Are you tired of bland, boring pork dishes that leave you craving more excitement? Get ready to transform your ordinary meat into a culinary masterpiece with this incredible Dijon Soy and Lemon Pork Marinade! This game-changing recipe combines the tangy punch of Dijon mustard, the umami depth of soy sauce, and the bright zestiness of fresh lemon juice to create a marinade that will elevate your pork from mundane to magnificent. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress your family or a weekend grilling enthusiast, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, then add them to the marinade mixture. Use a microplane or sharp knife to ensure the garlic is very finely chopped to distribute its flavor evenly.
- Drizzle the olive oil into the marinade and whisk again to create a cohesive and emulsified mixture. The oil will help the marinade coat the meat more effectively.
- If preparing for pork, place your chosen cut of pork (such as tenderloin, chops, or shoulder) in a large resealable plastic bag or non-reactive container.
- Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring the meat is completely covered. Seal the bag or container and gently massage to distribute the marinade evenly.
- Refrigerate and allow the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for optimal flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours. Do not exceed 8 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat's texture.
- Before cooking, remove the pork from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning during cooking.
- Cook the marinated pork using your preferred method: grilling, roasting, pan-searing, or baking, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety.
Tips
- For maximum flavor infusion, always use fresh ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and recently minced garlic will provide the most vibrant taste.
- Be mindful of marinating time. While 30 minutes can work in a pinch, aim for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Pat the meat dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful, golden-brown exterior that seals in all those delicious marinade flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness. For pork, the safe internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).
- Don't reuse the marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. Always discard it and make a fresh batch if you want a sauce for serving.
- Experiment with different cuts of pork - this marinade works wonderfully with tenderloin, chops, and even shoulder cuts.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 40kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
