Fresh Strawberries Go Beyond Sweet to Hit a Savory Note
by RYAN MILEJCZAK
Plump, juicy strawberries are an amazing snack on their own. They’re also commonly included in a variety of sweet recipes, from the classic strawberry shortcake to strawberry jam and many more. But strawberries are more versatile than you think; they can also play a starring role in a variety of savory recipes as well.
The touch of tangy sweetness provided by a strawberry goes amazingly with meats like pork and chicken. It’s also an amazing addition to fruit salsas, adding a touch of sweetness to help counteract the heat of the peppers. And of course, strawberries are a classic ingredient in balsamic dressings.
Here are a couple of our favorite savory strawberry recipes that will wow anybody who tries them.
Strawberry BBQ Pulled Pork
Adapted from The Stay at Home Chef
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled
- 1 7 oz can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp worcestershire
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 3-4 lbs boneless pork butt roast
Instructions
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium. Add in the onion and saute for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 60 seconds. Add in all remaining ingredients except the pork, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Let cook for a few minutes, then transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
Next, take your pork butt and place it into a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the pork, ensuring it is completely covered, and cook on low for 8 hours. Enjoy hot.
Strawberry Habanero Salsa
Adapted from Jessica in the Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- ¼ large red onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 key limes
- 3 tablespoons cilantro
- 3 habanero peppers, seeded and diced (for less heat, sub with jalapeño peppers)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss until well combined. Let sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld, then enjoy with chips.
Strawberry Mint Chicken
Adapted from Taste of Home
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup white wine
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup strawberries, coarsely chopped
- 2 tsp fresh mint, minced
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine water, cornstarch, sugar, nutmeg in a small saucepan and mix until smooth, then stir in the strawberries, wine, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer uncovered until sauce has thickened and strawberries have softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mint, then set aside.
Next, sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and cook them in a saute pan over medium for 5-7 minutes on each side. During the final four minutes of cooking, baste chicken occasionally with the sauce. Remove from heat and serve with remaining sauce.
Balsamic Roasted Strawberry and Basil Grilled Cheese
Adapted from Pass the Sushi
Ingredients
- 8 fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4-6 slices hearty white bread, thickly slices
- 1 tbsp plus 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Fresh basil
- 1 wedge brie
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375. While it heats, whisk together balsamic and honey together, then toss the berries in the mixture in a bowl. Arrange the strawberries on a baking dish in an even layer, ensuring you avoid crowding. Sprinkle it with salt and bake for 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Spread mayo on one side of each slice of bread, then arrange strawberries, brie, and basil on top of the non mayo side. Sprinkle with black pepper then top with another slice of bread, mayo side up. Repeat with remaining bread, strawberries, basil, and cheese. Toast each sandwich in the pan on both sides until the cheese is melted. Remove from the pan, brush with remaining balsamic mixture, and enjoy hot.
