Costa Rican Marinade

Introduction

History

The Costa Rican Marinade is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations in Costa Rica. It is a popular marinade used in many Costa Rican dishes, adding a burst of flavor to meats and seafood.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the meat for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- You can adjust the amount of red pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- For a spicier marinade, add more red pepper sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the marinated meat grilled or roasted with a side of rice and beans for a traditional Costa Rican meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the meat for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop. Grill or roast the meat according to your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute lemon juice for lime juice if you don't have limes on hand. You can also use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using it.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the marinated meat on a platter garnished with fresh parsley and lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Costa Rican Marinade pairs well with rice and beans, plantains, and a crisp salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover marinated meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat in the oven or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Costa Rican Marinade contains approximately 30 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Costa Rican Marinade contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Costa Rican Marinade contains approximately 2 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Costa Rican Marinade contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Costa Rican Marinade is rich in Vitamin C, thanks to the lime juice and tomato juice used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Costa Rican Marinade is a low-calorie marinade that is low in carbohydrates and fats. It is a flavorful addition to meats and seafood.

Summary

Costa Rican Marinade is a delicious and tangy marinade that is perfect for adding a taste of the tropics to your favorite meats. With a zesty combination of lime juice, tomato juice, and garlic, this marinade is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, during a trip to Costa Rica with my husband. We had heard so much about the delicious and flavorful cuisine of this beautiful country, and we were eager to try as many dishes as we could.

One evening, as we were exploring a local market in the town we were staying in, we stumbled upon a small stall run by a friendly woman. She was selling all sorts of spices, sauces, and marinades, and everything looked so vibrant and enticing. I struck up a conversation with her, asking about the different products she had for sale.

She smiled warmly and began telling me all about the traditional Costa Rican marinade that she had learned to make from her grandmother. She explained that it was a versatile and delicious sauce, perfect for marinating meats, vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for fried foods. Intrigued, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me.

To my surprise and delight, she readily agreed. She pulled out a weathered old notebook from under the counter and began flipping through the pages. As she read out the ingredients and instructions, I could already imagine the wonderful aroma and flavor that this marinade would add to our meals.

After jotting down the recipe in my own notebook, we thanked the woman profusely and went back to our rental villa. That very evening, I decided to try my hand at making the Costa Rican marinade. The combination of fresh herbs, citrus juices, garlic, and spices was like nothing I had ever tasted before. It was a burst of tropical flavors in every bite.

As I marinated some chicken thighs in the sauce and grilled them to perfection, the smell wafting through the air was intoxicating. My husband and I sat down to eat, and with the first bite, we knew that this recipe was a keeper. The tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors danced on our taste buds, transporting us back to the bustling market in Costa Rica.

From that day on, the Costa Rican marinade became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for a cozy night in with my husband. Each time I whipped up a batch, it brought back memories of that chance encounter with the kind woman at the market and the culinary adventure that ensued.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe slightly to suit our tastes, adding a bit more heat here, a touch more sweetness there. But the essence of the marinade remains the same – a celebration of the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica that never fails to impress.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will enjoy making it as much as I have. Let the aroma of fresh herbs and zesty citrus transport you to faraway lands, and may each bite bring you joy and warmth. Remember, cooking is not just about nourishing the body, but also about feeding the soul.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on your own culinary adventure with the Costa Rican marinade. Who knows what new memories and flavors you will discover along the way. Bon appétit!

Categories

| Beef Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Costa Rican Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Lime Recipes | Pork Recipes | Tomato Juice Recipes |

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