Secret Marinade
Elevate your culinary creations with this flavor-packed Secret Marinade, a versatile and easy-to-make blend designed to take your favorite proteins and vegetables to the next level. Crafted from a harmonious mix of pantry staples like olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this marinade is perfectly balanced with sweet notes of honey, a zesty kick from lemon juice, and the fragrant depth of fresh herbs. Minced garlic and a touch of paprika add a savory warmth, while an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a spicy edge for those who crave a bit of heat. Ready in just 10 minutes, this marinade infuses chicken, beef, seafood, tofu, or vegetables with bold, vibrant flavors that deepen over time—ideal for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing. Perfectly customizable and endlessly delicious, this Secret Marinade is your ticket to unforgettable meals bursting with flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cups olive oil
- 0.25 cups soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), finely chopped
Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until well blended.
Add minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk again to incorporate the spices evenly.
Stir in the fresh chopped herbs to infuse the marinade with a vibrant, earthy flavor.
Transfer the marinade to a resealable plastic bag or a large container with a lid.
Place your desired protein or vegetables (such as chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or bell peppers) into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Seal the bag or container and refrigerate. Allow the ingredients to marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for the deepest flavor.
When ready to cook, remove the marinated protein/vegetables from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while preparing your cooking method (grilling, roasting, etc.).
Dispose of any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw protein. If you'd like to use some for basting or as a finishing sauce, set aside a portion before adding raw ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1264 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 115.7 g | 148% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.5 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3255 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.3 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.6 g | ||
| Protein | 7.5 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 481 mg | 10% | |
*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.
