Fast, Easy, and Delicious Marinade for All Types of Meat
Discover a versatile marinade that elevates the flavor of all your grilled meats, perfect for those quick weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. This marinade, originally crafted for fajitas, has proven to be a delightful blend that enhances the natural taste of the meat without overpowering it. Whether you’re grilling skirt steak, chicken, or pork chops, this simple marinade guarantees juicy, flavorful results every time.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Description: A quick and forgiving marinade that accentuates the flavors of your meat, making it juicy and delectable.
Recipe Category
- Meat
Keywords
- Low Protein
- Less than 15 minutes
- Beginner Cook
- Easy
- Inexpensive
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh lime juice | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 3-4 pinches |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Additional black pepper (for seasoning) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 247.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 27.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 583.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2.3 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 0.3 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
Instructions
-
For Skirt Steak:
- Begin by mixing the salt and fresh lime juice together in a small bowl until well combined. This mixture will serve as the base of your marinade.
- Take your skirt steak and rub the marinade generously over both sides. Allow the steak to marinate at room temperature for about 10 minutes, making sure to turn it once during this time to ensure even flavor distribution.
- After marinating, shake off any excess marinade from the steak. Season it lightly with fresh ground black pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the steak on a lightly oiled grill rack. Grill the steak for 6 to 10 minutes in total, turning it once, until it reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare is ideal).
- Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. After resting, cut the steak diagonally into thin slices for serving.
-
-
For Chicken:
- Start by washing and drying your chicken parts thoroughly. Place them in a ziplock bag or a bowl for marinating.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining marinade ingredients (salt, lime juice, black pepper, garlic, olive oil, and cumin) until well blended.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken in the ziplock bag or bowl, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how much time you have.
- Once marinated, preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, turning once, until fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
-
For Pork Chops:
- Just as with the chicken, begin by washing and drying your pork chops, then place them into a ziplock bag or a bowl.
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients (the same as above) in a separate bowl, then pour this flavorful mixture over the pork.
- Allow the pork chops to marinate at room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes to absorb the delicious flavors.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the pork chops for about 5 minutes on each side, turning once, until they are fully cooked. A thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
This marinade is a game changer for any meat lover, providing a fast, easy, and delicious way to elevate your grilled dishes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; feel free to experiment with different types of citrus based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s limes, lemons, or even a splash of rice or cider vinegar, the marinade’s forgiving nature ensures consistently delightful results. Perfect for those busy days when you want something quick yet flavorful, this marinade will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
With its wonderful blend of ingredients that complement the natural flavors of the meat, this marinade will undoubtedly impress family and friends at your next cookout. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the deliciousness of perfectly marinated meat!
