Marinades are a simple way to tenderize meats or add flavor to vegetables. Our standard meats are turkey breast, pork loin, and chicken breast. I add marinade to frozen meat while it’s defrosting and the meat is so tender and flavorful when cooked. I have also found the marinades work well to marinate tomatoes (really improves hothouse tomatoes!) or to pour over green beans, potatoes, or other vegetables before roasting.
You will need measuring spoons, a container with a lid (I use Ball plastic freezer jars), food processor or immersion blender, a small knife, and a small whisk if desired.
Lemon marinade Greek style
Add olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, paprika, and lemon zest to jar. Shake vigorously or whisk. Use 1 tbsp per 4 ounces of meat to marinate. Use 1 tbsp per cup of vegetables.
Lime marinade Mexican style
Add olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and salt to jar. Add fresh chopped cilantro if you are going to use all the marinade immediately. Shake vigorously or whisk. Use 1 tbsp. per 4 ounces of meat to marinate. Use 1 tbsp per cup of vegetables.
Chipotle marinade Southwest style
Add chipotle peppers, garlic, vinegar, juice, sugar, oil, oregano, and pepper to a food processor or immersion blender chopper jar. Process until smooth. Use 1 tbsp per 4 ounces of meat to marinate.
Citrus marinade Caribbean style
This is my go-to marinade, so I usually make a larger batch of it and keep it in the refrigerator. I use vegetable oil because olive oil solidifies when cooled. Add oil, vinegar, juices, mustard, garlic, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper to jar. Shake vigorously or whisk. Use Use 1 tbsp. per 4 ounces of meat to marinate. Use ½ cup for 2 large tomatoes.
Nutrition facts for marinades
Lemon marinade Greek style: 147 calories for whole recipe, 37 calories per tbsp
Lime marinade Mexican style: 137 calories for whole recipe, 34 calories per tbsp
Chipotle marinade Southwest style: 181 calories for whole recipe, about 36 calories per tbsp
Citrus marinade Caribbean style: 178 calories for whole recipe, about 36 calories per tbsp
Resource links for marinades
- https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/the-only-marinade-youll-ever-need-103749
- The only marinade you’ll ever need from Epicurious
- https://katherinescorner.com/2016/08/30/almost-everything-marinade/
- Almost Everything Marinade from Katherine’s Corner
- http://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/techniques/cooking-class-marinating
- Marinating from Cooking Light
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