Kombucha has become very popular in recent years mainly due to its large doses of antioxidants, probiotics, and amino acids. While there are lots of ways to consume kombucha, many people don’t know how to include it in their cooking. Most kombucha makers have experimented with using it in different ways to enjoy the different flavors it adds or brings out in different dishes. Below, we will look at a few ways you can use it while cooking.
1. For Dressings and Condiments
Once you make salad dressing, you can add vinegar to it for an extra kick. Vinegar is also a key ingredient in homemade condiments such as mustard and ketchup. What you might not know is that you can use kombucha in place of vinegar for all three.
To ensure the best results, it would be best to use well-fermented kombucha. This is so that it has a strong, vinegar-like flavor. It is also best to use unpasteurized kombucha for these recipes. This is because it reportedly tastes better and there are additional benefits of unpasteurized kombucha that are diminished if it is pasteurized.
2. Marinating Meat
Kombucha which has been brewed for a long time has a relatively high acidity content. Because of this, it is perfect for marinating meat. You can use it to marinate any meat including fish, shrimp, lamb, beef, chicken, or pork. The kombucha already has its own unique flavor, and it adds this to the meat it is used to marinate.
Do note that each meat is different so the process of marinating each using kombucha is different. When used for beef, it is typically used as brine especially if it has reached the vinegar stage.
3. As an Acidic Ingredient in Cocktails
Many cocktails require at least one acidic ingredient. This is typically lemon or lime juice, but many people have found that kombucha can be used as an alternative. It is used as a sour or sweet mix depending on its stage of fermentation. Some people also use it as a healthy substitute for soda due to its very low-calorie content.
To make it sweeter, some people ferment it a second time mixed with fruit juice. Apart from being sweeter, kombucha that is twice fermented is also a lot more carbonated.
4. Deglazing Pans
Cooks have been using kombucha to deglaze pans for a long time, and you can too. Kombucha works best for this after you have cooked meat, and all you have to do is add a little kombucha and place the pan on medium heat. You can then collect the resulting sauce and use it in a meal.
5. To Create Creamy Cheddar Cheese Soup
Cheddar cheese soup is very easy to make, and it is delicious too. It includes several ingredients, including cheese, vegetables, pepper, flour, and milk. While you can make it like this, some people add kombucha to the recipe to give it the same tangy flavor you would get if you added vinegar to it.
Cheddar cheese soup made this way can be used on bread as a dip or with other foods such as chips.
Finally, if you feel like making your own Kombucha – watch this excellent video to learn how:
Conclusion
Kombucha is a very versatile drink with a lot of health benefits. It has been used extensively in cooking, and you can also find creative ways to use it in the kitchen yourself.
Want to read more of our latest posts? check out these tips on how to create a sustainable kitchen.
