Six Easy Marinades to Instantly Level Up Your Meals

Today, i'm sharing 6 marinades that will instantly level up your meals! I'm using chicken for the recipe tutorial but don't worry, they will work with almost any protein or vegetables that you like.

Watch The Recipe Video Below

Six Easy Marinades to Instantly Level Up Your Meals

1. Zesty Lemon & Garlic Marinade

Ingredients

80ml x Extra-virgin olive oil

Zest and juice of 2 lemons

5–6 x Garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped

1 tbsp x Fresh thyme leaves

20g x Dijon mustard

10g x Honey

1½ tsp x Salt

½ tsp x Cracked black pepper

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest and juice.

2. Add the garlic, thyme, Dijon mustard, and honey.

3. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk until well combined.

4. Pour over your chosen meat or vegetables, massaging the marinade in.

5. Store in a sealed container or freezer bag in the fridge (up to 3 days) or freeze (up to 3 months).

2. Curried Yogurt Marinade

Ingredients

200g  x Full-fat plain yogurt

Juice of 1 lemon

4 x Garlic cloves, crushed

20g x Fresh ginger, grated

1½ tsp x Mild curry powder

1 tsp x Ground cumin

1 tsp x Ground coriander

½ tsp x Turmeric

½ tsp x Garam masala

1½ tsp x Salt

½ tsp x Black pepper

Method

1. (Optional) Lightly toast all the spices in a dry pan for 30–60 seconds to release their aroma.

2. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and the toasted spices.

3. Add salt and pepper, and mix until smooth.

4. Pour over your chosen protein or vegetables and massage well.

5. Label and refrigerate or freeze as desired.

3. Honey Mustard Marinade

Ingredients

80g x Dijon mustard

40g x Wholegrain mustard

80g x Honey

20ml x Apple cider vinegar

50ml x Olive oil

2 x Garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp x Fresh thyme leaves or chopped rosemary

1 tsp x Salt

½ tsp x Black pepper

Method

1. In a bowl, combine Dijon and wholegrain mustard with honey.

2. Stir in vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

3. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until smooth.

4. Pour over chicken, pork, or vegetables, coating well.

5. Store in fridge or freezer until ready to use.

4. Thai Red Curry Marinade

Ingredients

200ml x Full-fat coconut milk

60g x Thai red curry paste (store-bought or homemade)

1 tbsp x Fish sauce

Juice of 2 limes

3 x Garlic cloves, crushed

15g x Fresh ginger, grated

1 tbsp x Light soy sauce

15g x Fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

2. Stir until smooth and fully combined.

3. Pour over meat, fish, or vegetables and massage gently.

4. Seal and store in the fridge or freezer.

Tip: This recipe also works beautifully with Thai green curry paste.

5. Smoky Paprika Marinade

Ingredients

4 tsp x Smoked paprika

4 x Garlic cloves, crushed

50ml x Olive oil

30ml x Red wine vinegar

1 tsp x Fresh thyme leaves

1½ tsp x Salt

½ tsp x Black pepper

Method

1. In a bowl, mix smoked paprika and garlic with olive oil and red wine vinegar.

2. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat your chosen ingredients generously.

4. Marinate in the fridge before cooking.

6. Garlic & Rosemary Marinade

Ingredients

6–8 x Sprigs fresh rosemary

5–6 x Garlic cloves, thinly sliced or lightly crushed

80ml x Olive oil

20ml x White wine vinegar

1½ tsp x Salt

½ tsp x Black pepper

Method

1. Add rosemary sprigs directly into a resealable bag, crushing them slightly to release oils.

2. Add garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Add your meat or vegetables, seal the bag (removing excess air), and massage well.

5. Label and refrigerate or freeze.

 Storage Tips

• Fridge: Up to 3 days

• Freezer: Up to 3 months

• Always label and date your bags.

If reusing a marinade as a sauce, ensure it’s boiled thoroughly to cook out any raw meat juices.