How to cook

Cooking with our Marinades, Dips & Sauces

  • Combine 2 tablespoons of the ChefZehn Marinade with 300 grams of your choice of Vegetables, Poultry, Meat OR Seafood. Cover and Allow to rest for at least an hour (overnight for best results).
  • For Vegetables AND Paneer
    • It is advised that you cut all the vegetables approximately the same size, so they cook at the same time. We advise that you cut them into 1 inch pieces to maintain the flavour and integrity of the vegetable.
    • The best way to know when a vegetable OR paneer is cooked to check with a Fork. If a fork passes through it easily, that is when you know it is cooked.
  • For Poultry
    • It is advised that you cut your poultry into 1 inch cubes before marinating them with ChefZehn marinades. This will impart the most flavour into the Poultry of your choice.
    • All Poultry products have different cooking times and temperatures, however the common rule amongst ALL of them is that they must NOT be undercooked. Undercooked OR Raw poultry is extremely dangerous for health.
  • For Meat
    • It is advised that your marinate your meat products overnight in ChefZehn products so as to impart the most flavour into the meat of your choice.
  • For Seafood
    • Its is advised that you marinate your Seafood for a maximum of upto an hour. This will keep the integrity of the Seafood whilst still imparting the flavour of ChefZehn marinades.

ChefZehn Marinades, Dips & Sauces can be used for a variety of different dishes and cooking methods. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:

  • Can be used as a Dipping Sauce
  • Can be used as a Marinade for Vegetables, Poultry, Meats and Seafood
  • Can be used as a Sauce for a Curry, Stir-Fry, Pasta and Snacks
  • Can be used as a Spread for Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps and Rolls
  • Can be used as a Condiment along with your favourite meals

Before you cook ChefZehn Marinated Products

Remove the Chicken OR Paneer from the vacuum-sealed bag and place it into a bowl. Stir and toss for a minute to rejuvenate the marinade.

Cooking on the Stovetop

  • Place a non-stick frying pan over Medium to Low Flame.
  • Add a tablespoon of oil and allow it to heat up for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Place the Chicken/Paneer in the pan one at a time, allowing it to gently sear on the bottom, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Turn and repeat the process. You are looking for a golden brown caramelisation on each side.
    • NOTE: If the chicken/paneer chars too quickly, turn the flame to low and sprinkle some water into the pan (this will help retain the moisture, and will not allow the chicken/paneer to burn).
    • Towards the end of the cooking process, you can add 2 tablespoons of water into the pan, and dissolves all the residue of the marinade. This will create a flavourful sauce that can be used to coat the chicken/paneer.

Cooking in the Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 180° C for 10 minutes.
  • Swirl a tablespoon of oil in the bottom of your baking dish (this helps the chicken not stick to the bottom). 
  • Place the chicken/paneer in the baking dish and cook for 20 minutes.
    • NOTE: You can turn the pieces halfway through and baste the chicken with butter for added flavour.
    • You can cover the baking dish with aluminium foil. This will help create steam and cook the chicken/paneer faster. However, it will not caramelise as intended.

Cooking on a Grill

If you own a Barbeque grill at home, this method will provide a delicious ‘smoky’ flavour to the meat. Follow the exact same method for Cooking on a Stovetop.

NOTE: Basting the chicken/paneer while it is on the grill will help add moisture, all the while increasing the ‘smoky’ flavour and providing a “Tandoor-cooked” feel.

Cooking in a Microwave Oven

We do not recommend this method, as the microwave oven will draw out all the moisture from the chicken/paneer, resulting in a dry and chewy texture.

How to store

  • Our vacuum-sealed bags can be stored in the freezer for up to 10 days.
  • Once opened, the chicken can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days.
  • NOTE: to thaw a frozen bag, it is advisable that you place the bag into the refrigerator overnight ready to consume the next day.
  • Once cooked, the chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.