Basic Chinese Marinade
A versatile Chinese marinade with soy sauce, ginger, and sherry that enhances fish, meat, or poultry with savory and aromatic flavors, ideal for quick flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use the marinade for fish, meat, or fowl.
- Marinate the meat for anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
- Cook the meat after marinating.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, allow the meat to marinate closer to the 1-hour mark if time permits. If you're short on time, even 15 minutes will impart some flavor. You can substitute the dry sherry with rice wine or white wine if needed. Fresh ginger is preferred for its vibrant taste, but ground ginger can work in a pinch. This marinade is versatile and can enhance various Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This marinade works wonderfully with grilled or pan-seared meats. Serve the marinated meat alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pair with sides like Stir-Fry String Beans or Sesame Pea Pods for a fresh crunch. For a balanced plate, consider a light salad or Asparagus Stir-Fry as an accompaniment.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you've marinated meat, be sure to cook it thoroughly before storing. Cooked meat can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or microwave gently to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Chinese Marinade contains roughly 9 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg per serving (45% 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?
While this marinade is primarily designed for meat, you can certainly use it to marinate hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Just marinate them for a shorter time, about 15 minutes, ensuring they absorb some flavor without becoming too soft.
How can I make this marinade gluten-free?
To make this marinade gluten-free, replace the light soy sauce with tamari, which is specifically made without wheat. Always check labels to ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the dry sherry.
Is this marinade suitable for grilling?
Yes, this marinade is excellent for grilling! The soy sauce and sherry will help create a nice caramelization on the meat. Just remember to allow adequate marinating time and monitor the cooking process to avoid drying out the meat.
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).