How to Cook Meat with Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Better Flavor

When it comes to cooking, few ingredients rival meat for its versatility and global appeal. For millennia, it has been at the heart of culinary evolution, inspiring cooks across cultures to explore new flavors and ingredients in pursuit of the perfect pairing. For Mediterraneans, meat dishes just wouldn’t be the same without using high quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). That’s why Italica Olive Oil is here to show you how to cook meat and EVOO together to create mouthwatering gourmet home meals.

Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Works So Well with Meat

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and natural antioxidants. These qualities help:

• Carry herbs, spices, and aromatics deeper into the meat
• Retain moisture during cooking
• Add subtle fruity, peppery, or herbal notes
• Create a better mouthfeel without heaviness

The key is matching the method and type of EVOO to the meat you’re cooking.

Best Methods for Cooking Meat with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Marinating Meat with EVOO

Marinating is one of the most effective ways to use extra virgin olive oil. EVOO acts as a flavor carrier, helping spices, herbs, and acids coat the meat evenly. It works particularly well with chicken, pork, lamb, beef cuts, and gyros.  

Here’s how to marinate meat for best results:

• Combine EVOO with acid (lemon juice, vinegar, wine)
• Add herbs, garlic, and spices
• Marinate 30 minutes to 24 hours depending on the cut

EVOO makes for an especially good marinade because it prevents the meat from going dry, while infusing flavor throughout.

2. Pan-Searing with EVOO

Contrary to popular belief, extra virgin olive oil can be used for pan-searing or frying at moderate to medium-high heat. Learn to separate the fact from the fiction in our guide to olive oil and smoke points.

EVOO works great with steaks, pork chops, chicken breasts, and lamb cutlets. All you have to do is follow these three easy steps:

1. Heat the pan gradually
2. Use enough EVOO to lightly coat the surface
3. Avoid overheating until smoking

The EVOO creates a golden crust while keeping the interior juicy and flavorful.

3. Roasting Meat with EVOO

Roasting with extra virgin olive oil helps to achieve even browning while retaining the natural moisture of the meat for maximum flavor. It can be used for both seasoning and basting chicken, turkey, pork loin, beef roasts, lamb shoulder, and baked ham. Simply rub meat generously with EVOO, salt, and herbs, then roast at a steady temperature and baste occasionally with the juices gathering in the pan. The oil helps to form a protective layer that locks in juices and enhances aroma.

4. Grilling with EVOO

EVOO is excellent for grilling when used before and after cooking. For convenience, we recommend using Italica Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray. Made with first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, it’s a great way to garnish the meat and avoids excess dripping during grilling. When the meat is done, give it another spray to add a flavorful finish. 

• Brush or spray meat lightly with EVOO before grilling
• Avoid dripping excess oil onto flames
• Finish with a drizzle after resting

5. Finishing with EVOO

Using EVOO as a finishing touch elevates any meat dish. Use it to put the finishing touches to grilled, roasted, or braised meats and you’ll be amazed by the results. It’s subtle touches like these that take everyday meat dishes from tasty to gourmet. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Cooking Meat with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Does extra virgin olive oil change the taste of meat?
   Yes. Mild EVOOs boost flavor without overpowering, while robust EVOOs add peppery, herbal, or fruity notes that complement its natural flavor.
2. Which types of meat pair best with extra virgin olive oil?
   EVOO can be used to cook any kind of meat, including beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and veal. Results will depend on the intensity of the oil and your own preferences.
3. Is extra virgin olive oil better than butter or other oils for meat?
   EVOO is a heart-healthy choice, offering monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. What’s more, unlike butter or highly refined oils, it provides nuanced flavors, resulting in dishes that are fragrant and dynamic.
4. Can I finish cooked meat with extra virgin olive oil?
   Definitely. Drizzling EVOO over cooked meat has long been standard practice throughout the Mediterranean. 
5. How much extra virgin olive oil should I use when cooking meat?
   Just enough to lightly coat the meat or pan, 1 or 2 tablespoons should suffice. What matters most is the quality of the oil. 

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