Marinade Ingredients

Classic Lemon-Herb Marinade

 (Mediterranean style)

Perfect for: Chicken, lamb, fish, vegetables

Ingredients (makes ~1 cup / 240 ml)

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Whisk all ingredients together.
  2. Marinate protein or veggies for 30 min–4 hours.

Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Marinade

 (Asian style)

Perfect for: Chicken, shrimp, pork

Ingredients (makes ~¾ cup / 180 ml)

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients.
  2. Marinate 30–60 minutes for seafood, 1–4 hours for chicken/pork.

Smoky BBQ Marinade

Perfect for: Beef, ribs, chicken, pork

Ingredients (makes ~1 cup / 240 ml)

  • ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Marinate meat 1–12 hours before grilling or baking.

Spicy Cajun Marinade

Perfect for: Shrimp, chicken, fish, pork

Ingredients (makes ~¾ cup / 180 ml)

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients.
  2. Marinate seafood 15–30 minutes, chicken/pork 1–4 hours.

Creamy Yogurt & Herb Marinade

 (Indian/Middle Eastern style)

Perfect for: Chicken, lamb, paneer

Ingredients (makes ~1 cup / 240 ml)

  • ½ cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Whisk all ingredients together.
  2. Marinate meat 1–8 hours for best flavor.

✅ Tips for Using These Marinades

  • Use non-reactive containers (glass, ceramic, or food-safe plastic).
  • Always refrigerate while marinating.
  • Pat meat dry before cooking to enhance browning.
  • Discard used marinade that’s been in contact with raw meat, or boil it for sauce.

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