If you are looking for a way to add extra flavor to your dishes, consider using a marinade. Whether grilling, roasting or sauteing, a good marinade can turn an ordinary dish into something special. Marinades are simply flavorful liquids that seep into food for tasty and juicy dishes. Marinades offer a great way to enjoy favorite flavors or experiment with new seasonings and spices. Marinades work with meat, poultry and fish as well as vegetables.
When it comes to proteins, one of the main advantages of using a marinade is that it helps create a moist, tender product. Each ingredient in a marinade serves a purpose.
- An acid or enzyme, like lemon juice, vinegar, wine, buttermilk or yogurt, tenderizes proteins and helps to break down tough connective tissues.
- Fats, like oil, transfer fat-soluble flavors and help keep proteins moist.
- Flavorings/aromatics such as herbs, spices, garlic, onion and/or soy sauce provide a delicious flavor profile.
- Sweeteners, like sugar or honey are optional, can balance acidity and promote caramelization and browning.
Get marinating with some tried and true recipes!
- This Low Sodium Chicken Marinade is packed with flavor. Using simple, fresh ingredients, it tenderizes and infuses chicken with a zesty taste. Perfect for grilling season, it is a recipe you can enjoy anytime.
- For a quick and delicious meal, try this easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp. This flavorful lemon marinade can be made in minutes. Enjoy the shrimp cocktail style, toss into a big green salad or incorporate into a grain bowl.
- Pull out all the stops with these top-of-the line Surf and Turf Kebabs. Marinate the meat and shellfish with a tasty bloody Mary marinade for tender steak tips and flavorful shrimp.
- A delicious Thai glaze dresses up this Soy Ginger Salmon recipe. Easy to make, the Asian marinade makes this high-protein, low-carb dinner a surefire winner.
- This marinade recipe is wonderful with Pork Kebabs and can also be used any meat or poultry.
Marinating is easy – for a successful dish, keep in mind that over-marinating meats may cause too much breakdown and impact desired texture. Thinner cuts of meat may only need to marinate 30 -60 minutes, while thicker cuts of meat can marinate from several hours to overnight. Remember, never reuse marinade that has held raw meat unless it is boiled thoroughly first to avoid bacterial contamination.
Marinating vegetables is also “a thing” and can transform everyday ingredients into something crave-worthy. Whether you are a plant-based eater or just looking to make your side dishes more exciting, marinating veggies is the way to go.
Not all vegetables soak up flavors the same way, so knowing which ones love a good marinade will help create the best tasting dishes.
- Mushrooms – Spongy and porous, mushrooms absorb marinades beautifully.
- Zucchini & Summer Squash – Tender and perfect for grilling or roasting.
- Bell Peppers – Sweet and crisp, develop a charred edge when grilled.
- Eggplant – Soaks up flavor like a sponge and gets beautifully creamy when cooked.
- Cauliflower – Takes on marinades well and roasts up with a satisfying crunch.
- Asparagus – Quick to marinate and easy to grill or roast.
- Brussels Sprouts – A marinade helps cut bitterness and add caramelization.
This delicious garlic balsamic marinade gives these grilled vegetables a savory sweet flavor. This low-calorie side dish complements meat, fish and poultry beautifully and will likely become a favorite dish on your table.
Many people shy away from cooking with marinades because they think it’s too complicated. But with marinades, even beginners can make a delicious meal. Make your own marinade or grab one off the shelves at McCaffrey’s. Simply combine meat and/or vegetables in a bag or dish with your favorite marinade and cook it up for an easy and tasty meal.
