Imagine a single marinade that can elevate beef, pork, and chicken from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients. This universal marinade is your culinary secret weapon, promising to infuse your proteins with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that will have your dinner guests begging for your recipe. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this foolproof marinade will revolutionize your meal preparation and take your dishes to the next level.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: Universal
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar, whisking them together until they begin to emulsify.
- Add the minced garlic cloves to the oil and vinegar mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Incorporate the Dijon mustard and honey into the liquid, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth and consistent marinade.
- Sprinkle the salt and black pepper into the marinade, continuing to whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the seasonings are fully integrated.
- For best results, transfer the marinade to a sealed container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld.
- Pour the marinade over your chosen protein (beef, pork, or chicken), ensuring the meat is completely coated. For optimal flavor absorption, marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours before cooking.
- Discard any unused marinade that has been in direct contact with raw meat to prevent potential food safety issues.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always marinate meats in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.
- Marination Time: While 2-4 hours is ideal, don't exceed 8 hours for most meats to prevent the acids from breaking down the protein texture.
- Pat Dry Before Cooking: Remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear and caramelization.
- Never Reuse Marinade: Always discard marinade that has been in contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
- Storage Tip: This marinade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making meal prep a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
