Marinade For Steaks Or Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A quick, savory blend of soy, sweet wine and aromatics that tenderizes and flavors steaks or chicken, perfect for a weeknight dinner with friends or family.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 to 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 or 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 medium onion, chopped fine
  • 2 tablespoons wine (sherry, sweet) or bourbon
  • 4 tablespoons oil

Instructions

  1. Combine soy sauce, water, sugar, garlic, ginger, onion, wine, and oil in a bowl and whisk until sugar dissolves.
  2. Place meat in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to marinate.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, let the meat marinate overnight. If you're out of soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos can be great substitutes for a gluten-free option. You can also enhance the marinade with additional spices like black pepper or red pepper flakes for heat. Consider adding a splash of citrus juice for brightness, which can complement the richness of the meat.

Serving Suggestions

This marinade works wonderfully with grilled or pan-seared steaks and chicken, served alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with rice or quinoa. It also complements sides like Tomato - Macaroni Salad, making it a versatile option for family gatherings or casual dinners.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you've marinated the meat, it can be kept in the fridge for another day. To reheat, cook the marinated meat over medium heat until fully cooked through, ensuring it remains juicy. You can also grill or broil it for added flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marinade For Steaks Or Chicken contains roughly 259 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2199mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).

259 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 21.5g 28% DV
Carbs 12.8g 5% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2198.9mg 96% DV
Potassium 199.2mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2mcg
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 21.5mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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 other types of meat?

Absolutely! This marinade is versatile and can be used for pork, lamb, or even tofu for a plant-based option. Adjust marinating times accordingly; for tofu, a shorter time of about 30 minutes is sufficient, while pork may benefit from a longer marination similar to chicken.

How long should I marinate my meat?

For best results, marinate your meat for at least 2-4 hours, but overnight is ideal. If you're using chicken, be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity can affect the texture. For steaks, even a couple of hours can yield great results.

Can I freeze the marinated meat?

Yes, you can freeze marinated meat! Place it in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and cook as desired.

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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