All-Purpose Marinade

Prep: 10 min

A versatile marinade combining garlic, safflower oil, tomato juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and pepper, perfect for enhancing beef, pork, poultry, fish, or vegetables with rich, savory flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup safflower oil
  • 1/2 cup tomato juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate beef, pork, poultry, fish, or vegetables in the mixture.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier marinade, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari. This marinade works well for various proteins and vegetables, allowing for flexibility in meal planning. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor absorption.

Serving Suggestions

This all-purpose marinade pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables and rice dishes. Consider serving with a fresh salad or alongside dishes like Pineapple Melon Cooler(6 Servings) for a refreshing contrast. It also complements stir-fries and can be drizzled over roasted potatoes for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If marinated meat is not cooked, it should be used within 1-2 days. To reheat, gently warm marinated items in a skillet over low heat, ensuring even cooking without drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of All-Purpose Marinade contains roughly 410 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2134mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).

410 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 30.4g 39% DV
Carbs 34.5g 13% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 30.3g 61% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2134.2mg 93% DV
Potassium 269.7mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 21mg 23% DV
Calcium 43.1mg 3% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Contains Soy

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 grilling?

Absolutely! This marinade is perfect for grilling meats and vegetables. Just make sure to marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the flavors. For best results, grill the marinated items over medium heat, turning occasionally to achieve an even char.

How long can I marinate the meat?

For most proteins, marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but you can marinate up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. Keep in mind that fish should not be marinated for more than an hour to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Can I freeze marinated meat?

Yes, you can freeze marinated meat! It’s best to freeze it before cooking. Place the marinated meat in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and store it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

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).

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