Learn about the benefits of turmeric, turmeric uses and how to incorporate this beautiful yellow-orange spice into a variety of dishes.
Turmeric is a radiant golden spice that’s a common ingredient in spice blends from the Caribbean, Indonesia, India, North Africa and the Middle East. Originating from India and Southeast Asia, pure turmeric is a member of the ginger family and is used to add flavor and color to a variety of dishes. Ground turmeric, the common form sold in grocery stores and spice markets, is derived from the dried turmeric root which is then ground into a fine powder.
Turmeric is a vibrant yellow-orange spice that can add warmth, rich color, and intriguing flavor to chicken dishes. But what exactly does turmeric taste like on chicken? Here’s a complete guide to understanding turmeric’s flavor profile and how to cook with it for delicious chicken recipes.
An Overview of Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice made from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is part of the ginger family It originated in Southeast Asia and India, where it has been used in cooking for thousands of years.
Ground turmeric powder has an earthy, slightly bitter taste with notes of ginger and pepper The flavor is often described as warm, woody, and faintly citrusy
People have also liked turmeric for its bright orange color, which it gives food. In fact, turmeric is sometimes called “Indian saffron” because it can add color like more expensive saffron.
Beyond cooking, turmeric has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The main active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some preliminary research suggests turmeric may offer health benefits related to reducing inflammation, arthritis pain, and risk of heart disease.
How Turmeric Tastes in Chicken Dishes
When added to chicken, turmeric brings its signature earthiness and subtle citrus flavors. It adds warmth and dimension without overwhelming the dish.
Here are some tips on how turmeric impacts chicken flavor:
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Background information: Turmeric is often said to work in the background of dishes. So when you cook chicken, the flavors will be slightly earthy, gingery, and peppery.
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Color: The vibrant golden-orange hue of turmeric can make chicken look even more visually appealing.
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Warming effect: Turmeric adds a subtle heat that creates a warming effect in chicken dishes. This pairs nicely with chicken’s mild flavor.
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The mild citrus taste of turmeric brings out the best in the other flavors, making them pop like a citrus fruit. A squeeze of lemon at the end can emphasize this.
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Bitterness: Turmeric has a slightly bitter, medicinal taste. Using just the right amount prevents unpleasant bitterness in chicken recipes.
How Much Turmeric to Use with Chicken
When using turmeric with chicken, moderation is key. Too much turmeric can make the dish taste unpleasantly bitter. Here are some tips:
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For 4 servings of chicken, use around 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric powder.
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Start with 1/4-1/2 teaspoon turmeric per pound of chicken.
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Mix the turmeric in a marinade or rub that coats the chicken. This helps distribute the flavor.
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Sauteeing chicken in oil allows the turmeric flavor to bloom before liquid is added.
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Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to balance turmeric’s bitterness.
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Add turmeric early in cooking so the flavor can mellow and integrate.
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Black pepper helps counteract turmeric’s medicinal taste. Add a few grinds along with the turmeric.
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If a recipe calls for fresh turmeric root, use about 1 tablespoon grated for every 1 teaspoon powder.
By using a moderate amount of turmeric and combining it with complementary ingredients, you can bring out its best qualities in chicken dishes.
Complementary Spices and Ingredients
Certain spices and ingredients pair especially well with turmeric and chicken. Some top combinations include:
Cumin: Cumin adds an earthy, nutty dimension that complements turmeric’s woody notes.
Coriander: Fresh lemony coriander brightens up turmeric chicken recipes.
Ginger: The ginger family flavor connects turmeric and chicken.
Garlic: Pungent garlic balances out the slight bitterness of turmeric.
Onion: Onions add sweetness and moisture to turmeric chicken.
Pepper: Black pepper offsets turmeric’s medicinal qualities.
Lemon: A squirt of lemon at the end makes turmeric chicken pop with freshness.
Yogurt: Yogurt-based turmeric chicken marinades tenderize the meat.
Olive oil: Sauteeing chicken in olive oil allows turmeric’s flavors to fully develop.
Paprika: Sweet paprika aligns with turmeric’s earthiness and bright color.
Chili powder: A pinch of chili powder balances turmeric’s peppery hints.
Tips for Cooking with Turmeric
To get the most out of turmeric’s flavor, color, and health benefits, follow these tips when cooking with chicken:
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Purchase high-quality turmeric powder for optimal freshness and flavor.
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Store turmeric in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.
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Rub turmeric directly on chicken or mix it into a marinade to evenly coat and penetrate the meat.
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Allow raw chicken coated in turmeric to marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavor infusion.
