How do I marinate food?
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Marinate means soaking food in a mixture of liquids and flavors to add taste and tenderness.
To marinate food, first choose a marinade recipe. You can mix together ingredients such as oil, vinegar, spices, herbs, and seasonings. Cut the food into pieces or slices to maximize surface area for flavor absorption. You can marinate the food in a bowl, or save some cleanup by marinating in a plastic bag. Turn the pieces to coat them, and cover and refrigerate the food for up to overnight, depending on the recipe. Drain and discard the marinade before cooking the food. Food can be grilled, baked, roasted…
Some popular marinades:
Asian-style marinades:
- Soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, and garlic
- Rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil
- Teriyaki sauce with ginger and green onions
- Fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes
- Miso paste, sake, and mirin
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, honey, and garlic
- Hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, and sesame oil
- Black bean sauce, garlic, and ginger
- Oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar
- Peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar (for a Thai-style peanut sauce marinade)
Mediterranean-style marinades:
- Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs (such as basil, thyme, and oregano)
- Red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs
- Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs
- Yogurt, mint, and lemon juice
- Harissa paste, lemon juice, and olive oil
- Honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce, lemon juice, and oregano
- Pesto sauce made with basil, garlic, and pine nuts
- Red pepper flakes, olive oil, and lemon zest
- Sun-dried tomato paste, red wine vinegar, and basil
Latin-style marinades:
- Lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder
- Orange juice, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno
- Achiote paste, lime juice, and garlic
- Adobo sauce, vinegar, and garlic
- Soy sauce, lime juice, and cilantro
- Red wine vinegar, cumin, paprika, and oregano
- Olive oil, cumin, and chili powder
- Cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, and white wine vinegar
- Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, lime juice, and garlic
- Pico de gallo (diced tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno) mixed with olive oil.
