You go to the store and spend $3-$5 on store bought marinades, but why? Here are my tips for how you can enjoy homemade marinades easily.
Today I’m showing you just how easy it is to make homemade marinades with my tips for making marinade along with 3 easy marinade recipes I whip up with common pantry ingredients. But first, why make homemade marinades?
Why make homemade marinades?
Cost
Store bought marinades can easily run $3-$5 dollar each for a good marinade with decent ingredients. You likely have most of what you need at home, so why add another item to your list?
Ingredients
Most store bought marinades have lower quality ingredients or junk in them. Yes, you can totally pronounce everything we put in our homemade marinades, and yes, we control the quality of ingredients we put into them and ultimately, into our bodies.
Allergies
Many people have allergies and I legitimately have been told by people that they don’t use them because they can’t find many (or any) without things they are allergic to. Homemade marinades for the win! You control everything that goes in them and don’t have to read a tiny print label only to see the death knell near the bottom of the list.
Tips for making homemade marinade in no time
Know your ratios
- 1 part oil/1 part acid for most proteins and vegetables
- 3 part oil/1 part acid for delicate proteins like fish and seafood
- 1 tablespoon salt to 1 part oil/1 part acid
- Sweetener to taste
- Seasonings to taste (fresh, go for 1 part herb/1 part oil/1 part acid)
- 1 cup marinade/1 pound protein or vegetable
Choose your containers
- Make your own salad dressing jars – note: they often have measurements you need to ignore but these are great because they usually come in 16 ounce sizes and have a handy pour spout.
- Canning jar and lid – this is my favorite. It has basic measurements on the side and you can make the amount you want – 8 ounce, 16, ounce, etc. If you leave enough room in the top you can also throw them in the freezer.
- Ziploc bag or container you plan on marinating food in. It’s super easy to just dump ingredients into whatever you are marinating your food in but if you aren’t putting food in it right away it is a nuisance to have that big dish or an almost empty bag of liquid sitting in the fridge.
Make less dishes
- Measure right into the container – preferably one you can seal and shake
- Use a container with measurements on the side (this is why I love canning jars)
- Keep your ingredients simple – homemade marinades don’t require a ton of ingredients to be delicious
- Using a container that seals eliminates getting stirring utensils dirty
Common Ingredients for Homemade Marinades
Oil
- Olive oil (go with extra virgin so it isn’t overpowering)
- Avocado oil
- Vegetable oil
- Sesame oil
Acid
- Vinegar – apple cider, balsamic, rice wine vinegar, etc.
- Wine
- Citrus
- Yogurt (like in this tasty Persian Chicken and Vegetable Kebab Recipe)
- Onions
- Garlic
Sweeteners
- Sugar
- Honey
- Agave
- Maple Syrup
Sodium
- Salt
- Soy sauce
Seasoning
- Fresh or dried herbs
- Spices
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3 Easy Homemade Marinade Recipes
Honey Balsamic Marinade is perfect for steak, chicken, or salmon. It’s one of my go-tos and it grills up beautifully with a sweet savory glaze. You’re sure to love it.
PrintHoney Balsamic Marinade
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 ounces 1x
- Category: Condiments
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 and 1/2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a food processor or container that seals, shaking until well incorporated.
- Refrigerate until using.
Lemon Garlic Marinade is a twist on one of my classic no-hassle favorites – Lemon Garlic Chicken – that I like to make for company dinner or take as a meal for someone. It’s super easy to make and full of flavor. Marinate chicken thighs then grill it or nestle the thighs in my favorite pan that’s been heated on the stove with a bit of oil. Brown both sides a few minutes then cover and throw in the oven to finish cooking through.
PrintLemon Pepper Marinade
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 ounces 1x
- Category: Condiment
Ingredients
- 1 cup oil (use a mild oil)
- 1 cup lemon juice (juice from approximately 2–3 lemons)
- 1 Tbsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a food processor or container that seals, shaking until well incorporated.
- Refrigerate until using.
Garlic Lime Marinade is a spin on my Garlic Lime Chicken Street Tacos I whip up in the Instant Pot. Sometimes we want that flavor with our grilled chicken, pork, or steak. It will be a winner at your next BBQ. (You’ve gotta try the tacos too).
PrintGarlic Lime Marinade
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 ounces 1x
- Category: Condiments
Ingredients
- 1 cup oil (use a mild oil. I like extra virgin olive or avocado oil)
- 1 cup lime juice/juice from 4-6 limes)
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic (or 3 large cloves)
- 1 Tbsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a food processor or container that seals, shaking until well incorporated.
- Refrigerate until using.
Have you ever made homemade marinades? Which of these will you try first?
We are going up North to a cabin for a week – we want to have a streak dinner one night – can I make a marinade ahead of time and store it (just the marinade) in the fridge til I need it?
You absolutely can. Just be aware that if you use olive oil it can congeal in the refrigerator. I’ve found that bringing the mixture back to room temperature then shaking the mixture up really well brings it back to the right consistency.
Also, have a great trip!
How do you seal the marinade in the canning jars?
These marinades aren’t canned and shelf-stable. I simply use seals and rings or plastic lids.