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Saute chicken over medium-high heat to fully release turmeric’s essential oils for the most flavor.
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Add a few grinds of black pepper to turmeric chicken recipes to enhance absorption of curcumin.
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Finish turmeric chicken dishes with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
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Add turmeric early in cooking rather than at the end for mellower flavor.
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Roast turmeric chicken in the oven for a crispier exterior and concentrated flavors.
With the right techniques, turmeric can transform the visual appeal of chicken while adding intrigue, warmth and wellness benefits to boot.
Delicious Turmeric Chicken Recipes to Try
Here are some tasty ways to cook chicken with the magic of turmeric:
Turmeric Chicken Noodle Soup: Simmer chicken and turmeric together in broth with noodles and vegetables for a comforting soup.
Turmeric Coconut Curry Chicken: Make it a curry night with coconut milk and warm spices like cumin and coriander.
Turmeric Chicken Salad: Toss turmeric-marinated grilled chicken with mixed greens, vegetables, and a lemony dressing.
Skillet Turmeric Chicken: Cook chicken cutlets quickly in a skillet with garlic, onions, and turmeric.
Baked Turmeric Chicken: Roast chicken pieces coated in a yogurt-turmeric marinade for succulent meat.
Crispy Turmeric Chicken Thighs: Dredge chicken thighs in flour and turmeric before pan-frying for a crispy coating.
Turmeric Chicken Kebabs: Skewer chicken seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and red pepper flakes, then grill.
So go beyond the basic with turmeric! With its alluring color and flavor, turmeric can give your chicken dishes a vibrant, health-boosting makeover.
WHAT DOES TURMERIC TASTE LIKE?
Turmeric boasts an earthy essence with a touch of sweetness, accompanied by notes of ginger and pepper. Some people liken the taste of turmeric to that of mustard.
WHAT SPICE GO WITH TURMERIC?
Add some more flavor to your meals with additional herbs and spices that pair well with turmeric, including:
- Cumin: Our pure cumin makes it easy to give your favorite foods deep, earthy, citrusy flavors. There are a lot of people who buy cumin in the U.S. S. There are records of this spice being used in Egypt 4,000 years ago. McCormick Cumin is hand-harvested, sun-dried, and carefully screened to make sure you only get the purest flavor. Everyday soups, stews, meats, and vegetables will taste warmer and look more earthy with this spice added to them.
- Cinnamon: Our pure cinnamon gives everything from morning toast to cookies a warm, sweet smell. It also has a savory side with earthy, mahogany-colored tastes. McCormick Cinnamon starts with bark that is peeled off of the roots of Indonesian cinnamon trees. We are the only company to have facilities there. We can clean, dry, and sort them right there, instead of having to wait to be brought to the US.
- Ginger: One of the interesting spices that can stand between savory and sweet is ginger. People who grow ginger on one- to two-acre plots of land off the Malabar Coast of India grow the best ginger. Ginger has been used in some strange ways, like keeping the plague away during the reign of Henry VIII. Back in the 1800s, ginger was often sprinkled on top of ale or beer and then mixed in with a hot poker. Ginger is now an important part of many types of sweet and savory dishes.
- When you think of paprika, you can picture it as the milder, sweeter cousin of chili peppers. With fruity notes and a toasty red color, it brings your favorite dishes to life without ever taking over. McCormick gets its whole paprika pepper pods from farmers who live in dry, warm places. Nothing but the purest paprika is grown and packed by McCormick. Paprika is a New World spice, which means it didn’t become popular in Europe until the 1600s. Bulgarians and Turks brought it there. Pure paprika from our company is often used to decorate deviled eggs, but it can also be used for many other things. It can be added to sauces, soups, rubs, marinades, and more.
- Coriander has a very light, lemony taste that makes curries and couscous from India and the Middle East sing. Coriander makes roasted meats taste more flavorful and juicy, and it gives baked goods a unique spicy twist.
Why Turmeric Is Actually Pointless
FAQ
Does turmeric taste good on chicken?
Is Turmeric good on chicken? Yes! I honestly believe that this spice is absolutely delicious in this turmeric chicken recipe. It’s a great way to add variety to your regular dinner menu.
What flavor does turmeric taste like?
Turmeric has an earthy flavor with a peppery taste. It also has subtle citrusy undertones, which add a layer of complexity to dishes.
Does turmeric taste good on meat?
Add this spice for a warm flavor and earthy color to everyday soups, stews, meats and vegetables.
Does turmeric change the taste of your food?
Brown says that the earthy taste of turmeric is nice on its own, and that it gives Thai or other Asian dishes more flavor and a nice color.