Citrus-Infused Yucatán Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant Citrus-Infused Yucatán Marinade, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Yucatán Peninsula. This zesty mixture features the bright flavors of fresh citrus juices, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spice from jalapeño, making it a perfect accompaniment to chicken, pork, prawns, scallops, or any firm-fleshed fish. With about 1 cup of marinade, you’ll have enough to infuse 3 pounds of your favorite protein with a delicious tang that will impress your family and friends at your next barbecue.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange juice
2 (freshly squeezed (about 2/3 cup))
Lime juice
2 (freshly squeezed (about 1/4 cup))
Lemon juice
2 (freshly squeezed (about 6 tablespoons))
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Jalapeño chile
1 (stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced)
Ground cumin
1 (teaspoon)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Dried oregano
1 (teaspoon)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, and lemon juice until well mixed.
2
Add minced garlic, sliced jalapeño, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and salt to the citrus juices. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3
For best results, if marinating poultry or pork, place the meat in a resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours.
4
For fish and shellfish, marinate for no longer than half an hour to prevent the citrus juices from cooking the seafood.
5
When ready to cook, remove protein from the marinade, shake off excess, and grill to your desired doneness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Citrus-Infused Yucatán Marinade?
It is a vibrant, zesty marinade inspired by the culinary traditions of the Yucatán Peninsula, featuring citrus juices, garlic, and spices.
Which proteins are best suited for this marinade?
This marinade is ideal for chicken, pork, prawns, scallops, or any firm-fleshed fish.
How much marinade does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 1 cup of marinade.
How many pounds of meat can I marinate with this recipe?
The recipe provides enough marinade for about 3 pounds of your favorite protein.
What citrus juices are used in the Yucatán marinade?
The recipe uses freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, and lemon juice.
How much orange juice is required?
You need 2 oranges, which yields about 2/3 cup of freshly squeezed juice.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 limes, providing about 1/4 cup of juice.
What is the amount of lemon juice used?
It requires 2 lemons, resulting in about 6 tablespoons of juice.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves that should be minced.
How do I prepare the jalapeño for the marinade?
One jalapeño should be stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced.
How long should I marinate chicken?
For best results, marinate poultry in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.
What is the recommended marinating time for pork?
Pork should be marinated in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.
How long can I marinate fish?
Fish should be marinated for no longer than half an hour.
What is the maximum marinating time for shellfish like prawns and scallops?
Shellfish should not be marinated for more than 30 minutes.
Why shouldn't I marinate seafood for a long time?
The citrus juices can actually start 'cooking' the seafood if left for too long, altering the texture.
What spices are included in the marinade?
The marinade includes ground cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and salt.
How much ground cumin is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is the marinade spicy?
Yes, it has a hint of spice from the jalapeño and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How much salt is added to the mixture?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the first step in preparing the marinade?
In a medium bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange, lime, and lemon juices.
How should I combine the aromatics and spices?
Stir the minced garlic, sliced jalapeño, and dry spices into the citrus juices until evenly combined.
What is the suggested container for marinating meat?
A resealable plastic bag is recommended for marinating poultry or pork.
What should I do before cooking the marinated protein?
Remove the protein from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid before grilling.
What cooking method is suggested for this recipe?
Grilling is the recommended method to cook the marinated proteins.
What type of oregano is used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Does this marinade work for firm-fleshed fish?
Yes, it is explicitly recommended for any firm-fleshed fish.
Can I use this for a barbecue?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect accompaniment for your next barbecue.
What is the serving size for this marinade?
The recipe is listed as 1 serving, which refers to the full batch of marinade.
Where does the inspiration for this flavor profile come from?
It is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Yucatán Peninsula.
How many total ingredients are in this marinade?
There are 9 ingredients: orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, cayenne, oregano, and salt.