Tenderizing Marinade

Prep: 10 min

A flavorful tenderizing marinade combining soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices, perfect for enhancing meats with a savory and tangy profile. Ideal for grilling or roasting.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 6 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1/4 cup wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic or garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a glass jar.
  2. Shake and mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Pour the marinade over meat and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to tenderize and flavor.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier marinade, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can substitute the oil with avocado or sesame oil for different flavor profiles. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the taste slightly. Ensure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This marinade is perfect for grilled chicken or beef, bringing out rich flavors. Consider serving it with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Carrot-Cucumber Relish, adding a refreshing crunch to the meal. You can also use it as a dressing for a simple grain bowl.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you use the marinade on meat, discard any that has been in contact with raw meat to avoid contamination. When reheating marinated meats, do so gently to maintain tenderness, either in the oven or on the stovetop.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tenderizing Marinade contains roughly 354 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1976mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).

354 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 30.1g 39% DV
Carbs 20.5g 7% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 14.9g 30% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1976.2mg 86% DV
Potassium 126.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0mcg
Vitamin C 4.8mg 5% DV
Calcium 43.5mg 3% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit 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 vegetables?

Yes, this marinade works well with hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Marinate the vegetables for about 30 minutes before grilling or roasting to enhance their flavor and tenderness.

How long should I marinate the meat?

Marinating for at least 4 hours is recommended, but for optimal flavor and tenderness, overnight marination is ideal. Just be cautious with delicate meats like fish, which only need 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Is this marinade gluten-free?

To make this marinade gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free variety or tamari. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten.

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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