Marinating meat is a fantastic way to infuse flavor and tenderize tougher cuts. These three simple and flavorful marinades are perfect for chicken, pork, and steak, adding depth and complexity to your dishes. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, these marinades will take your meats to the next level.
Ingredients for Simple & Flavorful Marinades
For the All-Purpose Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Creamy Marinade:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Spicy Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Simple & Flavorful Marinades
All-Purpose Marinade:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Marinate Meat: Place your chicken, pork, or steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
Creamy Marinade:
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Meat: Place your meat in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
Spicy Marinade:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Meat: Place your meat in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
About the Main Ingredients
Olive Oil
Olive oil is the base of these marinades, adding moisture and helping to distribute the flavors evenly. It also adds a rich, fruity flavor to the meat.
Soy Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce
Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce add depth and umami to the marinades, enhancing the overall flavor of the meat. They also help to tenderize tougher cuts of meat.
Balsamic Vinegar & Lemon Juice
Balsamic vinegar and lemon juice add acidity to the marinades, which helps to tenderize the meat and brighten the flavors. They also add a subtle sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
Garlic & Dijon Mustard
Garlic and Dijon mustard add pungency and depth to the marinades, complementing the other flavors and adding complexity to the overall taste.
Herbs & Spices
Dried herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika add flavor and aroma to the marinades. They also add visual appeal and complexity to the dishes.
Enjoy Your Flavorful Marinated Meats!
These simple and flavorful marinades will take your chicken, pork, and steak to the next level. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, these marinades are sure to impress. Experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and acids to create your own signature marinades and elevate your dishes even further!
