Zimmy's Nook

@zimmysnook

Sauces & Marinades

Green Goddess Dressing

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An image of a salad with prosciutto, soft boiled eggs, lettuce, cucumbers and a bowl of green goddess dressing.

Green Goddess Dressing.

This herb-filled salad dressing is so delicious you’ll want to put it on everything! This dressing is amazing on salad, but we also use it with crudité as a dip, we’ve used it as a topping on hotdogs and it’s so good with grilled meats!

Ingredients
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (not non-fat)
  • 1/2 ripe avocado
  • 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh herbs – parsley, dill, tarragon and/or cilantro
  • 2 tablespoon chopped chives
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 anchovy packed in oil
  • 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation

Blend everything in a food processor until smooth & creamy.

An image of a salad with prosciutto, soft boiled eggs, lettuce, cucumbers and a bowl of green goddess dressing.

I picked up all these goodies at a local farmers market and made a mixed salad with pretzels using my Green Goddess Dressing.

In addition to my Green Goddess Dressing recipe, you can find more of my favourite salads recipes here. 

Hope you enjoy this recipe! We would love to hear from you, please leave us your feedback in the comment box below.

Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy) & Elaine

Grilled (Top Rack) Lemon-Oregano Chicken

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An oval platter with four grilled lemon-oregano chicken breasts, a bowl of sauce and a village salad. Four wine glasses surround this platter.

Grilled lemon, oregano, garlic chicken served with a village salad. It is one of our all-time favourites and tonight I think it tasted better than ever because it feels like forever since we’ve made it!

Ingredients
  • 4-6 chicken breasts, skin on, bone-in
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh oregano
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1-2 lemons, cut into, 1/3 inch thick, slices
Preparation

In a mini food processor, blend together lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, then slowly add oil while the processor is running to make the sauce.

Place the breasts in a baking dish or resealable bag and add 1 tablespoon of sauce for each breast. Brush or rub the sauce to coat each piece. Place chicken in the fridge (covered) for 30-60 minutes. Reserve the rest of the sauce for serving.

Four raw chicken breasts marinating in a tray.

Starting with a clean grill; preheat all burners on medium (medium-high) heat. Adjust heat to reach approximately 400°F.

Marinating chicken breasts are ready to go on the grill.

Arrange chicken breasts, bone side down (skin up), on top rack of grill.

Four chicken breasts just placed on the top rack of the grill.

Cook, with the lid closed, changing positions of the breasts twice, until cooked through, about 40 minutes (this will vary based on size and thickness of breasts, as well as actual temperature of grill). Remove chicken from the grill, when the internal temperature reaches 160-162°F.

Transfer chicken to a plate, pour a little sauce over each breast, loosely cover with foil, rest for 5-10 minutes. Internal temperature with rise to 165°F while resting.

Grill lemon slices, until grill marks appear, about 2-3 minutes/side. Serve each breast with 1-2 lemon slices and remaining sauce.

A close up of four grilled lemon-oregano chicken breasts with a bowl of sauce.

Cook’s note: I find cooking chicken on the upper rack (of a clean grill), takes the stress of flares up away. The occasional flame will add a little char and flavour. Also, the heat from the top of the grill will brown and crisp up the skin. However, if the skin doesn’t brown in your grill, put the breasts skin side down on the lower rack for 3-4 minutes, until desired colour is attained.

Also delicious using chicken legs! Cook legs to 165°-167°F, before removing from grill.

  • Prep Time: 10 Mins
  • Cook Time: 35-45 Mins
  • Total Time: less than 1 hour
  • Serves: 4-6

Hope you enjoy my Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken recipe! We would love to hear from you, please leave us your feedback in the comment box below.

Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy) & Elaine

Cooked on my gorgeous Hestan 36″ gas grill in Pacific Fog. Proud Hestan Ambassador. Opinions in this post are my own.

Ridiculously Good Grilled Shrimp

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An image of four ridiculously good grilled shrimp on a plate with grilled lemons, parsley and an heirloom tomato salad.

Ridiculously Good Grilled Shrimp.

I love this grilled shrimp recipe any day of the week. It is a perfect weeknight meal that is super quick, full of flavour, and easy to make! It is delicious served over salad, rice, pasta, or your favourite grain. Use smaller skewers, for the ultimate appetizer!

Cook’s tip: You may want to make more than the recipe suggests because everyone will love these, and they will disappear quickly!!

