Secret Marinade

Elevate your culinary creations with this flavor-packed Secret Marinade, a versatile and easy-to-make blend designed to take your favorite proteins and vegetables to the next level. Crafted from a harmonious mix of pantry staples like olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this marinade is perfectly balanced with sweet notes of honey, a zesty kick from lemon juice, and the fragrant depth of fresh herbs. Minced garlic and a touch of paprika add a savory warmth, while an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a spicy edge for those who crave a bit of heat. Ready in just 10 minutes, this marinade infuses chicken, beef, seafood, tofu, or vegetables with bold, vibrant flavors that deepen over time—ideal for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing. Perfectly customizable and endlessly delicious, this Secret Marinade is your ticket to unforgettable meals bursting with flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 35/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 0.5 cups olive oil
• 0.25 cups soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), finely chopped

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until well blended.

Step 2

Add minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk again to incorporate the spices evenly.

Step 3

Stir in the fresh chopped herbs to infuse the marinade with a vibrant, earthy flavor.

Step 4

Transfer the marinade to a resealable plastic bag or a large container with a lid.

Step 5

Place your desired protein or vegetables (such as chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or bell peppers) into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 6

Seal the bag or container and refrigerate. Allow the ingredients to marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for the deepest flavor.

Step 7

When ready to cook, remove the marinated protein/vegetables from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while preparing your cooking method (grilling, roasting, etc.).

Step 8

Dispose of any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw protein. If you'd like to use some for basting or as a finishing sauce, set aside a portion before adding raw ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(314.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1263.8

Total Fat 115.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3255.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 51.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g	0%
Total Sugars 40.6g
Protein 7.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 84.4mg	0%
Iron 3.4mg	0%
Potassium 481.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 81.6%

Protein: 2.4%

Carbs: 16.1%