This savory and tangy marinade is perfect for enhancing the flavor of your favorite meats. With a blend of soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this marinade creates a delicious, rich flavor that will take your dish to the next level. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or pan-searing, this marinade will infuse your meat with a savory, aromatic profile thanks to the addition of garlic, black pepper, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, black pepper, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
- Place your choice of meat (beef, chicken, pork, etc.) in a resealable plastic bag or container and pour the marinade over the meat.
- Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and cook as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes (cooking time depends on the meat chosen)
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus marinating time)
Variations
- Spicy Marinade: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Citrus Twist: For a bright flavor, replace 1/4 cup of the balsamic vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.
- Honey Sweetness: Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar for a sweet contrast to the tangy ingredients.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to swap the dried thyme and rosemary for other herbs like oregano, basil, or sage, depending on your preference.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: If you have leftover marinade that hasn’t been used with raw meat, it can be simmered on the stove for a few minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors, then served as a sauce with the cooked meat.
10 FAQs
- Can I use this marinade on vegetables? Yes, this marinade works well on vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just be sure to marinate them for a shorter time (about 30 minutes) to avoid them becoming too soft.
- Is it okay to use this marinade on fish or seafood? Yes, but marinate fish or seafood for no more than 30 minutes to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the fish.
- Can I freeze the marinade? Yes, you can freeze the marinade before adding it to the meat. When you’re ready, thaw it in the refrigerator and use it to marinate your meat.
- How long should I marinate the meat? Ideally, marinate the meat for 1 hour, but for best results, allow it to marinate overnight.
- Can I reuse the marinade? If the marinade has been in contact with raw meat, discard it to avoid foodborne illness. If you wish to reuse the marinade as a sauce, be sure to boil it for 3-5 minutes to kill any bacteria.
- What types of meat work best with this marinade? This marinade is versatile and works well with beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and even turkey.
- Can I make this marinade ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, if you have fresh herbs, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for each teaspoon of dried herbs.
- Can I use Dijon mustard substitutes? If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute yellow mustard or even a tablespoon of whole grain mustard for a different flavor profile.
- Can I use this marinade for grilling? Yes, this marinade is perfect for grilling. The soy sauce and balsamic vinegar help caramelize the meat, adding great flavor when cooked on a grill.
Conclusion
This marinade recipe is a flavorful, easy way to elevate your meat dishes. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, it infuses your meat with rich, savory flavors that will make your meals memorable. Whether you’re cooking on the grill or using a stovetop, this marinade will work wonders. Adjust it with your favorite herbs and spices for the perfect marinade to suit your taste!