Cooking with cannabis has gained popularity as a delicious way to combine culinary creativity with the benefits of cannabis. By infusing cannabis into oils, butters, and marinades, you can elevate your grilling game with unique flavors and potential health benefits. Whether you’re grilling steaks or seafood, cannabis can be a versatile and exciting ingredient to experiment with.
Cannabis Basics for Cooking
Before you start, it’s essential to understand how to prepare cannabis for cooking:
- Decarboxylation: To activate THC or CBD, you need to decarboxylate the cannabis. This process involves heating cannabis at a low temperature (around 240°F/115°C) for about 30-40 minutes.
- Infusions: Once decarboxylated, cannabis can be infused into oils (like olive or coconut oil) or butter. These infusions serve as the base for your marinades, basting sauces, or toppings.
Note: Dosage is critical. Start with small amounts (5-10mg THC per serving) and adjust based on your tolerance and desired effect.
Recipe 1: Cannabis-Infused Grilled Ribeye Steak
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye steaks (1-1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tbsp cannabis-infused olive oil
- 1 tbsp regular olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine cannabis-infused olive oil, regular olive oil, garlic, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the steaks: Rub the marinade generously over the steaks. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steaks: Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or adjust the time to your preferred doneness.
- Rest and serve: Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe 2: Cannabis-Infused Grilled Lobster Tails
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 3 tbsp cannabis-infused butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the lobster tails: Using kitchen scissors, cut the top shell lengthwise and gently pull the meat out, leaving it attached at the base.
- Make the butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt cannabis-infused butter. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Baste the lobster tails: Brush the butter sauce generously over the lobster meat.
- Grill the lobster: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the lobster tails meat-side up and grill for 6-8 minutes until the meat is opaque and slightly charred.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with additional butter sauce on the side.
Tips for Cooking with Cannabis
- Temperature Control: THC and CBD can degrade at high temperatures (above 350°F/175°C), so avoid excessive heat.
- Pairing Flavors: Cannabis-infused oils and butters often have earthy, herbal notes. Pair these with complementary ingredients like garlic, rosemary, lemon, and smoked spices.
- Storage: Store your cannabis-infused products in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
Cooking with cannabis opens a world of possibilities for flavor and relaxation. Grilled steaks and seafood are perfect canvases for cannabis-infused oils and butters, adding depth to classic dishes while creating a unique dining experience. As with any cannabis use, start with low doses and enjoy responsibly.