Magic Trio

The main elements of a good marinade are oil or fat + acid (vinegar or citrus will do), and seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs/spices/sauces/fruit/honey/sugar/beer/wine/milk). Try out combinations when you cook, altering as you go to learn your own favorite combination.

Here are three simple marinades you can make quickly, with just a few ingredients.

Each recipe is for one pound of meat or vegetables. Marinate for at least two hours for optimum results in glass or plastic container.

Garlic & Pepper Marinade

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (you can use garlic-infused oil)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh chopped garlic

Spicy Lime Marinade

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (you can use garlic-infused oil)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Adjust the quantity of chili powder to taste. Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade if desired.

Sesame Teriyaki Marinade

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon onion flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• garlic powder

This recipe is excellent with pineapple! You may choose also to add 1 tablespoon of pineapple juice to your marinade.

These are just a few very simple and basic recipes. As long as you have the oil and the acid, don’t worry if you are missing something in the recipe, or need to replace something with something similar. You’re looking for a flavor to permeate your meat or veggies, without drying it.

Smaller cuts of meat or vegetables will take less time to marinate, and larger cuts or whole poultry will take more time, preferably overnight.