How to Make and Use an Herb Basting Brush
Level up your grilling with a homemade herb basting brush. This simple tool, crafted from fresh garden herbs, infuses your grilled meats with unparalleled fresh, aromatic flavors that you simply can't achieve with dried spices.
Servings 1 brush
Cost 3
Equipment
- A brush handle or a thick chopstick
- Butchers Twine
Ingredients
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh oregano
- Fresh sage
Instructions
How to Make an Herb Brush
- Gather Your Herbs: Collect a generous bunch of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage. These herbs were chosen for their robust flavors that can withstand the heat of grilling.
- Assemble the Brush: Line up the stems of the herbs at one end of the stick. Secure them firmly with butcher’s twine, ensuring the herbs are tightly fastened.
- Prep for Later Use: If not using immediately, store the herb brush in the refrigerator wrapped in a moist paper towel to keep the herbs vibrant.
How to Use an Herb Brush for Basting
- Melt Your Basting Butter: Heat unsalted butter in a saucepan until melted. You can enhance the butter with garlic or additional dried herbs for even more flavor.
- Baste Your Meats: Dip the herb-laden brush into the melted butter, thoroughly coating the herbs. Gently baste your steaks on the grill, allowing the heat to release the essential oils from the herbs into the meat.
- Apply Generously: Continue basting throughout the cooking process, reapplying the herb-infused butter to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Notes
Feel free to use whatever herbs you desire depending on the flavor profile you want.
Best Herbs for Steak
Choosing the right herbs for your steak can significantly enhance its flavor. Here are some top recommendations for herbs that pair beautifully with steak:- Rosemary: Known for its strong, aromatic flavor, rosemary stands up well to the bold taste of beef. Its woodsy scent complements grilled and smoked meats particularly well.
- Thyme: Thyme offers a subtle earthy flavor that blends nicely with steak without overpowering it. Its slight lemony undertone adds a fresh dimension to the meat.
- Oregano: With its pungent, peppery flavor, oregano brings a Mediterranean flair to steak, enhancing its natural flavors.
- Sage: Sage has a slightly peppery flavor with hints of mint, making it a great choice for basting steaks. It pairs especially well with butter in basting applications.
- Parsley: Although not as robust as the other herbs, parsley can add a light, fresh taste to the steak, especially when used in garnishing alongside lemon zest.