12 best meat marinades

Meat marinades are flavorful mixtures of liquids, seasonings, and aromatics used to enhance the taste, tenderness, and moisture of meat before cooking. Marinades are a versatile component of cooking, allowing you to infuse various flavors into your meats and make them more delicious. Here's what you need to know about meat marinades:

  1. Ingredients: Marinades typically consist of four main components:

    • Acid: Common acids include vinegar, citrus juice (lemon, lime, or orange), wine, yogurt, or buttermilk. Acid helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy flavor.
    • Oil: Olive oil, vegetable oil, or other fats are added to help distribute the flavors and prevent the meat from sticking to the cooking surface.
    • Seasonings: This includes herbs, spices, garlic, onions, and various seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, or soy sauce. The choice of seasonings depends on the desired flavor profile.
    • Aromatics: Fresh or dried herbs, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic ingredients provide depth and complexity to the marinade.
  2. Marinating Time: The duration for marinating meat varies depending on the type of meat and the thickness of the cuts. For tender cuts like chicken breasts or fish, 15 minutes to an hour may suffice. Tougher cuts of meat, such as beef roasts or pork shoulder, can benefit from marinating for several hours or overnight to achieve the best results.

  3. Temperature: Always marinate meat in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Allow the meat to come to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.

  4. Sealable Containers: Use a sealable plastic bag, a shallow dish, or a container with a tight-fitting lid for marinating. Ensure that the meat is fully submerged in the marinade to evenly flavor it.

  5. Flavor Variations: You can customize marinades based on your preferences or the type of cuisine you're preparing. For example, teriyaki marinades often include soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, while Mediterranean-style marinades might feature olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like oregano and rosemary.

  6. Safety Note: Never reuse a marinade that has come into contact with raw meat unless it has been thoroughly boiled to kill any bacteria. It's also essential to discard any marinade that has been sitting with raw meat.

  7. Meat Selection: Different meats benefit from various types of marinades. For example, acidic marinades work well with poultry and seafood, while tougher cuts of beef or pork can handle longer marinating times with more robust flavors.

  8. Grilling and Cooking: After marinating, you can grill, roast, bake, or sauté the meat as desired. The marinade can also be used for basting during cooking to add extra flavor.

Overall, meat marinades are an excellent way to elevate the taste of your dishes and experiment with various flavors.By understanding the basics of marinades, you can create delicious and customized meals to suit your taste preferences and culinary needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best meat marinades on the market
  

Adolph's Marinade In Minutes Meat Marinade (Meat Tenderizer , Holiday Marinade), 1 oz (Pack of 24)

Adolph's

Based on 634 reviews Check latest price

Product description

When it comes to meat rubs and seasonings, Adolph's Marinade in Minutes Original Meat Tenderizing Marinade is your secret to creating an easy, mouthwatering meal your family will love. Featuring an original blend of tasty herbs, spices and natural flavors, including paprika, onion, garlic and a hint of lemon, this meat marinade is a simple way to tenderize and transform beef, pork and lamb in no time. Simply mix marinade with water and meat, marinate for 15 minutes, and grill, broil, bake or pan-fry to perfection.

  • Meat marinade is made up of an original blend of herbs and spices, including paprika, black pepper, onion, garlic and a hint of lemon
  • Quick meat flavoring - tenderizes and flavors your favorite meat in only 15 minutes
  • Works great as a pork, lamb, or beef marinade
  • Simply add water and meat for the ultimate grill marinade
  • Pump up the meaty flavor and prepare with beef broth in place of water for a variation

