“Momma’s Special” Marinade is a cherished family recipe that’s designed to impart vibrant, zesty flavors to a variety of meats, making it a versatile and delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. This marinade has garnered accolades and requests from family members, particularly the nieces, who affectionately refer to the marinated chicken as “Momma’s Special Chicken.” The marinade is easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet yields maximum flavor, making it a go-to for summer grilling sessions. Below, you’ll find an in-depth exploration of this marinade, its ingredients, nutritional values, and its applications.
Momma’s Special Marinade
Total Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: N/A (Marinate overnight for best results)
Category: Low Protein
Keywords: Kid Friendly, Summer, < 15 Mins, Easy
Description
This marinade, favored for its simplicity and robust flavor, is usually used with chicken, although it was originally intended for salmon. The recipe’s success with chicken has led to its popularity, especially among the younger members of the family, one of whom famously devoured a whole chicken at the tender age of three. For optimal flavor, marinate the meat overnight and cook it on the grill. This versatile marinade is also effective with steak, offering a delightful burst of flavor for various meats.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Provides a tangy base that helps to tenderize the meat while adding brightness to the flavor profile.
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex umami depth and a bit of sweetness, balancing the tanginess of the lemon juice.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Introduces a subtle herbaceous note, complementing the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Enhances the savory aspect of the marinade with its salty richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mild garlic flavor that melds well with the other components.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and complexity to the marinade.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, basil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
-
Marinate the Meat:
- Place your chosen meat (chicken, steak, or salmon) in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated. If needed, double or triple the recipe depending on the amount of meat you have.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag, then place it in the refrigerator. Allow the meat to marinate for at least a few hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor absorption.
-
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
- Grill the meat according to your preference. For chicken, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For steak, cook to your desired level of doneness, and for salmon, until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 199.2 kcal
- Fat: 20.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 252.1 mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.6 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
Serving Information
- Servings: 2
- Yield: Varies (Adjust according to the amount of meat)
Tips and Variations
-
Adjusting the Recipe: The quantities provided are suitable for a small batch of marinade. If you’re preparing a larger amount of meat, simply increase the quantities of each ingredient proportionately.
-
Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used instead of dried basil for a more vibrant flavor.
-
Alternative Uses: While this marinade shines with chicken, it was initially crafted for salmon and has also been successfully used with steak. This versatility makes it a handy recipe to keep in your arsenal for various grilling needs.
-
Cooking Methods: Besides grilling, this marinade can be used for baking or pan-frying meats. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the marinated meat until done. For pan-frying, heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the meat until it’s fully cooked.
-
Storage: If you prepare more marinade than needed, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it convenient for quick marinating whenever you decide to grill.
Historical and Cultural Context
The use of marinades dates back centuries as a method for enhancing the flavor and tenderness of meat. Marinades typically include an acidic component, like lemon juice, which helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender. Worcestershire sauce, a British invention, adds a savory depth with its blend of vinegar, molasses, and spices, while soy sauce, an essential condiment in Asian cuisines, brings a salty umami richness. Garlic powder and black pepper are timeless additions, common in numerous culinary traditions for their ability to complement a wide array of dishes.
This particular marinade’s simplicity and effectiveness highlight the enduring appeal of combining just a few well-chosen ingredients to create a delicious result. It reflects a practical approach to cooking that balances convenience with rich, satisfying flavors, ideal for modern home cooks looking to maximize flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love It
“Momma’s Special” Marinade is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
-
Ease of Preparation: With just six ingredients and a few minutes of mixing, this marinade is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you want to ensure a flavorful meal with minimal fuss.
-
Versatility: Whether you’re grilling chicken, salmon, or steak, this marinade adapts beautifully, making it a versatile addition to your cooking routine.
-
Family Appeal: Its kid-friendly nature ensures that even picky eaters will enjoy the marinated dishes, making family dinners more enjoyable.
-
Flavor Depth: The combination of tangy lemon juice, savory Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, along with the aromatic basil and garlic, creates a complex yet harmonious flavor profile that enhances the natural taste of the meat.
-
Marinating Benefits: Allowing the meat to marinate overnight ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful dishes.
User Reviews and Feedback
- Rating: 5.0 stars
- Review Count: 2
Review 1:
“This marinade is an absolute game-changer! I used it on chicken, and it turned out so flavorful and juicy. My kids loved it and even asked for seconds. It’s now a staple in our summer grilling routine.”
Review 2:
“I was skeptical about trying a new marinade for steak, but ‘Momma’s Special’ proved to be a hit. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the meat was tender and delicious. Highly recommend for a quick and tasty marinade option.”
Conclusion
“Momma’s Special” Marinade is a testament to the power of simple, well-chosen ingredients in creating memorable meals. Its quick preparation, adaptability, and proven track record with family favorites make it a valuable recipe to have on hand. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice looking to impress at your next BBQ, this marinade is sure to elevate your dishes and delight your guests. Enjoy the flavors of summer grilling with the ease and satisfaction that “Momma’s Special” Marinade brings to your table.
