Orange Marinade

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant orange marinade combining sweet honey, fresh thyme, and zesty orange flavors, perfect for grilling beef, pork, or poultry with a bright, aromatic profile.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup minced shallots
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a jar.
  2. Shake well to combine.
  3. Brush onto beef, pork, or poultry and grill.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate your protein for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. If you don't have fresh thyme, dried thyme can work in a pinch; just use half the amount. For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This marinade is versatile and can also be used on vegetables for a vibrant grilled vegetable platter.

Serving Suggestions

This orange marinade pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or pork, making it a great choice for a summer barbecue. Serve with sides like grilled asparagus or a fresh green salad to complement the citrus flavors. For a complete meal, consider pairing with Mom'S Baked Pork Chops for a delicious fusion of tastes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you have marinated meat, ensure it's tightly sealed and used within 2 days for optimal freshness. To reheat grilled meat, place it on a medium grill for a few minutes on each side, just until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Orange Marinade contains roughly 112 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 575mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

112 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 5.7g 7% DV
Carbs 14.4g 5% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 574.5mg 25% DV
Potassium 104.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.1mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 13.7mg 1% 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 seafood?

Yes, this orange marinade works wonderfully with seafood! Just make sure to marinate fish or shrimp for a shorter period, around 30 minutes, to prevent the citrus from cooking the seafood.

How can I make this marinade vegan?

To make this marinade vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Additionally, use a vegan soy sauce or tamari to maintain the savory flavor without animal products.

What type of orange should I use for the zest?

Navel oranges are a great choice as they have a sweet flavor and thick skin, making them easy to zest. You can also use blood oranges for a unique twist in flavor and color in your marinade.

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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