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Be it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, these simple marinades bring big flavour with very little prep.
Marinades are an easy way to infuse big flavor into any meal, transforming simple ingredients into something delicious. A well-balanced marinade typically includes an acid, like citrus or vinegar, along with oil, herbs, and spices to enhance taste and texture. For a zesty option, try combining lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. For a hint of sweetness and richness, add honey or brown sugar along with spices. Marinades work well with meats, vegetables, tofu, or seafood, allowing flavors to soak in and create depth. Whether grilled, baked, or sautéed, a good marinade can elevate any dish with minimal effort.
Adding a burst of flavour to your meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Marinades are an easy yet effective way to enrich your dishes with layers of taste.
Chef Siddharth Parab, Executive Chef, SpiceKlub USA, Cupertino, California, shares five versatile marinades that will elevate your everyday meals with minimal effort. These marinades are perfect for everything from meats, seafood to veggies and tofu.
Garlic Herb Marinade
For a fresh and aromatic profile, this Garlic Herb Marinade combines earthy herbs and zesty lemon with the bite of garlic. This versatile blend adds a savoury freshness to your meal, making it ideal for chicken, shrimp or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper until well-combined. Pour it over your choice of chicken, shrimp or vegetables, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking to let the flavours meld beautifully.
Soy Ginger Marinade
Thanks to the blend of soy sauce, sesame oil and honey, this Soy Ginger Marinade brings a rich, umami flavour with an Asian-inspired twist. The combination of ginger and garlic adds a subtle heat, making this marinade perfect for pork, paneer or tofu.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
Mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and honey in a bowl until smooth. Pour the mixture over your protein and allow it to sit for at least 20–30 minutes. This marinade brings out deep flavours and enhances every bite with an irresistible delicious finish.
Citrus Honey Marinade
Bright and tangy, this Citrus Honey Marinade combines orange and lime zest with a dash of honey for a refreshing and slightly sweet taste. This marinade works wonderfully with seafood, chicken or vegetables, as it gives them a vibrant, sunny flavour.
Ingredients:
– Zest and juice of 1 orange
– Zest and juice of 1 lime
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Whisk together the orange zest and juice, lime zest and juice, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper in a bowl until well blended. Cover it over seafood, chicken or vegetables, and let it marinate for about 15–30 minutes. The citrus notes will bring a delightful brightness to your dish with a touch of sweetness from the honey.
Balsamic Mustard Marinade
For a deeper, more complex flavour, try this Balsamic Mustard Marinade. With balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard as the stars, it releases a sweet yet tangy taste that pairs beautifully with pork, tofu or even mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Coat your choice of protein with this marinade and let it rest for 30 minutes or longer. This marinade creates a rich and savoury glaze that enhances the natural flavours of the meat or mushrooms.
Spicy Yogurt Marinade
If you’re looking to add a creamy, tangy twist to your dish, then this Spicy Yogurt Marinade is your answer. Greek yoghurt and lemon juice add richness, while cumin and cayenne bring warmth, making it an excellent choice for marinating chicken, paneer or lamb.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, stir together the Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, cumin, cayenne, garlic, salt and pepper until creamy. Coat your protein generously and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This marinade not only tenderises but also infuses the meat with a deliciously tangy and spicy kick.
Be it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, these simple marinades bring big flavour with very little prep. There’s something here for everyone! Chef Siddharth Parab’s marinades are designed to make cooking flavourful meals easy, giving you a range of options to turn everyday ingredients into delectable dishes.
