15 Flavorful Marinade Recipes for Grilling
These 15 marinade recipes add deep flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, and seafood using simple ingredients.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
A good marinade can turn basic ingredients into a flavorful grilled meal. These recipes use fresh herbs, spices, oils, and acids like vinegar or citrus to tenderize and season food. Each one can be made with pantry staples and adjusted to suit different proteins or vegetables.
1. Garlic Herb Marinade
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Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. This marinade works well with chicken, fish, or vegetables. It adds a fresh, clean taste with light citrus and herbal notes. Let food sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
2. Classic Teriyaki Marinade
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Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil. This blend gives a sweet and salty flavor with a hint of umami. Use it for chicken, steak, or skewered vegetables. Marinate for 1–4 hours, depending on the protein.
3. Lemon Pepper Marinade
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Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, cracked black pepper, garlic, and a little Dijon mustard. The acidity helps tenderize, and the pepper adds a sharp bite. It pairs well with fish, shrimp, or boneless chicken. Marinate for 30 minutes to two hours.
4. Balsamic Rosemary Marinade
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Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chopped rosemary, garlic, and a touch of honey. This marinade adds depth and a slight sweetness. It’s great for pork, mushrooms, or beef. Let it sit for at least one hour before grilling.
5. Spicy Chipotle Marinade
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Blend canned chipotle peppers in adobo with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of cumin. This gives a smoky, spicy flavor that suits chicken, steak, or tofu. Use gloves when handling peppers. Marinate for two to four hours for full flavor.
6. Greek-Style Marinade
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Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and plain yogurt. The yogurt helps tenderize and adds creaminess. It works especially well with chicken or lamb. Marinate for four to six hours or overnight.
7. Honey Mustard Marinade
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Combine Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. This marinade adds a sweet, tangy flavor and helps food caramelize slightly when grilled. It’s best on chicken, pork, or vegetables like Brussels sprouts. Marinate for one to three hours.
8. Soy Ginger Marinade
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Mix soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This is a light, sharp mix that works well with seafood, tofu, or chicken. Let the fish soak for only 30 minutes to avoid breaking down the texture. For meat, one to two hours is ideal.
9. Smoky BBQ Marinade
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Blend ketchup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. This brings bold barbecue flavor with a hint of sweetness. Use with ribs, chicken, or veggie skewers. Marinate for two to six hours.
10. Cilantro Lime Marinade
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Combine lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of chili flakes. This is bright and fresh, ideal for chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. It works best when used within one to two hours of mixing. Let food soak for 30 minutes to two hours.
11. Indian-Inspired Yogurt Marinade
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Use plain yogurt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. This thick marinade coats the food and adds deep flavor. Great with chicken, paneer, or cauliflower. Marinate overnight for best results.
12. Pineapple Soy Marinade
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Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little brown sugar. The natural sugars help with browning on the grill. It works well with pork, chicken, or shrimp. Marinate for one to four hours, depending on the protein.
13. Italian Vinaigrette Marinade
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Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. It’s simple, balanced, and works with nearly anything. Use it for chicken, zucchini, or mushrooms. Let food sit for 30 minutes to two hours.
14. Cajun Marinade
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Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and smoked paprika. This adds bold, slightly spicy flavor. Works well with chicken, fish, or tofu. Marinate for one to three hours.
15. Sesame Garlic Marinade
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Mix sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a little honey. It gives a nutty, savory profile. Perfect for grilled tofu, beef, or green beans. Marinate for 30 minutes to two hours.