Vibrant Tomato Marinade: A Refreshing and Simple Recipe
Easy Tomato Marinade, Refreshing Tomato Dish, Summer Side Dish, Pickled Tomatoes with Plum Extract
Let’s make a simple and delicious tomato marinade that’s perfect for boosting your appetite! This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and offers a burst of fresh, zesty flavor.
Tomato Marinade- 6 Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes or regular tomatoes, small to medium size recommended)
- 1/2 Onion
- 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesilcheong)
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- 1-2 Tbsp Honey (adjust to your preference)
- A pinch of Dried Parsley Flakes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Select 6 fresh and firm tomatoes. Using smaller ones helps maintain a beautiful shape. Cherry tomatoes are also a great option.
Step 2
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Carefully remove the small stem end (the core) from each tomato. This step ensures a cleaner eating experience.
Step 3
Make shallow cross-shaped scores on the top and bottom of each tomato with a knife. This scoring technique will make peeling the tomatoes much easier after blanching.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently place the scored tomatoes into the boiling water. Blanch them just until the skins begin to split. Over-blanching will make the tomatoes too soft and mushy.
Step 5
Immediately remove the blanched tomatoes from the hot water and plunge them into a bowl of ice-cold water or cold running water. This rapid cooling stops the cooking process and loosens the skins. While the tomatoes are still cool, carefully peel off the skins. You’ll find they slip off easily thanks to the blanching and scoring.
Step 6
Place the peeled tomatoes into your serving bowl. You can leave them whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces. For this recipe, we’ll keep them whole for a visually appealing presentation.
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare the delicious marinade! In a separate bowl, pour in 4 tablespoons of good quality olive oil.
Step 8
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty kick. The acidity of the lemon juice will enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Step 9
Thinly slice half an onion. You can also finely mince the onion if you prefer. Sliced onion offers a nice textural contrast, while minced onion integrates more subtly. For a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding.
Step 10
Season the marinade with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust these according to your preference.
Step 11
For a touch of sweetness, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey. Honey balances the acidity and adds a lovely depth of flavor. While this mixture is already great, I love adding plum extract for an extra layer of subtle sweetness and unique fruity notes.
Step 12
Stir in 2 tablespoons of plum extract (Maesilcheong). This traditional Korean ingredient adds a distinct, mildly sweet and tangy flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
Step 13
Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the tomatoes in the bowl. Gently toss to ensure each tomato is coated with the dressing.
Step 14
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley flakes over the top for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Your vibrant tomato marinade is ready! Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally a few hours, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Step 15
Serve the tomato marinade with plenty of the delicious dressing. The refreshing and clean taste will invigorate your palate and make any meal more enjoyable. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a side dish.
Step 16
As time passes, the tomatoes will absorb more of the marinade, becoming increasingly flavorful. The onions will also soften and infuse their taste into the dressing. The blanched tomatoes become even more tender and delicate with marination, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Enjoy this versatile dish!
