Spicy Chinese Marinade Recipe
Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese
Category: Marinade
Servings: Varies depending on meat choice
Rating: ★★★★★ (1 review)
This versatile and flavorful Spicy Chinese Marinade is the perfect addition to many different meats, with a special affinity for pork tenderloin, beef short ribs, and even chicken. Whether you’re grilling or baking your meat, this marinade enhances the taste with the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance. The marinade can be prepared ahead of time and left to marinate for several hours, allowing the meat to absorb all the flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 1/3 cup |
| Hoisin sauce | 1/3 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Red pepper flakes | 3 teaspoons |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Green onions, chopped | 6 stalks |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 342.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 23.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 9.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 31.1 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1773.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35.1 g |
| Fiber Content | 7.6 g |
| Sugar Content | 18.3 g |
| Protein Content | 6.5 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a heavy-duty freezer bag or bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
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Add the Meat: Place the meat (pork, beef, or chicken) into the bag or bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to toss the meat, ensuring that it is evenly coated with the marinade.
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Marinate the Meat: Seal the bag or cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the meat marinate for at least 1 to 3 hours. Occasionally turn the bag over to ensure that the meat is evenly marinated.
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Cook the Meat: Remove the meat from the marinade, reserving the marinade in the bag or bowl. Cook the meat as desired, either on a grill or in the oven. The cooking time will depend on the type of meat you are using and the desired doneness.
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Prepare the Marinade Sauce: While the meat is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan. Rinse the bag or bowl with 1/2 cup of water and add this water to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat.
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Simmer: Allow the marinade sauce to simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, boiling slowly to reduce and thicken slightly.
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Finish the Sauce: Just before the meat is ready, add butter to the saucepan and heat the sauce through until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Serve: Once the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness, thinly slice it and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
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Optional: For an even heartier meal, serve the sliced meat and sauce over a bed of steamed rice or cooked noodles. This dish pairs wonderfully with either side for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Meat Variations: While pork tenderloin, beef short ribs, and chicken all work beautifully with this marinade, feel free to experiment with other meats like lamb or turkey for different flavors.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder marinade, start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes and taste-test before adding more. For extra heat, increase the amount to your liking.
- Grilling or Oven Cooking: This marinade is versatile enough to be used for both grilling and oven roasting. If you’re grilling, make sure your grill is preheated to the right temperature before placing the meat on it. For oven roasting, cook according to the recommended internal temperature for the chosen meat.
This Spicy Chinese Marinade is an excellent way to elevate the flavors of any meat, infusing it with a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements that work beautifully for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or preparing for a special event, this marinade will impress and satisfy.
