Marinating Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Asian

A versatile marinating sauce with soy, vinegar, garlic, and ginger that imparts bold umami and tangy flavors, perfect for beef, chicken, or pork dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 2 heaping tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 whole fresh crushed garlic
  • fresh ginger root, chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
  2. Place meat in the marinade, ensuring it is fully submerged.
  3. Marinate for 12 hours in the refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, let the marinade sit for a couple of hours before adding your meat. If you don't have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used as a substitute, but use it sparingly. For a slightly sweeter profile, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. This marinade is versatile and works well for chicken, beef, or tofu, making it perfect for various vegan recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This marinated meat goes well with steamed rice, making it a great accompaniment to dishes like Lipton Onion Rice. For a complete meal, serve with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also top it with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Claire'S Yummy Instant Cupcakes for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover marinade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to use it for marinating again, ensure it is boiled before use to kill any bacteria. When reheating marinated meats, do so gently in a skillet or oven to retain moisture and flavor, avoiding high heat that can dry them out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marinating Sauce contains roughly 194 calories, with 3g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2303mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).

194 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.4g 1% DV
Carbs 43.7g 16% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 38.5g 77% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2302.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 251.5mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Calcium 70mg 5% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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

How long can I marinate meat in this sauce?

For best results, marinate meat for at least 12 hours, but you can extend this to 24 hours for tougher cuts. Just be cautious with delicate meats like fish, which may only need 30 minutes to 2 hours to avoid becoming mushy.

Can I use this marinade for vegetables?

Absolutely! This marinade is fantastic for vegetables as well. Just marinate them for about 30 minutes before grilling or roasting. It adds a delicious umami flavor that enhances any vegetable dish.

Is it safe to reuse marinade after marinating meat?

No, it's not safe to reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat without cooking it first. If you want to use it later, set aside a portion before adding meat, or boil the used marinade to kill bacteria before using it in other dishes.

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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