up to three weeks.

Homemade Infused Lemon Olive Oil

How to Make Lemon-Infused Olive Oil at Home

Creating lemon-infused olive oil at home gives you control over the freshness and the strength of the citrus flavor.

Ingredients and Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1 cup of high-quality Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 fresh lemon (you’ll use the zest and ½ cup of juice)
A pinch of salt
A vegetable peeler or sharp knife
Small saucepan
Fine mesh strainer
Sterilized glass jar

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Lemon
Wash and thoroughly dry the lemon. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the yellow zest, avoiding the white pith beneath it - this part can make the oil taste bitter ^[2].
Heat the Oil
Combine the olive oil and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Heat gently until small bubbles form around the edges. This signals that the oil is ready. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally ^[2]^[1].
Infuse and Steep
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the oil to steep for 15 minutes. This step helps the citrus oils fully blend with the olive oil ^[1].

Storage and Freshness

Strain the infused oil through a fine mesh strainer to remove any zest pieces ^[2].
Transfer the oil to a sterilized glass jar and store it in the refrigerator ^[1].
For the best flavor, use the oil within three weeks ^[2].

Now that your lemon-infused olive oil is ready, you can experiment with it in your favorite dishes! From drizzling over salads to enhancing grilled vegetables, the possibilities are endless.

Using Lemon-Infused Olive Oil in Recipes

Salads and Dressings

Whip up a quick vinaigrette using 2 tablespoons of lemon-infused olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. This zesty dressing pairs beautifully with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.

For a Mediterranean-style pasta salad, toss warm pasta with lemon-infused olive oil, fresh herbs, and crumbled feta cheese. The warmth of the pasta helps release the oil's fragrance, creating a flavorful dish.

Lemon-infused olive oil isn't just for salads - it's a fantastic addition to cooked dishes, adding complexity to vegetables and proteins.

Cooking Vegetables

Roasted and sautéed vegetables come alive with lemon-infused olive oil. Use 1-2 tablespoons per pound of vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or green beans. Add the oil during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve its bright flavor.

For sautéed vegetables, drizzle a bit of lemon-infused olive oil just before serving. This method works especially well with leafy greens or delicate vegetables, giving them a fresh, citrusy finish.

Marinades and Proteins

Mix lemon-infused olive oil with lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for a simple yet flavorful marinade. This combination enhances chicken, salmon, or shrimp, adding both moisture and taste.

"A marinade made with lemon-infused olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano can be used for grilled chicken or salmon, enhancing their flavor and moisture" ^[3].

Here’s how to use it:

Grilled chicken breasts: Marinate for 2-4 hours.
Salmon fillets: Marinate for about 30 minutes.
Shrimp: Marinate for 15-20 minutes.

For seafood, stick to about 1 tablespoon of oil per pound to avoid overpowering the natural flavors. Always choose high-quality olive oil to ensure a rich and satisfying taste.

Tips for Better Flavor with Lemon-Infused Olive Oil

Pairing with Herbs and Spices

Combine lemon-infused olive oil with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to bring out its bright, citrusy notes. This pairing works beautifully in dishes like roasted vegetables or marinades. For a Mediterranean touch, drizzle the oil over grilled veggies or use it as a dipping sauce alongside a mix of fresh herbs.

Choosing the Right Olive Oil

The olive oil you choose matters. Opt for fresh, fruity oils without any off-flavors, and check for recent harvest dates to get the best results. Using premium extra virgin olive oil ensures your infusion tastes great and lasts longer.

Infusion Techniques to Try

Want a deeper, richer flavor? Use cold infusion methods. Let lemon peels sit in olive oil at room temperature for 48 hours, or refrigerate the mixture for up to three weeks. These slower methods create more balanced and layered flavors compared to quicker heat-based techniques.

"Expert chefs often emphasize the importance of using high-quality ingredients and proper technique when working with infused oils. They also suggest experimenting with different flavor combinations and infusion methods to find what works best for each dish."

Store your lemon-infused olive oil in a dark glass bottle, away from sunlight, to preserve its flavor. Make sure to check for any unusual smells or tastes that could signal spoilage.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Lemon-infused olive oil adds a burst of citrus flavor while delivering the benefits of high-quality olive oil. To get the best results, use premium olive oil, avoid including the bitter pith, and store your infusion properly to keep it fresh. When refrigerated, homemade lemon-infused olive oil can last up to three weeks ^[4].

Next Steps in Your Kitchen

Now that you're equipped with these tips, it's time to get creative with lemon-infused olive oil. Use it to whip up a custom vinaigrette or drizzle it over seafood for a flavorful finish. If you'd rather skip the DIY process, specialty brands like Big Horn Olive Oil offer high-quality options that balance citrus and olive oil perfectly.

Want to mix things up? Combine lemon-infused olive oil with rosemary, thyme, or garlic for bold, unique flavors. Whether you make it yourself or opt for a premium product, this infusion can turn simple dishes into something special.