Are you looking for a marinade that will make your taste buds dance and your friends and family beg for more? Look no further! With endless possibilities, marinades can elevate any meal and transform it into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're catering to meat enthusiasts, vegans, or vegetarians, crafting the perfect marinade is an art form that requires a blend of flavors, textures, and techniques. Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure as we explore the secrets behind creating a marinade to die for—one that will leave you craving for more with every bite.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, combine the steak sauce, brown sugar, lemon-lime soda, butter, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and ground black pepper. Mix together well and use on your favorite meat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 179.6 calories, Carbohydrate 20.1 g, Cholesterol 30.5 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 315.5 mg, Sugar 13.4 g
TO-DIE-FOR CHICKEN FAJITA MARINADE
Great marinade for chicken fajitas on the outdoor grill or the George Foreman. Smells great! Update: volume of oil for the marinade has been reduced.
Provided by londongavchick
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 1h
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mix first seven ingredients and pour into ziplock bag with chicken breasts.
- Marinade for 1/2 to a few hours but chicken is overpowered by the lime juice if left too long.
- Grill each breast until no longer pink in the middle--about 6 minutes on each side for the George Foreman.
- Remove from grill and wrap in aluminum foil.
- Let rest for ten minutes before slicing.
- Serve with tortillas, sauteed onions and peppers.
TO DIE FOR MARINATED CHEESE APPETIZER
When I use to cater this was one of the most requested dishes from my clients. I can't believe I am finally posting the recipe but I recently misplaced it and figure if I put it on here it will never be lost. I serve this with Wheat Thins. Enjoy!
Provided by Autism Mommy
Categories Cheese
Time 8h20m
Yield 1 tray, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and lime juice until blended.
- Stir in red peppers, green onions, parsley, cilantro, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Set marinade aside.
- Cut blocks of cheese in half lengthwise.
- Cut into thin rectangular slices.
- Arrange cheese slices alternately into a pie dish or other shallow dish, standing slices on end.
- Pour marinade over slices and spread gently with fork until cheese is pretty much covered.
- Cover and chill for 8 hours or overnight.
- Peel back cellophane slightly and pour most of marinade out into sink.
- Serve with crackers.
### Essential Marinade Tricks for Perfectly Flavored Dishes
### 1. Choosing the Right Ingredients:
- Select high-quality ingredients: Use fresh herbs, spices, and citrus.
- Marinate with acidic components: Acids like citrus juices, vinegar, or yogurt help break down tough fibers and enhance flavors.
- Add aromatic ingredients: Garlic, ginger, shallots, and herbs like rosemary or thyme impart depth of flavors.
- Don't forget salt: Even a small amount can enhance the overall taste.
### 2. Marinating Times:
- Thin and small items: 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Dense and large items: 12 hours or even up to a day.
- Whole poultry: 8-12 hours.
- Fish Fillets: 30 minutes to an hour.
- Steaks and Chops: At least 45 minutes, up to 12 hours.
### 3. Achieving Balanced Flavors:
- Use a 3:2:1 ratio: 3 parts liquid, 2 parts oil, and 1 part seasonings.
- Start with a small amount of marinade and adjust as needed.
- Let time do its magic: The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful the dish will be.
- Discard the marinade: Do not reuse the marinade after it has been used.
### 4. Marinating Techniques:
- Use a non-reactive container: Stainless steel, glass, or food-grade plastic are ideal.
- Ensure full submersion: Make sure the meat or poultry is completely covered in the marinade.
- Refrigerate during marinating: This helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains food safety.
### 5. Cooking the Marinated Delicacies:
- Pat dry before cooking: This helps create a crispy crust.
- Cook over high heat: Sear the meat or poultry over high heat to lock in flavors.
- Finish cooking over medium heat: This ensures even cooking throughout.
- Let the meat or poultry rest before slicing: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent dish.
### 6. Marinade Variations:
- Yogurt-based marinade: Great for chicken, fish, and tofu.
- Citrus-based marinade: Excellent for seafood and poultry.
- Herb-infused marinade: Ideal for grilled meats and roasted chicken.
- Honey or maple syrup-based marinade: Suitable for glazed meats and chicken.
- Spicy marinade: Adds a kick to grilled meats and tacos.
### 7. Safety Measures:
- Wash hands properly before and after handling marinated food.
- Keep marinated items covered and refrigerated at all times.
- Discard any unused marinade properly.
- Cook marinated food to the appropriate internal temperature to ensure food safety.
### 8. Marinating for Vegetables:
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 6 hours.
- Use acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juices to enhance flavors.
- Add herbs and spices for extra depth of taste.
- Grill, roast, or sauté marinated veggies for a flavorful side dish.
### 9. Marinating for Fruits:
- Marinate for a short time, 15 minutes to an hour.
- Use a simple syrup base with citrus juices and herbs.
- Marinate fruit salads or skewers for a refreshing dessert or appetizer.
### 10. Marinating Tofu:
- Press tofu to remove лишняя water.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours.
- Use a mixture of соевый соус, citrus juices, and spices.
- Pan-fry or bake marinated tofu for a delicious and healthy protein option.
### 11. Marinating for Fish:
- Marinate for a short time, 30 minutes to an hour.
- Use acidic ingredients like citrus juices or vinegar.
- Add herbs, spices, and aromatic ingredients.
- Grill, bake, or pan-fry marinated fish for a flavorful and moist dish.
### 12. Marinating for Seafood:
- Marinate for a short time, 30 minutes to an hour.
- Use a mixture of citrus juices, herbs, and spices.
- Marinate shellfish, shrimp, or calamari for a delicious appetizer or main course.
### 13. Marinating for Meatballs:
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 12 hours.
- Use a mixture of bread crumbs, eggs, milk, and seasonings.
- Form meatballs and cook in tomato sauces, soups, or on skewers.
### 14. Marinating for Poultry:
- Marinate for 4-12 hours, depending on the size of the piece.
- Use a mixture of citrus juices, herbs, spices, and oil.
- Roast, bake, or pan-fry marinated poultry for a juicy and flavorful dish.
### 15. Marinating for Vegetables:
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 6 hours.
- Use a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.
- Grill, roast, or sauté marinated versatile for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
### 17. Marinating for Fruit:
- Marinate for a short time, 15 minutes to an hour.
- Use a mixture of fruit juices, citrus, and herbs.
- Marinate fruit salads or skewers for a refreshing dessert or appetizer.
### 18. Marinating for Desserts:
- Marinate cakes, cookies, and other desserts in simple syrup or liqueurs for added flavors and moistness.
- Marinate fruit compotes or sauces for a flavorful topping or glaze.