Thai-Style Marinade
A vibrant Thai-style marinade bursting with fresh herbs, heat from jalapeno, and tangy lime, perfect for adding bold flavor to meats, seafood, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use caution with seeds, they give the heat, and can burn your eyes if you touch them after handling the seeds.
- Combine jalapeno, scallions, cilantro, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic in a bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Use this marinade to flavor your choice of protein or vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder marinade, use half the jalapeno or substitute it with a mild pepper like bell pepper. If you don't have fresh lime juice, lemon juice works well as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Consider adding a dash of sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Thai-style marinade is excellent for grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Serve your marinated protein with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh salad, like Oriental Tomato-Cucumber Salad, for a refreshing contrast. It can also be drizzled over roasted vegetables or used in a wrap for a flavorful lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen in ice cube trays for longer storage. When ready to use, thaw and mix well before applying to proteins or vegetables. Avoid reheating the marinade itself, as it is meant to be used fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thai-Style Marinade contains roughly 76 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value) and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1070mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
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 something other than meat?
Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with vegetables, especially firm ones like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Marinate them for at least 30 minutes before grilling or roasting to enhance their flavors.
How long can I marinate my protein with this mixture?
For best results, marinate chicken or shrimp for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Tofu can be marinated for up to 24 hours to absorb more flavor. Be cautious with fish, as it only needs 15-30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
What if I don't have fresh cilantro?
If fresh cilantro isn’t available, try using parsley for a different flavor profile. While it won't replicate the taste exactly, it will still add freshness. Additionally, you can explore using a small amount of fresh basil for a unique twist.
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).