13 Must-Try Marinades for Juicy Grilled Meats

The secret to achieving juicy, flavorful grilled meats lies in the marinade. A well-crafted marinade not only enhances the natural taste of the meat but also adds layers of complexity to the dish. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, tenderizing the meat and ensuring that every bite is packed with taste. These delicious marinades will help you create juicy, flavorful dishes that everyone will savor.

Classic Garlic and Herb Marinade

This timeless marinade combines the robust flavors of garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. To make it, mix 1/2 cup of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons each of chopped rosemary and thyme, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Olive oil serves as the base, allowing the herbs to infuse their essence deeply into the meat. Marinate your meat for at least four hours to achieve the best results, then grill to perfection for a fragrant and flavorful dish.

Asian Soy-Ginger Marinade

The Asian Soy-Ginger Marinade is a balance of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors. Combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons minced ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Soy sauce provides the savory umami base, while fresh ginger and garlic add a warm kick. Let the meat soak overnight to fully absorb the intricate flavors, then grill for a deliciously tender result.

Citrus and Cilantro Marinade

Bright and zesty, this marinade uses a blend of citrus juices like lime, orange, and lemon, combined with fresh cilantro for a refreshing taste. To prepare, mix the juice of 2 limes, 1 orange, 1 lemon, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes. Marinate for a minimum of two hours, or longer for a stronger flavor, and enjoy the vibrant taste that complements chicken or fish beautifully.

Spicy Chipotle Lime Marinade

This marinade packs a punch with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and the tangy freshness of lime juice. Blend 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, the juice of 3 limes, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon cumin, and 1 tablespoon honey. Marinate the meat for at least six hours, then grill for a bold, spicy-sweet flavor that’s perfect for chicken or pork.

Teriyaki Marinade

A classic in Asian cuisine, the Teriyaki Marinade is a delightful blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. To make, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 1/4 cup sake, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons minced ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Allow the meat to marinate for at least four hours, then grill to enjoy the salty-sweet flavors that caramelize beautifully on the meat.

Greek Yogurt and Lemon Marinade

Greek yogurt serves as the creamy base for this tangy and flavorful marinade. Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, the juice of 2 lemons, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons oregano, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate for at least three hours, then grill to enjoy juicy and succulent chicken with a beautiful charred crust.

Honey Mustard Marinade

Sweet and tangy, the Honey Mustard Marinade is a crowd-pleaser that works well with a variety of meats. To prepare, whisk together 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Marinate the meat for at least four hours, then grill to enjoy the deliciously smoky and sweet finish that’s particularly good with pork or chicken.

Red Wine and Herb Marinade

This marinade combines the rich, complex flavors of red wine with fresh herbs. Mix 1 cup red wine, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped thyme, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, and 2 bay leaves. For the best results, allow the meat to marinate overnight, then grill to enjoy a tender, flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with beef or lamb.

Lemon Pepper Marinade

Simple yet flavorful, the Lemon Pepper Marinade is a zesty option that works well with both poultry and fish. Combine the juice and zest of 2 lemons, 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Marinate the meat for at least two hours, then grill for a light and refreshing taste that’s perfect for summer.

Chimichurri Marinade

Inspired by Argentinian cuisine, the Chimichurri Marinade is a vibrant blend of fresh parsley, oregano, and garlic. To make, combine 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped oregano, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, and red pepper flakes to taste. Marinate the meat for at least four hours, then grill to enjoy the fresh, zesty flavor that complements beef or lamb.

Chermoula Marinade

Chermoula is a traditional North African marinade that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for fish, chicken, or even lamb. To make it, blend together 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1/4 cup olive oil. This marinade is known for its bright, herbaceous taste, with the spices adding warmth and depth. The lemon juice not only adds tang but also helps tenderize the meat, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful after grilling. Marinate the meat for at least three hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor, and enjoy the complex, vibrant taste that Chermoula brings to your grilled dishes.

Peruvian Aji Verde Marinade

Aji Verde is a vibrant and flavorful Peruvian marinade that adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick to your grilled meats. To make this marinade, blend together 2 Aji Amarillo peppers (or substitute with jalapeños), 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and salt to taste. The combination of cilantro, lime, and Aji peppers creates a bright, herbaceous flavor with a hint of heat, while the mayonnaise adds a creamy texture that helps the marinade cling to the meat. This marinade works particularly well with chicken or seafood. Marinate for at least four hours, then grill to enjoy a juicy, flavorful dish with a Peruvian twist.

Pomegranate Molasses Marinade

For a unique and tangy-sweet flavor, try the Pomegranate Molasses Marinade, which is perfect for lamb or pork. To make it, mix 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. The pomegranate molasses adds a rich, fruity sweetness balanced by the acidity of lemon juice and the earthiness of cumin. Marinate the meat for at least six hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop. Once grilled, the meat will have a beautiful caramelized crust with a deep, complex flavor that’s sure to impress.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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