California Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant and zesty California Marinade, the perfect balance of citrusy freshness and bold, earthy spices. Combining freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice with a touch of honey, garlic, and aromatic herbs like basil and parsley, this marinade infuses your favorite proteins or vegetables with layers of flavor in just minutes. Smoky paprika and a hint of cumin add depth, while a dash of red pepper flakes offers optional heat for spice lovers. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile, easy-to-make recipe brings the sunny flavors of California to your table, making it ideal for any BBQ, weeknight dinner, or meal prep plan.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 0.25 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, and red wine vinegar. Whisk until well blended.
Add in the honey and minced garlic, and whisk again to mix thoroughly.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil, parsley, ground cumin, and smoked paprika.
Season the marinade with salt, black pepper, and, if desired, red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the marinade is smooth.
Use the marinade immediately by pouring it over your chosen protein or vegetables in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Ensure the food is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate the marinated food for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours, for the best flavor.
Discard any leftover marinade after removing the food for cooking, as it has been in contact with raw ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
149 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.8 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.0 g | 10% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 488 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.2 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 13 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 73 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