Ingredients
  • 20-24 Marina Del Rey Wild Argentinian shrimp peeled and deveined (20-30 size)
  • pepper
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 metal skewers (or wood skewers soaked)
Preparation

Dry the shrimp on a paper towel, then sprinkle with freshly ground pepper. In a medium sized bowl whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, garlic, lemon zest & juice, parsley, Sriracha, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes, then add the oil in a slow stream while whisking. Add the shrimp and let marinate for 30 minutes.

An white enamel pan with black edges filled with shrimp in a marinade for ridiculously good grilled shrimp.

Preheat grill to high heat.

Thread the shrimp on the skewers (5 or 6 per skewer), set aside. Pour the excess marinade into a small saucepan and gently boil until reduced by half. Turn of the heat and add the honey, then whisk to combine. Let the sauce cool for 5 minutes, then brush both sides of the shrimp with the sauce.

Lower the heat on the grill to medium.

Place the skewers on the grill. Grill on each side for 1 ½ – 2 minutes.

Serve with your favourite summertime salad or over flavoured rice, quinoa, orzo.

** Note: I like to leave the tail on for presentation, but feel free to remove it.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Inactive time: 30 minutes
  • Cook time: 5 minutes
  • Total time: 60 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Marina Del Rey. Opinions in this post are my own.

Four skewers of grilled shrimp with parsley and grilled lemons fill half the oval platter. The other half of the platter is an heirloom tomato caprese salad.

Hope you enjoy my Ridiculously Good Grilled Shrimp recipe! I would love to hear any feedback if you tried this recipe or if you have any questions in the “comment box” below!

Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy)

Red Thai Curry Peanut Sauce and Vegetables

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A top down image of a pan and a bowl of Red Thai curry peanut sauce and vegetables. Also layed out is cilantro, crushed peanuts, chopped chives and a pot of sauce.

Red Thai curry peanut sauce and vegetables served over rice or noodles.

Having prepared jars of curry paste in the cupboard is an effective way to create flavour packed meals in mere minutes. This combination of red curry and peanuts work together to create a thick, creamy, delicious sauce that’s incredible over whatever vegetables you have on hand for a meatless meal or great with the addition of chicken, turkey, pork, shrimp or tofu.

For this recipe I used the vegetables I had on hand… the pepper that was just starting to wrinkle, some bok choy that the tips of the leaves were beginning to yellow, the last lonely carrot in the bag, plus frozen corn & peas that I always have on hand to add to curries, stews, soups, savoury pies, etc. So, before you go shopping check to see what you have on hand and toss it in… cauliflower florets, mushrooms, cabbage, spinach, whatever!

Ingredients
Sauce
  • 1 can light coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (sriracha, chili sauce, or hotter, based on your enjoyment)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or mushroom broth
Vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced rings
  • Thumb sized piece of ginger, peeled an thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 red chilies, thinly sliced rings
  • Small bell pepper, thinly sliced strips (I used yellow)
  • 1 medium sized carrot, cut into 2” matchsticks (or thin circles)
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced on the diagonal
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 6 baby bok choy, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 cup of sugar snap peas
For serving
  • Four prepared servings of your favourite rice or noodles
  • Extra crushed peanuts, chopped chives, cilantro and lime wedges for finishing
Preparation

Pour the coconut milk into a small 1.5 Qt saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle bubbling. Add the peanut butter, curry paste, hot sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and garlic. Whisk and keep on medium simmer (gentle bubbling) heat for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has slightly thickened.

An image of two pans on the range with vegetables and other ingredients ready

Add the peanuts and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add small amounts of broth at a time and whisk to combine. Simmer for 3-5 more minutes

While the sauce simmers heat a 3.5 Qt covered pan over medium heat. Add the canola & sesame oil, then add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic and chilies, cook for 2 minutes more. Add the bell pepper, carrots and celery, season with salt & pepper, cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the corn, peas, bok choy & snap peas, toss to combine, cover with lid, and cook until the bok choy is just tender (but still slightly firm), 3-5 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Combine cooked vegetables, rice or noodles, and pour over sauce.

Stir to combine. Finish with crushed peanuts, chives, cilantro and squeeze of lime.

A top down image of a pan and a bowl of Red Thai curry peanut sauce and vegetables. Also layed out is cilantro, crushed peanuts, chopped chives and a pot of sauce.

Hope you enjoy this Red Thai Curry Peanut Sauce and Vegetables recipe! We would love to hear from you, please leave us your feedback in the comment box below.

Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy)

Cooked in my Hestan Culinary ProBond 3.5 Qt Covered Sauté Pan & 1.5 Qt Saucepan on my Hestan Dual Fuel Range in Pacific Blue.