User questions & answers

Question: What is the difference between Adloph's Original Meat Tenderizing Marinade and Adolph's Marinade in Minutes Original Meat Marinade
Answer: I think it has to be the time involved with the Original. The Marinade in Minutes literally takes just minutes to marinate and tenderize. But, I have used the Marinate in Minutes. Good luck, you should enjoy the Minutes.
Question: How many packs do you get for the price
Answer: one packet of Adolph's meat marinade will marinade 1 to 2 1/2 lbs of meat. I researched it on Amazon and a pack of 8 runs around $20. And you can by one pack at a time but it may be more costly per pckg. Adolph's may seem high priced, but I can tell you from experience that it's well worth the cost. The taste and the tenderness of your meat after using the Adolph's brand of meat marinade well it's just worth the extra the price. To prepare your meat just pound it with a meat tenderizing utensil or if you don't have one just use a fork to poke holes into the meat, that way it can soak up the marinade and get tender. If you want to use the marinade when you cook your meat, make sure to leave some out in a container. Any marinade on the raw meat is to be drained off prior to cooking. If you use a baggy like a ziploc it's so easy to just put the meat and marinade in it and place in your frig. I've found that the marinade thickens up and you can turn the meat around to marinade all sides without a mess. Then just drain off the marinade from the meat, discard it, and you're good to go grilling or however you want to cook your meat. I'm sorry about the extra information but I just couldn't stop myself from talking about it. We use to buy it by the 20 packets price and use it all summer; it's so great for grilling! Hope I helped you out....Bev
Question: Is Papain the Tenderizer
Answer: The ingredients for Adolph's Meat Tenderizing Marinade is as follows. ~ Erica SALT, CORN MALTODEXTRIN, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SUGAR, SPICES (INCLUDING BLACK PEPPER), PAPRIKA, CARAMEL COLOR, GARLIC, ONION, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE (ADDED TO MAKE FREE FLOWING), NATURAL FLAVORS, YEAST EXTRACT, BROMELAIN (TENDERIZER), BEEF EXTRACT, AND BEEF TALLOW.
Question: How many 1 oz packets for the listed price
Answer: There are twenty-four 1 oz packets listed.

Kosmo’s Q Award Winning Competition Pork Soak| Sweet & Savory Pork Marinade | Best Barbeque Meat Brine | Moisture, Flavor, & Tenderness | Seasoning & Marinade | Gluten-Free | 16 Oz

Kosmos Q

Based on 81 reviews Check latest price
  • TRANSFORMING ORDINARY PORK: Sick of unremarkable, tough, and tasteless pork? Our award-winning, competition Pork Soak will take your cooking to the next level. Transform any cut of pork into tender, lip-smacking, head-turning, delicious meat that is sure to “wow” even the toughest of critics. Whether you are competing or hosting a family barbecue or tailgate, this brine will have competition and family judges alike begging for more!
  • MOISTURE - FLAVOR - TENDERNESS: Pork is no longer meat to fear with Kosmos Q Pork Soak! This brine could be considered The Holy Trinity of pork preparation, giving you unmatched moisture, flavor, and tenderness. Enjoy pulled pork, spare ribs, roast, tenderloin, and more that is fall-apart juicy and overloaded with deep savory goodness. If pork still isn’t your meat of choice, the versatile flavor of this soak also works great with chicken, shrimp, and other meats!
  • A FLAVOR EXPLOSION: This delicious meat soak is the choice of award-winning grill champions worldwide! Our special blend of spices, including brown sugar, honey, and worcestershire, is combined with bbq enthusiast ideals to form an original blend that is unlike any other. Take traditional ribs, pork butt, and chops and turn them into a mouthwatering explosion of savory, smoky-sweet flavors for a unique experience that your tastebuds will crave!
  • EASY TO USE: Our Pork Soak will add knock-your-socks-off flavor and tender juiciness to this tricky meat! We have made creating the perfect brine simple; just add the prepackaged mix to your choice of water or broth, shaking well to fully incorporate. Soak pork chops, ribs, or roasts anywhere from 2-24 hours. The thickness of the cut will determine how long to soak the meat in this brine. Then rinse well and bake, smoke, or barbeque. The result: world-champion-worthy BBQ!
  • THE SECRET IS KOSMOS Q: Since its formation in 2009, Kosmos Q has won multiple championships, both grand and reserve, in the highly competitive world of BBQ. Kosmos Q attends 30 competitions each year, caters events on the infield of NASCAR’s “Texas Motor Speedway,” and held the position of the nation’s 2nd best food truck for a year and a half. Every product developed by Kosmos Q is rigorously tested. If it’s not good enough for us at Kosmos Q, then it’s not good enough for you.

User questions & answers

Question: If u use pork soak is it ok 2 also use rub
Answer: Yes. I soak the pork overnight then rinse off before adding the rub.
Question: Appears this is 1lb of brine. How much should be used for 1 pork butt
Answer: For a whole butt 6-9lbs I like to use 1 cup for 12-16 hours. That's just my personal preference.
Question: Roughly would one package be enough for 4-9lb pork butts to brine? And also what is the preferred liquid to use...water, apple cider or something else
Answer: yes a bag should be enough. I would use either distilled water or maybe some apple juice.

Product features

Pork Perfection

This delicious meat soak is the choice of award-winning grill champions worldwide! Our special blend of spices, including brown sugar, honey, and worcestershire, is combined with bbq enthusiast ideals to form an original blend that is unlike any other. Take traditional ribs, pork butt, and chops and turn them into a mouthwatering explosion of savory, smoky-sweet flavors for a unique experience that your tastebuds will crave!

