Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Toya
Need some flavorful marinades for your favorite cuts of meat? These 10 delicious homemade marinades are exactly what you’re looking for! This list is made up of the best tasting marinade recipes made with easy-to-find ingredients that will make your meats taste top notch!
My collection of homemade marinades will take your favorite cuts of meat and turn them into mouthwatering meals! So, whether you’re grilling juicy pork chops, baking tender chicken drumsticks, slow-roasting a savory brisket, craving succulent turkey, savory beef, or flavorful chicken wings, there’s something here for you!
Plus, these recipes allow you to experiment a bit — so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your own liking!
What Makes A Good Marinade?
A good marinade typically has a balance of several key components including:
- Acid: Acids help tenderize the meat by breaking down proteins and enhancing its texture. Additionally, they add brightness and depth of flavor. Some common acids that can be used in marinade recipes include various types of vinegar (balsamic, apple cider, red wine, white wine, rice, and distilled), citrus juices (lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit), fermented products (yogurt, buttermilk, and sour cream), and other options like tamarind paste, pomegranate juice, tomato juice, and pineapple juice.
- Fats/Oil: Fats and oils are important when making marinade because they help to carry flavors and keep the meat moist during cooking. Some good examples are olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. Additionally, melted butter or ghee can also be used in a marinade.
- Flavorings: You can use any flavoring you desire including your favorite herbs, spices, garlic, ginger, and aromatics.
- Sweetness: Sweetness is important in a marinade because it balances acidity and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Sweet ingredients can also aid in caramelization during cooking. Some common sweeteners used in marinade recipes include honey, brown sugar, white sugar, maple syrup, agave nectar, fruit juices (such as apple or orange juice), and even sweet sauces like teriyaki or barbecue sauce.
- Salt: Salt is important in a marinade because it enhances the overall flavor of the meat and helps to draw moisture into it. It also helps in the seasoning process. Some great salty ingredients used in marinades include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, sea salt, and even miso paste.
When making a marinade, it is important that you use of each of these components so your marinade is as close to perfect as possible!
Now, lets see how to make some tasty marinade recipes below!
1. Pork Chop Marinade
This marinade combines citrus juice, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar for a savory and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with pork chops. Marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the pork chops, resulting in juicy, tender meat that’s so flavorful, you’ll be asking for more. Just grill or pan-fry the marinate pork chops for a appetizing weeknight dinner!
Pork chop marinade: 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes), 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 3 sprigs of rosemary.
For a savory and juicy pork chop dish, click here for the full pork chop marinade recipe.
2. Chicken Wing Marinade
This tasty chicken wing marinade features a mix of soy sauce, honey, lemon juice and spices, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Allow the wings to soak up the marinade overnight for maximum flavor, then bake or fry for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game-day snack. Your friends will be asking for seconds!
Chicken wings marinade: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, optional: 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper for heat.
If you’re in the mood for some crispy and tangy wings, check out this chicken wing marinade.
3. Brisket Marinade Recipe
This marinade is infused with red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs, and makes the best brisket marinade recipe. The acidity in the wine helps tenderize the brisket while adding depth to every bite. Ideal for slow-cooking, this marinade will make your brisket the star of any meal.
Brisket marinade: 1 cup red wine, 1/4 cup wine vinegar (red or white), 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp cumin seeds or ground cumin, 4 cloves crushed garlic, 2 tbsp chopped scallions, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 2 chopped chili peppers, 1 tsp coriander seeds (optional).
Planning to impress those at the dinner table with a hearty dish? Try my brisket marinade recipe here.
4. Chicken Drumstick Marinade
This flavorful chicken drumstick marinade combines red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, mustard, and spices for a bright and tangy taste. Let the drumsticks marinate overnight to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. This marinade makes the tastiest drumsticks! You have to give it a try!
Chicken drumstick marinade: 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 12 cloves crushed garlic, 3 tablespoons mustard seeds or powder, 3 teaspoons oregano, 6 tablespoons wine vinegar, 3/4 cup oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed black pepper, 3 teaspoons salt.
For tender and flavorful chicken, click here for this easy chicken drumstick marinade.
5. Homemade Chicken Marinade
This all-purpose chicken marinade is a blend of butter, garlic, vinegar, honey and herbs, making it a versatile choice for any chicken recipe that needs to be marinated. It’s easy to whip up and can be adjusted to your liking. Letting you chicken sit overnight in this marinade allows the chicken to soak up all the goodness. The end result is the best succulent and flavorful meat!
Homemade chicken marinade: 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), ½ cup chicken stock, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup, optional) (for 4 chicken breasts).
Try this homemade chicken marinade to bring out the best in your poultry.
6. Classic Steak Marinade
This classic steak marinade is made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic and herbs and spices and enhances the flavor of steak. It’s quick to prepare and once used to marinate the steak overnight, it ensures a tender and juicy steak that will impress your family or your guests at your next barbecue.
Steak marinade: 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped), 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
If you enjoy cooking steaks, you won’t want to miss the chance to use this fantastic steak marinade recipe here.
7. Turkey Marinade Recipe
This turkey marinade combines the juice of oranges, white wine, apple cider vinegar, garlic, sugar and rosemary for a fresh and tasty marinade recipe. This is the perfect marinade recipe for holiday dinners or any turkey dish.
Turkey marinade: Juice of 2 oranges, 1/4 cup white wine, 1 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp sugar, 3 sprigs of rosemary, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 4 cloves crushed garlic (remove after marinating).
For a delicious holiday meal, check out this turkey marinade recipe.
8. Lamb Chop Marinade Recipe
This marinade features an incredible mix of red wine vinegar, olive oil, mustard, garlic and herbs and spices that are perfect for tenderizing lamb chops. These are a must try if you want to make juicy pork chops for dinner or a gathering.
Lamb chop marinade: 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp mustard, 3 sprigs of rosemary (chopped), 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 4 cloves garlic (minced).
If you’re looking for something unique, try this easy lamb chop marinade recipe.
9. Beef Marinade
A simple yet flavorful beef marinade is made with crushed garlic, coarse salt, cumin seeds, red wine and black peppercorns. This combination makes a bold beef marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the beef while tenderizing it, making it perfect for beef recipes! Who knew that making a great beef marinade recipe could be so easy!
Beef marinade: 4 cloves crushed garlic, 1 tbsp coarse salt, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 cup red wine, 1 tbsp crushed black peppercorns.
9. Grilled Chicken Marinade
This grilled chicken marinade recipe combines garlic powder, paprika, and oregano for a flavorful kick, while ground cumin adds a warm depth. With the sweetness of brown sugar and the tangy richness of barbecue sauce, this marinade ensures your chicken will be perfectly tender and bursting with delicious flavor after grilling.
Grilled chicken marinade: 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper.
With these easy marinade recipes, you have everything you need to cook the best tasting cuts of meat. Plus, these marinades are so customizable and can be adjusted based on the ingredients you have on hand! A win win!