Caribbean Jerk Marinade Delight
Elevate your culinary adventures with this vibrant Caribbean Jerk Marinade, a versatile companion for turkey, fish, pork, and chicken. This marinade balances the zesty sweetness of orange juice, the tang of vinegar, and the savory umami of soy sauce, creating a flavor explosion that embraces each protein. Infused with aromatic spices, fresh jalapeño for a hint of heat, and the depth of garlic and ginger, this marinade will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Ideal for grilling, this marinade is perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners. Remember to double the recipe if you're planning a feast, as it only serves up to 6. Let your meats soak up this incredible blend, and enjoy the essence of the Caribbean in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
vinegar
1/2 cup (white or apple cider vinegar)
soy sauce
1/4 cup (low sodium preferred)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin recommended)
jalapeno pepper
1 (diced, seeds removed for less heat)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
salt
1 teaspoon (kosher or sea salt)
thyme
1 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
allspice
1 tablespoon (ground)
gingerroot
1 tablespoon (fresh, minced)
garlic
3 cloves (minced; use more to taste)
green onions
4 (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl or ziplock bag, combine the orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, diced jalapeño pepper, brown sugar, salt, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, minced gingerroot, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
2
Reserve half a cup of the marinade in a separate container to be used as a dipping sauce or for basting while cooking.
3
Add your choice of meat to the remaining marinade, ensuring it's well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
4
Once marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the meat from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off.
5
Grill the meat according to your preference, using the reserved marinade to baste or as a dipping sauce to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caribbean Jerk Marinade Delight?
It is a vibrant, versatile marinade featuring orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and aromatic spices, perfect for turkey, fish, pork, and chicken.
What proteins work best with this marinade?
This marinade is ideal for flavoring turkey, fish, pork, and chicken.
How much orange juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed or store-bought orange juice.
What type of vinegar should I use?
You can use 1/2 cup of either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
What kind of soy sauce is recommended?
A 1/4 cup of soy sauce is used, with low sodium being the preferred choice.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this jerk marinade spicy?
It contains one jalapeño pepper; you can remove the seeds to reduce the heat level.
How much brown sugar is in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar for sweetness.
What kind of salt should I use?
One teaspoon of kosher or sea salt is recommended.
Is thyme used in the Caribbean Jerk Marinade?
Yes, one teaspoon of either dried or fresh thyme is included.
How much cinnamon is added?
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon is used in the spice blend.
What amount of nutmeg is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much allspice is required?
One tablespoon of ground allspice is used to provide the signature jerk flavor.
Do I need fresh ginger for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies one tablespoon of fresh, minced gingerroot.
How much garlic should I mince?
Use 3 cloves of minced garlic, or more if you prefer a stronger taste.
How are the green onions prepared?
Four green onions should be thinly sliced before being added to the mix.
How do I mix the marinade?
Combine all liquid and dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl or ziplock bag and mix until well blended.
Should I save any of the marinade?
Yes, reserve half a cup of the marinade in a separate container before adding the meat.
What is the reserved marinade used for?
The reserved portion can be used as a dipping sauce or for basting the meat while it grills.
How long should I marinate the meat?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
What is the best cooking method for this marinade?
Grilling on medium-high heat is the ideal method for meats prepared with this marinade.
What should I do before putting the meat on the grill?
Remove the meat from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to serve up to 6 people.
What if I am cooking for a larger group?
If you are planning a feast, it is recommended to double the recipe.
Is this marinade suitable for summer cookouts?
Yes, its vibrant Caribbean flavors make it perfect for summer grilling and outdoor dining.
Can I use this for fish?
Yes, fish is one of the specifically mentioned proteins that pairs well with this blend.
What flavors define this marinade?
It balances the sweetness of orange juice, the tang of vinegar, and the savory umami of soy sauce with aromatic spices.
Is the jalapeño pepper diced or whole?
The jalapeño should be diced before being added to the marinade.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat for the best results.
How should the meat be coated?
Ensure the meat is well-coated in the marinade before sealing the bag or covering the bowl.