Undeniable Taste

Looking for maximum flavor? There is nothing better than Kosmos Q. Made from quality ingredients, we deliver a explosion of flavor in every bite!

Oh So Versatile

Whether it's beef or chicken, fish or veggies, Kosmos Q pairs well with eveything. It brings out the flavor to send your meal to another universe!

ITJUSTWINS

Everyone wishes that they could have award-winning competition BBQ at their backyard barbecue parties. With Kosmo’s BBQ, that's exactly what you'll have, every time.

Kosmos IS Q!

BBQ brings people together no matter the weather. Kosmos Q started as a passion project to encourage people to spend more time with friends and family.

Tony Chachere Injectable Marinade Variety Pack, Butter Jalapeno and Roasted Garlic, 3 Count

Tony Chachere's

Based on 438 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Get ready for a tender and juicy taste. Use our injectable as a basting sauce or inject your meat of choice right before cooking it.

  • Contains: butter, jalapeno, roasted garlic
  • Tender, juicy taste
  • Injectable marinade
  • Tony chachere's makes everything taste great

User questions & answers

Question: Do you get
Answer: About the product Contains: (2) butter, (1) roasted garlic
Question: Does the injector get clogged with spices
Answer: Never. I have been using this for over 10 years this same brand and it has never gotten clogged. I always wash the syringe after use if I don’t use the entire bottle. This makes everything taste better
Question: Does this product come with an injector
Answer: Yes sir. Each bottle has a nice injector attached.
Question: Is it gluten free
Answer: There is a list of ingredients on the product page...

Noble Made by The New Primal Aminos and Marinades (Marinade Variety Pack)

The New Primal

Based on 477 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A pot of gold. The vessel is unwieldy, and the booty is subject to pesky exchange rates. What we’d rather find at the end of our rainbow? A crock pot of free-range chicken. Or a cast iron pot of grass-fed beef tips. And because we have a hunch you crave the same, we’re offering the full spectrum of our Whole30 Approved, certified Paleo and Gluten-Free marinades as one bundle of lucky loot. Each dreamy flavor - Classic, Hot & Spicy, and Citrus Herb - is made with coconut aminos (no oil!), and contains no refined sugars, soy, or dairy. You get one of each in this special variety pack - try them all for soaking and cooking your favorite meats and veggies. And then just follow your nose to find that tasty treasure.

  • MARINADE VARIETY PACK: Includes one 12-ounce bottle each of Classic, Spicy, and Citrus Herb marinades.
  • HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS: Turn that bottle around and check out the list of tasty, natural ingredients. You know them, you can pronounce them, and they are already making your mouth water.
  • LOW FAT & LOW CARB: Our marinades just happen to be low fat and low carb. Why wont you miss more of those? Because of our secret weapon: coconut aminos. Every flavor is free of refined sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, oil, trans-fats, artificial fillers, and preservatives.
  • WHOLE30 APPROVED & PALEO FRIENDLY: The New Primal marinades are Whole30 Approved and keto and paleo friendly. This mean each delicious marinade will keep your meats and veggies - and you - well within your nutrition objectives. No more cobbling together recipes or wasting ingredients.
  • CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE and NON-GMO PROJECT VERIFIED: Each variety receives the stamp of strictest standards to promote a healthy gut and happy gut-check. Because who really needs gluten or genetic modification?

User questions & answers

Question: how much citrus herb sauce is good to use to marinate about a pound and a half of chicken
Answer: It's made in China but distributed from Florida! I really like the rice, follow the instructions and dry them in a hot pan and keep stirring until it's dry!
Question: What are the ingredients in each bottle
Answer: It's the closest thing to real rice you can get. Cauliflower rice has carbs. This is 0 and it tastes a lot better
Question: Is there sugar added from the concentrate items listed? i'm doing the scd diet and we can not have concentrate juice items, only "not from concentrate
Answer: They did not come refrigerated so I do not refrigerate. Honestly do not keep them long enough to encounter that problem.
Question: Does this product have to be cooked down or would it be okay to drizzle "raw" over a salad
Answer: The ingredients are simply: (1) Water (2) Organic Konnyaku Flour (3) Calcium HydroOxide

Product features

Soy sauce alternatives by using coconut aminos.
Each bottle is free of gluten and full of flavor.
Upgrade your meals with these flavors.

