Basil-Infused Grilled Meat Strips Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or almonds, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:
- Combine the green tea leaves, sugar, and spices in a small bowl to create the green tea rubs. This mixture will be used to season the meat strips.
Season the Meat:
- Pat the meat strips dry with paper towels. Rub the green tea rubs all over the meat, pressing the rubs into the surface to ensure they adhere well.
Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
Skewer the Meat:
- Thread the seasoned meat strips onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the Meat:
- Brush the skewers with olive oil. Grill the meat skewers on all sides until cooked through and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side for chicken or 4-5 minutes per side for pork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for chicken and 145°F (63°C) for pork.
Prepare the Basil Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, white wine (if using), balsamic vinegar, torn basil leaves, and dried or fresh oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finish and Serve:
- Remove the grilled meat skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Transfer the skewers to a serving plate.
- Drizzle the basil sauce over the grilled meat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. If desired, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or almonds.
- Serve the Basil-Infused Grilled Meat Strips immediately, enjoying the tender, juicy meat with the aromatic basil sauce and the subtle hint of green tea from the rubs.