Proud Hestan & Hestan Culinary Ambassador. Opinions in this post are my own.


Grilled Ontario Beef Summer Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

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A bright and colourful grilled beef salad. Ribbons of medium rare beef are place in the middle of the tray and is surrounded by stack/piles of fresh vegetables, salad dressing and blue cheese.

Grilled Ontario Beef Summer Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Sunny summer afternoons/evenings enjoyed outdoors around the grill are a favourite with our family. A drink in hand, great conversation and a few laughs while we enjoy fresh local ingredients for dinner. This super fresh salad is a favourite for Elaine and me because we can prepare everything in advance, allowing us the opportunity to sit and relax too! The Ontario Beef striploins can be cooked ahead and served at room temperature or cooked just before mealtime and served warm. As the salad is so fresh, I remove the fat from the steaks to keep the beef lean and light as well!

Ingredients
Steaks
  • 2 Ontario Beef Striploin Steaks, fat cap removed, 4 cm thick (1 1/2”). Steaks should weigh approximately 454g (16 oz) with fat and 340g (12 oz)with fat removed.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
Steak Board Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 small garlic cloves, minced
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Vinaigrette
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Pepper
Salad
  • 1 head of Boston lettuce (living lettuce preferred), leaves separated and cleaned
  • 2 small red endive, leaves separated and cleaned
  • 1/2 a large red onion, thinly sliced and marinated*
  • 340 g (12 oz) multicoloured cherry/grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • 6 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 170 g (6 oz) sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved if large
  • 2-3 small celery stalks, sliced on a diagonal
  • 9-10 mini cucumbers, halved (or 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced)
  • 12 thin asparagus spears, cut into 3-inch pieces, blanched in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transferred to an ice bath to cool
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels (peaches & cream preferred), blanched in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transferred to an ice bath to cool
  • 115 g (4 oz) Gorgonzola (or other creamy blue cheese)
  • Maldon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Season the steaks

Mix steak spices together in a small dish. Remove steaks from fridge, season with spice blend on both sides let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Prepare board sauce

Place all ingredients on a board and using a knife, chop to blend and combine. Spread board sauce evenly across the board and set aside until steaks are done.

Make the vinaigrette

In a food processor, combine the first 7 ingredients with 1 tablespoon of water. With the machine on, drizzle in both oils until incorporated. For a thinner vinaigrette, stir in another tablespoon of water. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat the grill

Heat grill on high

Prepare the vegetables

Clean and cut vegetables

Prepare the steaks

Place steaks on the grill and cook until golden brown and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes.

Flip steaks and continue to grill 4 to 5 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp. of 135 °F), 6 to 7 minutes for medium (140°F) or 8 to 10 minutes for medium-well (150°F).

Place steaks directly on board sauce and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Slice meat thinly across the grain, turning each slice in the board dressing to coat, then serve.

Medium rare slices of Ontario beef on a wood (bark still on the edges) board. The beef is resting in a board sauce and will be added to this grilled beef salad.
Assemble the salad

On a large platter, lay out the lettuce, then add piles of the other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a bowl or jar of the vinaigrette.

Total: 40 mins
Serves: 4-6

Want to learn more about the different cuts of beef that could also be used in fresh summer meals, check out the Ontario Beef website: https://www.ontbeef.ca/buying-beef/cuts-of-beef/

Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Ontario Beef. Opinions in this post are my own.

A bright and colourful grilled beef salad. Ribbons of medium rare beef are place in the middle of the tray and is surrounded by stack/piles of fresh vegetables, salad dressing and blue cheese. My arm is reaching in and I'm wearing a grey top with the Ontario Beef logo on the arm.

Hope you enjoy this recipe! We would love to hear from you, please leave us your feedback in the comment box below.

In addition to this Grilled Ontario Beef Summer Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette recipe, you can find more of my favourite Ontario Beef recipes here.

Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy) & Elaine

The Ultimate Roast Beef Sandwich

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Roast beef Sichuan sandwich with red peppers, arugula, onions, sautéed mushrooms, horseradish sauce with a side of chips.

The Ultimate Roast Beef Sandwich – Reverse seared & Sichuan marinated!

An overnight marinade, combined with low and slow cooking will turn any roast into rave worthy meal. Although suggested cooking time is a helpful guide, a high-quality digital or instant-read thermometer is the best way to monitor for doneness. Every roast is a slightly different weight and thickness and as such will require a different cooking time. I reverse seared this roast on the grill, but it could easily be done in the oven as well.

This roast is delicious served as a traditional dinner with roast potatoes & vegetables, but even better assembled into these mouth-watering sandwiches!

