The Savory Side of Vanilla: It's Not Just for Baking!

When you think of vanilla, chances are your mind immediately goes to sweet treats like cakes, cookies, and ice cream. However, vanilla is far more versatile than just a baking staple. This complex and aromatic ingredient can elevate savory dishes by adding depth, balance, and an unexpected touch of warmth. From meats to vegetables, sauces, and marinades, vanilla has a place in a wide range of culinary creations – here are some creative ways to incorporate vanilla into savory dishes and unlock its full potential in your kitchen.

Marinades

Vanilla’s sweet and aromatic notes can enhance the flavors of proteins, making it an excellent ingredient for marinades. It goes well with pork, chicken, and seafood, depending on the flavors you want.

• • Vanilla and Citrus Marinade: Combine fresh orange juice, lemon zest, a splash of vanilla extract, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a bright and flavorful chicken marinade.
  • Vanilla and Soy Sauce Glaze: Mix soy sauce, vanilla extract, honey, and ginger for a rich glaze that enhances the umami of this fish.
  • Vanilla and Balsamic: Use vanilla bean paste mixed with balsamic vinegar, mustard, and rosemary for a flavorful pork marinade.

Beyond marinades, vanilla can be used to create flavorful reductions and pan sauces that complement meats. Deglazing a pan with vanilla-infused stock or wine can add a subtle, layered sweetness that enhances roasted or seared meats.

Sauces and Dressings

Vanilla can add a touch of warmth and complexity to sauces and dressings, creating an unexpected yet delicious contrast.

This can look like:

• • Vanilla Vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, vanilla extract, Dijon mustard, and honey to create a smooth, slightly sweet dressing for salads with nuts, cheeses, or fruit.
  • Vanilla Butter Sauce for Seafood: Melt butter with a bit of vanilla and lemon juice to create a sauce for shrimp or scallops.
  • Savory Vanilla Cream Sauce: Infuse a light cream sauce with vanilla bean for a luxurious topping for roasted vegetables or poultry.

Vegetable Sides

Vegetables might not be the first place you think to use vanilla, but its subtle sweetness can highlight natural flavors and bring a dish together.

Favorites include:

• • Roasted Carrots with Vanilla and Honey: Toss carrots with olive oil, honey, and a drop of vanilla extract before roasting for a beautiful caramelization.
  • Butternut Squash Soup with Vanilla: Add vanilla bean seeds to your butternut squash soup for a hint of floral sweetness that balances the natural earthiness.
  • Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Vanilla Butter: Finish crispy Brussels sprouts with a touch of vanilla-infused butter to add depth and a mild sweetness.

Spiced Dishes

Vanilla plays well with warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and chili, making it a surprising yet welcome addition to spiced savory dishes.

Try:

• • Spiced Vanilla Black Beans: Simmer black beans with cumin, smoked paprika, and vanilla extract for a smoky-sweet depth of flavor.
  • Vanilla and Curry Chicken: Stir vanilla extract into a coconut curry sauce to balance the heat and richness.
  • Chili with a Hint of Vanilla: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your homemade chili to enhance the complexity of the dish.

Rice and Grains

Rice, quinoa, and other grains benefit from the subtle addition of vanilla, which enhances their natural nuttiness and complements a variety of ingredients.

For a great side dish, our favorites include:

• • Vanilla Saffron Rice: Cook basmati rice with saffron, vanilla bean seeds, and a touch of butter for a fragrant and flavorful side dish.
  • Quinoa with Vanilla and Roasted Nuts: Mix cooked quinoa with a drizzle of vanilla extract, roasted almonds, and dried cranberries for a unique grain salad.
  • Savory Vanilla Risotto: Use vanilla in a parmesan risotto for a creamy, indulgent twist.

Vanilla can also be used in pilafs or couscous dishes, where it pairs well with dried fruits, nuts, and herbs.

Meat Rubs or Seasonings

Vanilla can add complexity to spice rubs for grilled and roasted meats, making it a key ingredient in unexpected seasoning blends. Depending on your meat, you can try different versions of a rub.

• • Vanilla and Pepper Steak Rub: Combine vanilla bean powder, cracked black pepper, sea salt, and smoked paprika for a bold, flavorful rub for steak.
  • Vanilla Bean Dry Rub for Pork Ribs: Mix vanilla bean powder with brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili flakes for a sweet and spicy rib rub.
  • Savory Vanilla and Herb Roast Chicken: Blend vanilla bean seeds with thyme, sage, and garlic to create a unique seasoning for roast chicken.

For an extra depth of flavor, try using vanilla bean powder in barbecue rubs or as part of a glaze for roasted duck or turkey.

Drinks and Cocktails

Savory drinks and cocktails can also benefit from a hint of vanilla, creating balanced and refined flavors.

• • Vanilla and Cucumber Gin Cocktail: Infuse gin with vanilla bean and mix with muddled cucumber and tonic for a refreshing cocktail.
  • Savory Vanilla Bloody Mary: Add a drop of vanilla extract to a classic Bloody Mary to bring out the tomato’s natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla-Infused Bone Broth: Stir vanilla bean seeds into homemade bone broth for a warm, soothing drink with extra depth.

Vanilla can also be used in savory shrubs and vinegar-based infusions that work well in non-alcoholic drinks, offering a creative twist to classic beverages.

Elevate Your Cooking with High-Quality Vanilla

Vanilla is more than just an ingredient for baking—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing savory dishes in ways you may not have imagined. Whether you’re creating marinades, sauces, or spice rubs, high-quality vanilla can take your cooking to the next level.

At Vanilla Bean Kings, we offer premium vanilla beans, extracts, and powders to help you explore the full potential of this incredible ingredient. Visit our shop today and find the perfect vanilla product for your next savory culinary creation!