Everything to Know About How to Cook With Rosemary

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Learn to prepare fresh rosemary and include it in any delicious dish
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Rosemary is a popular Mediterranean that can be paired with rich meats like lamb, acidic flavors like sour lemon, and even sweet dishes like sorbets and biscuits. To incorporate this warm, flavorful, and tasty herb into your cooking, follow these step-by-step instructions on how to prepare a fresh rosemary sprig for cooking, as well as how to introduce it into a variety of delicious culinary delights! Plus, we’ve included some expert insights from private chef and food educator Ollie George Cigliano to give you the best food pairings and cooking tips for rosemary.

How to Cook with Rosemary

Use finely chopped rosemary to season soups, roasted potatoes, salads, casseroles and other dishes. Rosemary pairs well with "poultry, lamb, chicken, eggs, fish, and pork,” says private chef Ollie George Cigliano, so add a rosemary sprig as a garnish for these dishes or include the herb in their dry rub or marinade.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Chop Fresh Rosemary for Cooking

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  1. Place the rosemary bunch in a colander and pour running water over it. You can also rub the sprigs with your hands under the water to help loosen any dirt or leftover debris from the garden. Transfer the washed rosemary to a tea towel and gently pat it dry.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use Rosemary in Cooking
    Use a pair of sharp scissors or a knife to cut single sprigs of rosemary from the bunch. Remove the sprigs at the bottom where they grow out from the larger bunch. You can also trim off and discard any large pieces of stem that have no needles.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Use Rosemary in Cooking
    Pinch the tip of the rosemary sprig and use your other hand to wrap your fingers around the stem just below the tip. Apply gentle pressure and slide your fingers down the stem to strip off the needles. Transfer the needles to a cutting board and discard the stems. [2]
    • Instead of discarding the stems, you can also hang them up to dry and store them to use as a skewer for any vegetables or meats that you plan on barbecuing.
    • When you want to introduce rosemary directly into your recipes, it’s best to use the individual needles rather than the full sprig.
    • However, you may want to leave some sprigs intact—full sprigs of rosemary are great for finishing, garnishing, and adding flavor to certain dishes.
    • You can either add the sprigs after cooking to finish a dish or cook roasts, soups, and other meals with full sprigs of rosemary and remove the sprig before serving.
  4. Gather the needles into a small pile on top of your cutting board. Place a sharp chef’s knife in position above the pile, with the tip down and the handle slightly lifted. Place your hand that’s not holding the knife onto the spine of the blade. Rock the knife back and forth over the rosemary in a slicing motion. [3]
    • Continue to perform this motion, gathering the pile back together as needed. Keep chopping the herb until your desired texture is reached.
    • In general, most recipes call for finely-chopped rosemary as it can have a spiky texture when left in large pieces.
    • If you’re not using the rosemary right away, you can store fresh rosemary in a resealable bag for up to two weeks in the fridge.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use Fresh Rosemary for Cooking and Baking