Roast beef dinner platter with carrots, potatoes, brocolini, roasted red pepers and sandwich fixings.
Marinade Ingredients
  • 3.5 lbs Ontario Beef Top Sirloin Roast (Sirloin Tip, Inside or Outside Round work too)
  • ⅔ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • 6 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3-4 cloves local garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
  • ½ tsp five-spice powder
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
Raw ingredients used for a Sichuan marinade for a beef top sirloin roast.
Sandwich Ingredients
  • Fresh Ciabatta buns or Ciabatta loaf cut into 4-5” portions.
  • Fire-roasted red pepper (store bought in a jar)
  • Marinated red onions (recipe link here)
  • Sautéed sliced cremini mushrooms (sautéed in butter, seasoned with thyme)
  • Horseradish cream sauce (recipe below)
  • Baby arugula
  • Quality blue cheese (optional but recommended)
Preparation

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, green onions, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns and five-spice powder in a resealable storage bag or bowl.

Place roast in the bag or bowl, turning to coat. Seal bag or cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or for up to 24 hours, turning occasionally if it’s in a bowl.

An image of a beef roast in a sealed bag marinating with a Sichuan marinade.

Preheat the grill to 225°F with a portion of the grill off for indirect cooking.

Remove roast from marinade, reserving marinade. Wipe excess marinade off roast and season all over with salt & pepper.

If use a digital thermometer probe, insert through one end directly in the middle of the roast. Place the roast on the top rack over the portion of the grill that is not on. Place a drip pan on grill under roast. Close lid and cook for 30 minutes.

A (raw) beef roast on the top rack over the portion of the grill that is not on. A drip pan placed under the roast.

Baste with some of the reserved marinade. Close lid and cook for 30 minutes more. Baste again and check temperature (should be approaching 80°F). Close the lid and cook for another 20-30 minutes. Baste again and check temperature.

A finished beef roast on the top rack over the portion of the grill that is not on. A drip pan placed under the roast.

For rare beef (like the one pictured here), remove roast at 100°F (for med-rare, remove roast at 110°F) and transfer to a plate or pan and cover with foil.

An image of grilled roast with a temperature probe reading 101 °F

Heat entire grill on high until temperature reaches about 500°F.
Return beef to hot grill and sear on each side with the lid closed for 2.5-3 minutes per side (assuming 4 ‘sides’). Temperature should be around 108°-110°F (118°-120°F for med-rare).

Remove roast from grill, wrap completely in foil and let rest 10-15 minutes. Finished internal temperature should be 120°-125°F (130°-135°F med-rare)

A rested image of grilled roast with a temperature probe reading 121 °F and ready to carve.

Transfer roast to a cutting board, cut off strings and slice roast thinly across the grain.

Once beef is sliced, toast ciabatta, then layer with a healthy dollop of horseradish cream sauce, a slice of roasted red pepper, a handful of arugula, mushrooms, onions, beef and blue cheese (if using), finish with a little salt and enjoy!

Roast can be made ahead and used later for sandwiches. If making ahead, let whole roast cool, wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Serve sliced at room temperature.

Four open faced roast beef Sichuan sandwiches with red peppers, arugula, onions, sautéed mushrooms, horseradish sauce with a side of chips.
Horseradish Cream Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh hot horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar (champagne or white wine vinegar)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Horseradish Cream Sauce Preparation:

Place all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to combine.

Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

In addition to this The Ultimate Roast Beef Sandwich recipe, you can find more of my favourite beef recipes here.  

In partnership with Ontario Beef. Opinions in this post are my own.

Easy Basil Pesto Pasta

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Top down view of a skillet of pasta surrounded with a bowl of pasta, pesto, cheese and a grater

At the beginning of March, we picked up a container of 3 fresh basil plants, and I am so glad we did! Almost 2 months later, it is still providing us it’s fragrant, flavourful leaves to finish sauces, flavour marinades, top pizzas or make a delicious and easy basil pesto pasta! 

Top down view of a bowl of green pesto and three basil plants.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (stems removed)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
  • 8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • salt & freshly ground black pepper
Preparation

Put the basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan and oil in a food processor, and blitz until smooth. Season to taste, with salt & pepper.

Add the pesto to your favourite pasta and enjoy!

Hope you enjoy this Easy Basil Pesto Pasta recipe! I would love to hear your feedback in the “comments” below!

Here are a few other recipes where I used an easy basil pesto recipe:

Cedar Plank Shrimp with Lemon-Lime Pesto
Stuffed Ontario Pork Tenderloin in Tomato Sauce