Prepare to impress with a flavorful lemon-cumin sauce that will make everyone believe you’ve spent hours perfecting your marinade. Surprisingly, this rich and aromatic sauce can be whipped up in just minutes and drizzled over your preferred choice of grilled meat. With the combination of cumin, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper, this sauce offers a depth of flavor, complemented by the subtle smokiness and refreshing citrus notes from lemon zest and juice. For the best results, allow grilled protein to rest for 10 minutes before generously spooning the sauce over. This versatile sauce pairs wonderfully with chicken or pork chops, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to your grilled creations.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin seeds until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and let them cool for a few minutes.
- In a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, grind the toasted cumin seeds into a fine powder.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix well to create a smooth sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors according to your preference.
- Once your grilled meat is ready, let it rest for 10 minutes to retain its juices. Then, generously spoon the lemon-cumin sauce over the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Serve the grilled meat with the sauce on top, allowing the flavors to meld together and enhance the overall taste experience.
Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and aromas from the lemon-cumin sauce, adding a zesty and aromatic twist to your grilled chicken or pork chops.