Weber Grill Spices and Seasonings JUST ADD JUICE 1.12 OZ Marinade Mix variety Spices set of 6 Caribbean Jerk Lemon Pepper Garlic & Herb Citrus Herb Teriyaki Original BBQ

Weber

Based on 95 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: How many ounces do these packets make
Answer: The all call for 1/2 cup of juice, so you're basically going to get 4 ounces of liquid, plus whatever volume is added by the packet contents (a little more than another ounce). I had no issues with this being plenty for the amount of meat it said it would cover. I always turn my meat while it marinades so you don't need a lot.
Question: Do these marinades come from the maker with very short dating or am I receiving very old product. These arrived with less than 2 months til expiration
Answer: The earliest best by date we currently have in stock on these six varieties is 13 months - the other 5 are 17 to 18 months out.
Question: How many ounces of juice is needed for each package? Thank you
Answer: add 1/2 cup of Juice a pack
Question: What kind of juice
Answer: Each packet tells what type of juice to use and how much. Some call for lemon, some orange, some pineapple.

Flavorize: Great Marinades, Injections, Brines, Rubs, and Glazes (Marinate Cookbook, Spices Cookbook, Spice Book, Marinating Book)

Chronicle Books

Based on 296 reviews Check latest price

UikieGo Excellent Travel Case and 2oz Heavy duty 304 Stainless Meat Injector, Stainless Steel Marinade injector Syringe for BBQ Grill and Turkey, 2 Ounce Syringe with 3 Needles, Easy to Use and Clean

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • Free to try: We offer the lifetime warranty, if there are any problem, please contact us, send your order number and take some photos of the product to us, we will deal with it ASAP.
  • Keep your family safe and healthy: General Recognized As Safe, food-grade 304 stainless steel for syringe barrel and needles; food-grade zinc alloy for handle and injector top.
  • High quality culinary stainless steel and zinc alloy metallic, Made with the best technology. Buy once, use for lifetime.
  • Detachable for Easy cleaning: The syringe and needle support were easy removed for cleaning with water, If you used them with the thick liquid, the cleaning brushs will help you clean the needles easy.
  • Juicy, Tender and Yummy for Every Bite: The food injector was solidly built to last to intensify flavors of Thanksgiving / Christmas turkey, beef brisket, pork butts, lamb, chicken, goose, duck; inject jelly / pudding into donuts, rum into strawberries, brine into home-cured meats; practical for kitchen tools, holidays, BBQ, smoked grill, family party, bonfire party!

MISS.U Meat Tenderizer Needle, 2 in 1 Needle Meat Tenderizer, 304 Stainless Steel(3 injection needle pinhole), Sauces Injector Marinade Flavor Syringe Kitchen Accessories

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Brand: MISS.U

Material: stainless steel + ABS

Package includes: 1 meat syringe and 2 brushes

Feature:

  • 2 depth settings, suitable for different thickness of meat
  • Security lock
  • Separated for easy cleaning
  • Reduce cooking time
  • Non-slip handle

Caution:

  • Please put the meat on the cutting board to prevent needles.
  • Make sure to polish the sauce to the best, otherwise they will clog the holes of the meat tenderizer.

  • ✿EXCELLENT IDEA: Meat tenderizer can directly inject the seasoning into the food, the seasoning is evenly distributed in the food, and the taste is delicious.
  • ✿EASY OPERATION AND FLAVORIZE:After tenderizing, injected sauce into meat, evenly process the steak or brisket. Flavor injector is simply disassembled and cleaned for repeated use
  • ✿WILDLY USE: This meat tenderizer perfect for almost any meats, such as pork, beef, lamb, chicken, fish, goose, Thanksgiving /Christmas turkey and so on. Great tools for home kitchen and outdoor barbecue party.
  • ✿SOFTENING FUNCTION:The meat marinade injector has 30 stainless steel needles,which can break the structure of the meat and giving it a tender taste. And the meat tenderizer needle has a safe lock.
  • ✿LIFETIME SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If at any point you are unhappy with your meat injection gun you can return it for a full money back refund. We Take Customer Service That Seriously.

World Market Hawaii's Famous Huli-Huli Sauce - Hawaiian BQQ Sauce - Meat Rub BBQ Sauce & Steak Seasoning - Low Sodium BBQ Sauce - 24 Ounce - Pack of 3

Hawaii's Famous Huli-Huli Sauce

Based on 739 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This wonderful marinade is the prime ingredient used for making famous "Huli Huli Chicken" that Hawaiians so love. It also makes a wonderful marinade and/or gravy for beef, pork, fish, just about any meat. One bottle is enough to marinate 6 pounds of meat so with one order of three bottles you can marinate 18 pounds of any type of meat. Also use as a seasoning in stir fry or other dishes.

