Garlic Marinade

Garlic Marinade Recipe: Flavorful & Easy to Make

Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Garlic marinade is a versatile and flavorful marinade that can be used on a variety of meats, poultry, and seafood. The combination of garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and spices creates a delicious and aromatic marinade that will enhance the flavor of any dish.

History

The origins of garlic marinade are not well-documented, but garlic has been used in cooking for centuries. Garlic is known for its strong flavor and health benefits, making it a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. The combination of garlic with olive oil, vinegar, and spices likely originated in Mediterranean cuisine, where these ingredients are commonly used in cooking.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
0.25 cup of red wine vinegar
1 tsp of black pepper
1 tsp of salt (rock or iodized)
1 tsp of oregano
1 tsp of worcestershire sauce

How to prepare

Mix all the ingredients together. Spoon or funnel the contents into a fresh container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Use this on meat, poultry, or seafood.

Variations

Add fresh herbs such as parsley or basil to the marinade for added flavor.
Use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a sweeter marinade.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crush the garlic cloves well to release their flavor into the marinade.

- Marinate meat, poultry, or seafood for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the food.

- Use a fresh container to store the marinade in the refrigerator to prevent contamination.

Serving Suggestions

Serve garlic-marinated meats, poultry, or seafood with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate meat, poultry, or seafood in the garlic marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Grill, bake, or sauté the marinated food until cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canola oil or avocado oil instead of olive oil.

- Substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for the red wine vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the garlic marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Marinate meat, poultry, or seafood in the marinade for a quick and flavorful meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve garlic-marinated meats, poultry, or seafood on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair garlic-marinated meats with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. Serve garlic-marinated seafood with a side of rice pilaf or grilled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover garlic marinade in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat marinated meats, poultry, or seafood in the oven or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of garlic marinade contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Garlic marinade is low in carbohydrates, with only trace amounts coming from the red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.

Fats

The main source of fat in garlic marinade comes from the olive oil, which is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

Garlic marinade does not contain any significant amount of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic marinade contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals from the garlic, oregano, and other spices used in the marinade.

Alergens

Garlic marinade may contain allergens such as sulfites from the red wine vinegar and anchovies from the Worcestershire sauce.

Summary

Garlic marinade is a low-carb, flavorful marinade that is high in healthy fats from olive oil. It is a versatile marinade that can be used on a variety of meats, poultry, and seafood.

Summary

Garlic marinade is a flavorful and versatile marinade that can be used on a variety of meats, poultry, and seafood. With a combination of garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and spices, this marinade adds depth and flavor to any dish. Enjoy the delicious taste of garlic marinade on your favorite meats, poultry, or seafood for a tasty and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the countryside. My aunt was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to spending time in her kitchen, watching her work her magic.

One day, as we were preparing for a family barbecue, my aunt pulled out a small glass jar filled with a fragrant marinade. The scent of garlic, herbs, and spices wafted through the air, making my mouth water. I asked her what it was, and she smiled and told me it was her secret garlic marinade recipe that she had learned from her own mother.

Intrigued, I watched as she brushed the marinade on the meat and vegetables, the flavors seeping into every crevice. When it was time to eat, I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The garlic was bold and savory, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of heat. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, I begged my aunt to teach me how to make the marinade. She laughed and agreed, taking me under her wing as we stood side by side in the kitchen, mixing together the ingredients and adjusting the flavors until it was just right.

Over the years, I have made this garlic marinade countless times, each batch bringing back memories of that sunny day in my aunt's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition from generation to generation.

The key to the marinade, as my aunt taught me, is to use fresh ingredients and to let the flavors meld together for at least a few hours before grilling. The garlic should be minced finely, the herbs should be chopped with care, and the spices should be measured out with precision.

One of my favorite memories of making the garlic marinade was when my own children were young. They would stand by my side, eager to help mix the ingredients and taste-test along the way. It became a family tradition, a way to bond over good food and shared experiences.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. Sometimes I would add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy brightness, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth. Each batch was a new adventure, a chance to create something unique and delicious.

To this day, whenever I make the garlic marinade, I am transported back to that moment in my aunt's kitchen, surrounded by the love and warmth of family. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime.

And so, as I stand in my own kitchen, mixing together the familiar ingredients and savoring the familiar scents, I am grateful for the recipe that has been passed down through the generations. It is a reminder of the joy of cooking, the pleasure of sharing good food with loved ones, and the beauty of tradition.