Zesty All-Purpose Marinade for Meats

This versatile marinade is packed with bold flavors from soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and a blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for beef, chicken, pork, or even seafood, it tenderizes and infuses your meat with a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy kick. Easy to whip up in a blender, this marinade will elevate your grilling, baking, or pan-searing game!

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Ingredients

• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ tbsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp dried basil
• 1½ tbsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tsp ground white pepper
• ¼ tsp hot pepper sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 tsp dried minced garlic (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Marinade

1. In a blender, combine soy sauce, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, ground white pepper, hot pepper sauce (if using), and dried minced garlic (if using).
2. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

1. Place your choice of meat (beef, chicken, pork, or seafood) in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Cover or seal, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours (at least 30 minutes for lighter proteins like fish, or 2–4 hours for chicken or beef for optimal flavor).

Step 3: Cook the Meat

1. Remove the meat from the marinade and discard excess marinade.
2. Cook the meat as desired—grill, bake, pan-sear, or broil—until it reaches the appropriate internal temperature for your protein.

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Serving Suggestions

• Grilled Meats: Perfect for steaks, chicken breasts, or pork chops on the grill.
• Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Flavor Boost: Reserve a small portion of unused marinade (before adding meat) to drizzle over the cooked dish or use as a dipping sauce (do not reuse marinade that has touched raw meat).

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Tips for Success

• Marinating Time: Avoid marinating delicate proteins like fish for too long (30–60 minutes max) to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Protein Choices: Works great with beef steaks, chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Storage: Store unused marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake or stir before using.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the hot pepper sauce or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This marinade is a flavor powerhouse, combining umami from soy sauce, brightness from lemon juice, and aromatic herbs for a well-rounded taste. It’s quick to prepare, versatile for any meat or cooking method, and guarantees juicy, flavorful results every time. Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep!

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Makes about 1¼ cups marinade, enough for 2–3 lbs of meat. Prep time: 5 minutes. Marinating time: 30 minutes to 8 hours.