Fried food gets a lift from zest, like these Crab Cakes. Photo: Alex Lau
Lighten Fried Food
Fried food can be heavy (although it is always delicious). Lighten up (at least in terms of flavor) by sneakily slipping some citrus zest into the batter. Everything from crab cakes to fritters to arancini is best with zest. This is equally true for both sweet and savory recipes.
This aioli packs a punch, thanks to lemon zest and garlic. Photo: Alex Lau
Improve Average Mayo or Aioli
Rich, creamy, fatty-in-the-good-way aioli and mayo is begging for a hit of something bright and light to even the score. Although we love a good homemade emulsified sauce, this technique is particularly helpful for jazzing up store-bought mayo and aioli.
Rubs and brines are made better with zest. Photo: Hirsheimer + Hamilton
Build a Better Brine
This Lemon-Pepper Salt Rub is proof: Infusing meat with citrusy, bright flavor from the get-go is the best way to take a roast chicken, steak, or roast from "good" to "more, please."
