A Wonderful Marinating Sauce
A flavorful marinating sauce with a savory, tangy, and spicy profile, perfect for enhancing any kind of meat. Its blend of vinegar, Worcestershire, spices, and onion offers a complex taste that keeps meat tender and flavorful. Ideal for grilling, roasting, or pan-frying meats before cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 small onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon powdered mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer all the ingredients together for several minutes.
- Allow the marinade to cool slightly, then store in the refrigerator.
- Soak meat in the marinade for about 1 hour before cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate your meat overnight instead of just one hour. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute the vegetable oil with a citrus juice like lemon or lime. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot pepper sauce or red pepper to suit your taste preferences. This marinade works well with chicken, beef, or even tofu for vegan recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This marinade pairs beautifully with grilled meats and can enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables. Serve the marinated meat alongside a fresh salad, such as Heyward'S Good For What Ails You Salad, or with crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider serving with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have marinated meat left over, it's best to consume it within 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meat in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it doesn't dry out, or reheat in the oven wrapped in foil for moisture retention.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A Wonderful Marinating Sauce contains roughly 242 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1135mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this marinade for vegetables?
Absolutely! This marinade can enhance the flavor of various vegetables. Just soak your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for about 30 minutes before grilling or roasting.
How long can I leave meat in the marinade?
While one hour is sufficient for flavor, marinating for 4-6 hours or overnight can yield even better results. However, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, especially with delicate proteins, as it can affect the texture.
Is it safe to reuse marinade after soaking meat?
No, it's not safe to reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. If you want to use it as a sauce, reserve a portion before adding the meat or cook the marinade to kill any bacteria.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).