My Favorite Marinade
Elevate your culinary creations with "My Favorite Marinade," a versatile and flavor-packed recipe perfect for enhancing meats, vegetables, or even tofu. This quick-to-prepare marinade combines the richness of olive oil, tangy soy sauce, and the sweet balance of honey with bold additions like balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of oregano bring brightness and depth, while optional red pepper flakes add a touch of heat for those who love a little spice. Ready in just 10 minutes, this marinade is ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, as it infuses your ingredients with an irresistible blend of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors. Whether you're prepping for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue, this easy marinade ensures your dishes are anything but ordinary.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until the ingredients are fully emulsified.
Add the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir thoroughly to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning if needed. For more sweetness, add an extra teaspoon of honey; for more acidity, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.
Place your chosen protein or vegetables in a resealable plastic bag or glass container. Pour the marinade over the ingredient, ensuring it is fully coated.
Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for a more intense flavor. For delicate proteins like fish, marinate for no longer than 30 minutes.
Before cooking, discard any leftover marinade that has touched raw meat or seafood. Pat the protein dry with a paper towel before grilling, baking, or pan-searing to achieve the best texture and caramelization.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
248 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.4 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2662 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.0 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.1 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 68 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 411 mg | 9% | |
*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.
