{INSPIRATION} Easy Marinades

Several friends keep asking me to post about some easy marinades for those too-tired-to-think dinners! I often have some go-to recipes that makes things easier, especially with kids who tend to be picky. One child doesn't like overly spiced meat while the other likes flavour. Neither kids like anything too lemony nor peppery. 

So here are some of my favourite combinations, with ingredients you should have in your spice pantry and fridge. I did not provide measurements as these are often done optically. Go with dashes, drizzles, squirts, and colour! I wouldn't expect more than 1/2tsp of dry spices, depending on amount of protein. 

Trick of the trade is to add oil only after you've mixed the other ingredients into the meat, as this allows the flavours to penetrate the meat instead of creating a grease barrier.

Also remember to be careful of your salt levels, as some pre-mixed seasonings have added salt already. Certain sauces also add more salt, like ketchup and dijon mustard. Since I like to brine most of my chicken and pork for added tenderness and flavour, adding unsalted spices is very important when they are out of their brine and ready for a bit of marinade.

TRCW marinades: great for the grill or to roast in the oven

Everyday marinade:

Dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, yellow mustard, maple syrup/honey, salt and pepper, olive oil

Honey mustard:

Garlic powder, onion salt, grainy mustard, yellow mustard, paprika, honey, salt and pepper, olive oil

Greek:

Dried oregano, minced garlic, yellow mustard, ketchup, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper, olive oil

Montreal Chicken:

Montreal Chicken seasoning, yellow mustard, dried oregano, paprika, ketchup, olive oil, salt and pepper

Sumac:

Fresh chopped cilantro and parsley, minced garlic, sumac powder, turmeric, paprika, salt and pepper, olive oil

Asian:

Soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic and ginger, sesame oil, white pepper, olive oil

Cilantro Lime:

Fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, minced garlic, lime zest and juice, honey

Curry:

Curry powder, paprika, ground cardamom, oregano, salt and pepper, olive oil

Steak:

Montreal Steak spice, soy sauce, olive oil, salt and pepper

At any time, you can add a spice factor like sriracha/sambal or chili/cayenne powder for an added kick! I obviously omitted these to keep them kid-friendly, but I have slowly been incorporating a bit more peppery spices to condition the kids' palates! 

Give these marinades a try! You will love them!