If you’re like us, you love a good marinade that can elevate any dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, the right marinade can bring out incredible flavors in any type of meat. Today, we're sharing our go-to all-purpose marinade recipe that works wonders on chicken, beef, pork, and even seafood. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Why a Good All-Purpose Marinade Matters
Marinating your meat not only infuses it with flavor but also tenderizes it. The acids in the marinade break down muscle fibers, making the meat softer and more enjoyable to eat. Plus, this recipe is versatile, so you can use it as a base and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil (or any neutral oil)
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp lemon juice (or any acidic juice like lime or vinegar)
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds depth)
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but adds a nice smoky flavor)
1/2 tsp dried oregano (or your favorite herb)
Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions:
Mix the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until well combined.
Prepare your meat: Whether you're using chicken breasts, steak, pork chops, or shrimp, make sure the meat is patted dry before adding the marinade.
Marinate: Place your meat in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it's fully coated. Then place in the refrigerator.
For chicken: Marinate for 1-4 hours.
For beef or pork: Marinate for 4-12 hours.
For seafood: Marinate for 15-30 minutes (seafood absorbs flavors quickly).
Cook as desired: Grill, bake, or pan-sear your marinated meat, and enjoy the incredible flavors!
Tips:
Batch it: You can make a large batch of this marinade and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure not to reuse the marinade once it’s touched raw meat unless you boil it first.
Customize it: This is a base recipe that you can modify. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Prefer an Asian twist? Add a tablespoon of sesame oil and a dash of rice vinegar.
Vegetarian option: This marinade is fantastic for tofu or veggies like mushrooms and zucchini too!
Serving Suggestions:
Once your meat is marinated and cooked to perfection, serve it alongside your favorite sides. We love pairing marinated chicken or steak with grilled veggies and a simple salad. You can also slice the meat thin for sandwiches or wraps.
This all-purpose marinade is the perfect recipe to have in your back pocket for busy weeknights or weekend BBQs. It’s quick, simple, and guarantees juicy, flavorful meat every time!
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