Marinades For Meats

A tangy and sweet marinade with cranberry and chili sauce, perfect for meatballs and other meats, adding vibrant flavor and a zesty kick to your dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. can cranberry sauce
  • 12 oz. chili sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice together.
  2. Pour the mixture over meatballs or other meats and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade. If you're out of cranberry sauce, you can substitute it with jellies for a similar texture and sweetness. This marinade is great for meats like chicken or pork, and can also be adapted for vegan recipes by using it with tofu or tempeh.

Serving Suggestions

This marinade pairs beautifully with meatballs or grilled chicken. Serve it alongside rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra touch, drizzle some of the warmed marinade over the dish before serving. You can also try it as a dipping sauce for appetizers or use it to glaze roasted vegetables, different ways.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This will help maintain the flavors and consistency of the sauce without overcooking any ingredients.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marinades For Meats contains roughly 506 calories, with 1g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

506 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.2g
Carbs 129.8g 47% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 118.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 32.5mg 1% DV
Potassium 191.4mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.4mcg
Vitamin C 6.2mg 7% DV
Calcium 74.7mg 6% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

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?

Yes, this marinade is excellent for grilling! Simply marinate your choice of meat for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator, then grill as desired. The sugars in the marinade will help achieve a nice caramelization on the grill.

How long should I marinate the meat?

For best results, marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, but ideally a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Can I freeze the marinade?

Yes, you can freeze the marinade! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before marinating your 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).

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