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  1. Fresh, chopped rosemary is a popular herb to add flavor and spice to savory baked goods and bread products. Cigliano notes that you will have the best results with rosemary if you "add [it] early in [the] cooking process" before your dough begins baking. [4] Here are some food pairing ideas to get started: [5]
    • Make fresh bread or focaccia with rosemary.
    • Make homemade crackers with rosemary.
    • Make scones with rosemary and other Italian herbs.
    • Make fresh pasta or gnocchi with rosemary mixed into the dough.
    Discover rosemary's versatile culinary uses. "I've had a potted rosemary plant for a year but wasn't sure how to cook with it. This article opened my eyes to the herb's diverse applications. Beyond fancying up roast meats or veggies, I can incorporate rosemary into so many things — like bread, desserts, compound butter and salts, infused oils, and even teas! With this guidance, that sad, neglected herb will finally shine." - Clare T.
    Finally dice rosemary needles for better cooking texture. "I can't watch videos at work, so I appreciate the step-by-step photos here demonstrating how to wash and chop fresh rosemary properly. Now, I know how to trim individual sprigs and finely dice the rosemary needles for better texture when cooking. The visuals make prepping this herb easy!" - Mayra F.
    Chop rosemary finely for a better mouthfeel. "I used to dislike the woody, twiggy mouthfeel of rosemary when eating. But this article notes the importance of very finely dicing the needles to make rosemary more palatable. When I chop it extra small, the flavor comes through beautifully without any unpleasant texture. Super helpful guidance!" - Brooke W.
    Let rosemary scent permeate your home. "My massive, mature rosemary bush just outside my kitchen window makes my house smell heavenly year-round. On sunny days, the wind catches the herb's sun-warmed scent through open windows. And when it rains, the clean petrichor notes mingle with rosemary's piney spice. Now, with this article's tips on using rosemary butter, salt, lemonade, and more — that aroma will make it to my table, too!" - Paula B.
    Did you know that wikiHow has collected over 365,000 reader stories since it started in 2005? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story here .
  2. To make an all-purpose rub for any grilled, sautéed, stir-fried, roasted, or broiled protein, combine 3 tablespoons (9 g) chopped fresh rosemary with 1 tablespoon (3 g) dried rosemary, 8 diced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon (19 g) salt, and 1 tablespoon (7 g) ground black pepper. Coat your meat or fish with the mixture and cook or grill it as usual. [6]
    • Alternatively, try stuffing meat with whole sprigs of rosemary, roasting proteins garnished with sprigs, or mixing in diced rosemary to add flavor to any dish.
    • Cigliano recommends rosemary as a particularly excellent pairing with "poultry, lamb, chicken, eggs, fish, and pork." [7]
  3. Cheese and rosemary go together like peas in a pod, and there are many ways that you can spice up cheese-based meals with this herb. Add rosemary to a variety of dishes by sprinkling the finished meal with 1 to 3 teaspoons (1 to 3 g) of the freshly diced herb. Finish off any of these dishes with a sprinkle of rosemary:
  4. Roasted vegetables are another excellent way to use whole sprigs of rosemary to flavor a dish. In a roasting pan, toss together chopped potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and your other favorite vegetables with a drizzle of oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and one or two sprigs of fresh rosemary. Roast the vegetables for 35 to 40 minutes in a 400 F (204 C) oven until tender and golden. [9]
    • Other good roasting vegetables include sweet potatoes, celery root, zucchini, peppers, asparagus, and eggplant.
    • Cigliano lists the following fruits and vegetables as complimentary with rosemary: "roasted potatoes, roasted root vegetables, summer and winter squashes, apricots, beans, bell peppers, cabbage, [...] eggplant, [...] lentils, peas, [and] tomatoes." [10]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Use Rosemary in Cooking
    One of the most common food and herb pairings is potatoes and rosemary. You can add rosemary to any potato dish, including roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even scalloped potatoes. Follow these simple steps to make rosemary fries or wedges: [11]
    • Wash and scrub three russet potatoes.
    • Cut the potatoes into wedges or fries.
    • Season the potatoes with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of oil and a dash of salt and pepper.
    • Bake the wedges in a 475 F (246 C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping twice during the cooking time.
    • Season with diced rosemary, minced garlic, and additional salt and pepper.
  6. To infuse oil with rosemary aromatics , combine ½ (118 ml) of olive oil in a saucepan with three whole sprigs of fresh rosemary. Heat the oil over low heat for about five minutes until it reaches 180 F (82 C). Remove the oil from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled oil and rosemary to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. [12]
    • You can use rosemary oil in place of regular oil for cooking, frying, and making salad dressings.
  7. Herbed butters are a delightful way to enjoy fresh herbs and add a touch of flavor to any basic dish. Make your rosemary butter by cooking 1 ⁄ 2 cup (4oz) unsalted butter in a saucepan until melted. Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 mL) lemon juice, 2 teaspoons (2g) of fresh chopped rosemary, and a sprinkle of salt. [13]
    • Pour the butter over a dish while warm to use it as a sauce, or transfer it to an airtight container and let it harden in the fridge for future use.
    • Some of the best food uses for rosemary butter include spreading it on toast or roasted potatoes, pouring it over grilled proteins, and melting it in with hot rice, pasta, or veggies.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Use Rosemary in Cooking
    Rosemary salt is great for adding extra flavor to any dish. To make the rosemary salt, combine ¼ cup (75 g) of coarse salt and 1 teaspoon (1 g) of dried rosemary in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until the salt and rosemary are fully combined. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and let it rest for a day before use. [14]
    • Use the rosemary salt in place of regular salt to season any foods, such as soups, stews, salads, meats, vegetables, popcorn, and more.
    • For best results, use the salt within a year.
    • You can also add lemon, lime, or orange zest to the salt for an extra pop of citrusy flavor.
  9. Sorbet is a frozen dessert made from fruit juice and sugar, and when you make your own homemade sorbet, you can use any juice you like and add any extra flavors you want. Lemon sorbet is an ideal base to add rosemary to because lemon and rosemary are often paired together in other dishes. [15]
    • Start making a simple lemon rosemary sorbet by preparing your ice cream machine according to its instruction manual.
    • Then, heat 1.5 cups (350 mL) water, 1 teaspoon (1 g) of diced rosemary, and 1 cup sugar (200g) in a saucepan. [16]
    • Transfer the rosemary simple syrup you just made into a heatproof container and place it in the fridge until cold.
    • Add the simple syrup to the ice cream maker with 1 cup (240 mL) lemon juice and 1 tablespoon (6g) lemon zest.
    • Churn for 15 minutes or until slushy, then transfer it to a container and let it freeze for at least an hour.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Use Rosemary in Cooking
    Because lemon and rosemary go so well together, it may come as no surprise that you can even add rosemary to your lemonade or favorite lemon cocktails. [17] After making your lemonade , add two to three sprigs of fresh rosemary to the pitcher and let the rosemary infuse into the lemonade for a few hours before serving.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Use Rosemary in Cooking
    Rosemary tea is a warming and delicious tea that you can make with just two simple ingredients: water and rosemary. Boil some water in a kettle or saucepan on the stove. Place a sprig of fresh rosemary into a teapot and fill the pot with the boiling water. Let the tea steep for three to five minutes. [18]
    • You can also add a wedge of lemon to the tea as well.
    • If you prefer iced tea, transfer room-temperature rosemary tea to an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator to drink cold. Remove the rosemary before storing and drink the tea within a few days of brewing.
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Section 3 of 4:

How do you substitute dried rosemary for fresh rosemary?

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  1. Follow a 1:3 ratio whenever you’re substituting dried rosemary (or any herb) for fresh rosemary. For example, if a recipe includes 3 teaspoons of fresh rosemary, use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. [19]
    • Dried rosemary has a deeper, spicier, and stronger flavor than fresh rosemary. For that reason, you don’t need to use as much dry rosemary as you would fresh.
Section 4 of 4:

What does rosemary taste like?

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  1. The dominant flavor is often described as “woodsy” or “piney,” but rosemary also has subtle notes of lemon, mint, pepper, sage, and lavender. [20] The herb has quite a strong and astringent taste, so it’s best to start off with small amounts when you’re cooking—you can always add more!
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What foods taste good with rosemary?
    Ollie George Cigliano
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University.
    Ollie George Cigliano
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Expert Answer
    There are lots of options here! Poultry, lamb, roasted potatoes, roasted root vegetables, summer and winter squashes, apricots, beans, bell peppers, cabbage, chicken, eggs, eggplant, fish, lentils, peas, pork, soups, stews, tomatoes and many more!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7
  • Question
    How do you use fresh rosemary?
    Ollie George Cigliano
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University.
    Ollie George Cigliano
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Expert Answer
    You can technically add it during any stage of cooking, but I recommend adding it early in the cooking process.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How long will dried rosemary stay good?
    Community Answer
    I once had a small rosemary bush that didn't survive the winter in Dallas. I harvested all the rosemary leaves from it and I'm still using them 16 years later. That said, if you dry them completely, store them in Tupperware and keep them in a dark cabinet as I have, they obviously keep for a very long time and they will still have immense flavor.
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      References

      1. ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 30 August 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.365daysofbakingandmore.com/remove-fresh-herbs-stems/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/RjFIcs7OAmI?t=63
      4. ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 30 August 2021.
      5. ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/20-ways-to-use-rosemary/
      6. ↑ http://allrecipes.com/recipe/25455/rosemary-garlic-rub/
      7. ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 30 August 2021.
      8. ↑ https://food52.com/blog/6757-the-7-best-ways-to-cook-with-fresh-rosemary
      9. ↑ http://thefirstmess.com/2013/02/13/lemon-rosemary-vegetable-stack-with-lentils-creamy-horseradish-vinaigrette/
      1. ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.
      2. ↑ https://minimalistbaker.com/crispy-baked-rosemary-garlic-fries/
      3. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/rosemary-infused-oil-113013
      4. ↑ http://www.finecooking.com/recipe/garlic-rosemary-butter
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-flavored-salts-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-174397
      6. ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/20-ways-to-use-rosemary/
      7. ↑ https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/lemon-sorbet-recipe/
      8. ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/20-ways-to-use-rosemary/
      9. ↑ https://www.bcliving.ca/how-to-brew-rosemary-tea-with-fresh-or-dried-rosemary
      10. ↑ https://cucina-antica.com/blogs/blog/37132037-dry-herbs-vs-fresh-herbs-advice-from-chef-neil
      11. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-cook-with-rosemary-plus-15-rosemary-recipes
      12. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/rosemary

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before using rosemary in cooking, rinse it and trim off individual sprigs. If you want to use the rosemary for a garnish or flavoring, keep the sprigs intact. However, if you plan to use the rosemary in your recipes, then pinch the tip of the sprig with 1 hand and slide your other hand down the stem to strip off individual needles. Dice the needles until they’re fine and sprinkle them on breads, baked goods, fish and meats. For tips on how to make rosemary tea, keep reading!

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