  • Mouth watering BBQ Sauce
  • Made In Hawaii
  • Great Marinade for your chicken, spareribs and/or stir fry
  • 3 x 24 oz Bottles

User questions & answers

Question: is the manufacturer going out of business? Why is their website for sale? Why has the price doubled
Answer: The Hot & Spicy and the Classic ingredients are both pictured in the listing but here’s the ingredients for the Citrus as shown on the New Primal website. Water Organic coconut aminos (coconut flower blossom, nectar, water, sea salt) Apple cider vinegar Pineapple concentrate Lemon juice concentrate Smoked sea salt Dehydrated garlic Sea salt Dehydrated ginger Dehydrated thyme Dehydrated oregano Black pepper
Question: Why is this product listed as gluten free when the ingredients clearly says it contains wheat
Answer: There are 3 grams of sugar per serving. Ingredients include pineapple concentrate (which must be where the sugar is) but no other added sugar.
Question: Are these 24 ounce bottles
Answer: I call it my secret weapon.... I put a little in whatever salad dressing I am making.... I use if for stir fry, and when I roast veggies... I add a little bit to almost everything... raw or cooked.
Question: Does it need to refrigerate after opening
Answer: No. I'm assuming it s probably frozen due to the freezing temps. I think I would write and see if they are still good. I would think the answer would be yes, just might be mushy.

Iberia Mojo Criollo, 1 gallon Spanish Marinade Perfect for Marinating Chicken, Beef & Pork, Made With Real Orange Juice, 128 Fl Oz

Iberia Foods Corp.

Based on 283 reviews Check latest price

Product description

PERFECT MARINADE: Iberia Mojo Criollo Marinade is a great way to infuse your favorite foods with super flavor before cooking. It is a potent but delicious marinade and a key ingredient in many Cuban dishes.



ZESTY TASTE: Zesty Mojo Criollo with garlic, onion, and citrus for tender, tasty meat and poultry.



PANTRY ESSENTIAL: Use on chicken, fish, shrimp, steak and much more. Like Sofrito, Mojo Criollo is an essential for making good Cuban food.



MANY USES: Iberia Mojo Criollo serves as a wonderful marinade for meats, a delicious sauce for vegetables and as a condiment on the table.



BULK SIZE: Gallon size for repeated usage and added value.

  • PERFECT MARINADE: Iberia Mojo Criollo Marinade is a great way to infuse your favorite foods with super flavor before cooking. It is a potent but delicious marinade and a key ingredient in many Cuban dishes.
  • ZESTY TASTE: Zesty Mojo Criollo with garlic, onion, and citrus for tender, tasty meat and poultry.
  • PANTRY ESSENTIAL: Use on chicken, fish, shrimp, steak and much more. Like Sofrito, Mojo Criollo is an essential for making good Cuban food.
  • MANY USES: Iberia Mojo Criollo serves as a wonderful marinade for meats, a delicious sauce for vegetables and as a condiment on the table.
  • BULK SIZE: Gallon size for repeated usage and added value.

User questions & answers

Question: is this marinade OK for injection? specifically for chicken
Answer: I was about to comment this same thing! Wonder if there is a way to report it
Question: Is the bottle supposed to be sealed under the cap
Answer: Yes, this is for 3 - 24 ounce bottles.
Question: Just wondering how’s there’s not any sugar/ vitiman c considering that it has orange and grapefruit
Answer: I refrigerate everything after opening especially if the climate is warm.
Question: What does it taste like? salty? sweet? tangy? spicy? similar to any other sauces
Answer: We would recommend between 1/4-1/2 the bottle for marinating. We would also recommend putting a little sauce in a saucepan to reduce some down into a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Marinades, Rubs, Brines, Cures and Glazes: 400 Recipes for Poultry, Meat, Seafood, and Vegetables [A Cookbook]

Ten Speed Press

Based on 199 reviews Check latest price

Daddy Hinkle's Quarts

Daddy Hinkle's

Based on 194 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Daddy Hinkle's Instant Marinade is great for all kinds of meats. Perfect for oven, skillet, smoker and grill.

  • Are you looking for the easiest way to make your home steaks taste like an award-winning steak from a steakhouse
  • Daddy Hinkles Liquid Marinade tenderizes your meat and enhances the natural flavor without covering it up

User questions & answers

Question: What is thr flavor of this
Answer: Naturally sweet with fruit no sugar added
Question: Does anyone know what the shelf life is on the liquid marinade
Answer: Tangy. It’s very good to marinate chicken, pork or beef. You can also use orange sauce made by the same company to marinate or even to add to the chicken or pork
Question: how is this with chicken
Answer: I don’t know. Shipping is quite high.

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