If you’re looking to add an instant boost of flavor to your meats and more, a marinade is one of the easiest ways to do so. Take on a variety of flavor profiles for whatever meat–or veggie, fish, etc.--you’re enjoying.
But what’s so special about this flavor-boosting step in your meal prep? It turns out, with just a few ingredients–including olive oil and vinegar, you’re on your way to a delicious dish, perfect for quick weeknight meals or slower Sunday afternoons.
Here we’ll share all about the magic of the marinade, how to use it to enhance your dishes, and a few recipes of easy marinades that you can get started with.
What is a Marinade?
Have you ever wondered what can give a bite of chicken such juicy flavor or help tenderize a steak? Adding a marinade can transform both the flavor and texture of your main dish in delicious ways.
A marinade is a liquid mixture that is typically made of three basic types of ingredients: an acid, an oil, and some sort of flavoring agent.
- Acid: primarily a vinegar such as a balsamic vinegar. Can also include things like wine vinegar or wine and citrus such as lemon juice, orange juice, or pineapple juice. The acid works to improve the texture and add additional flavor. If you’ve got a tough cut of meat, adding acid to a marinade helps to soften the bite.
- Oil: balances out the acid and helps to keep the meat moist and delicious. It also boosts flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is always a great choice for a marinade, however you can also include creamier fats such as yogurt or tahini.
- Flavoring: tops off the marinade combination with enhanced flavor. This ingredient ties the acid and oil together into a harmonious mixture. These are typically herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, basil, cayenne, red pepper, and more. Here is really where you can make it spicy, sweet, robust, or fruity.
And that’s it! Just three ingredients to a transformed dish. To prepare, all you have to do is shake or whisk them up in a bowl or jar and pour over your meats in a sealable bag. Marinate for a few hours or overnight.
So, how can you use these marvelous mixtures?
What kind of meat can you marinate?
When you think of a marinade, most often meats like chicken, steak, and pork come to mind. Marinades work really well with these meats/poultry to bring on needed flavor to match your meal.
- Chicken marinade - Chicken is a very versatile protein that does well with all sorts of marinades. Whether spicy or sweet, you can combine the three core ingredients and whip up a delicious marinade.
- Steak marinade - Steak does really well with certain flavor combinations, such as lemon, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and more. While there’s certainly a wide variety of possibilities, steak may not be as flexible as chicken when it comes to choosing creative flavors.
- Pork marinade - As pork tends to be a bit savory, pairing it with a sweeter marinade can be a great option. Go for a honey mustard or brown sugar that can elevate the flavors of pork.
In addition to meats, poultry, and fish, you can also use marinades on things like vegetables and tofu! Marinades for these dishes include the same ingredients of oil, vinegar, and a flavoring/spice. Fish like salmon can also be transformed by a light and refreshing marinade.
How can you marinate using olive oil and vinegar?
As we’ve shared, two of the core ingredients in a flavor-packed marinade are the oil and vinegar. These components are crucial to work together to create a harmonious flavor combination. While there are different acids and fats to choose from, we think olive oil and vinegar are the prime choices for a balanced and effective marinade. For example, extra virgin olive oil carries much more flavor and health benefits than vegetable oil or canola oil.
Typically for a marinade, you’d want to use a ration of 3:1, meaning three parts extra virgin olive oil to one part balsamic vinegar. This ratio can help ensure the oil and vinegar are well balanced, with neither overpowering the other during the cooking process. When combining the vinegar, oil, and seasonings, it’s often helpful to add the oil last to ensure a smooth marinade.
Marinade Recipes
Ready to get cooking? Check out these marinade recipes to get inspired for your next meal.
Combine the fun of sweet and spicy in this balanced and flavor-packed marinade, perfect for chicken. Ingredients include Fustini's Michigan Apple balsamic, Farm Style Sriracha, and Fustini's Cayenne Crush olive oil.
This simple marinade goes great with shrimp, scallops, and other seafood. It brings a bright pop of flavor with Fustini’s Persian Lime Olive Oil and Fustini’s Sicilian Lemon Balsamic.
Turn up the flavor with this versatile marinade that is perfect for chicken! Made with your choice of either Chipotle olive oil or Cilantro & Onion olive oil, this chicken marinade is perfect for weeknights or weekend celebrations.
Get your chicken a little boozy with this marinade that uses dark beer as well as Fustini's Maple Balsamic Vinegar and Fustini's Espresso Bean Balsamic Vinegar.
Get Cooking
Pick up your favorite pairings of olive oil and vinegar for your next marinade! Go for a classic combination or try something new. Shop in-store or online at fustinis.com for both flavor-infused oils and vinegars, specialty oils, and our SELECT oils!