Classic Teriyaki Marinade
Transform your chicken or pork dishes with this flavorful Classic Teriyaki Marinade, perfect for enhancing the natural taste of meats. A blend of savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and sweet brown sugar creates a delightful marinade that penetrates deep into the meat, ensuring each bite bursts with rich, tangy flavor. Ideal for grilling, baking, or broiling, this marinade is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of Asian-inspired zest to their meals. Try it with chicken breasts or pork chops for a delicious dinner experience that your friends and family will love!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
Coarse black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Water
2 tablespoons
Cooking oil
1 tablespoon
Soy sauce
1/4 cup
Pork chops or chicken breasts
4
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar is well distributed.
2
Add ground ginger, black pepper, water, cooking oil, and soy sauce to the bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are fully blended.
3
Place your pork chops or chicken breasts in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish.
4
Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
5
Allow the meat to marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature for a quick infuse of flavor, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for a deeper taste.
6
When ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven as desired, and cook the marinated meat until fully cooked through, turning halfway for an even glaze. Enjoy your savory dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Teriyaki Marinade?
Classic Teriyaki Marinade is a savory and sweet blend of soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar designed to enhance the flavor of chicken or pork.
Which meats are best for this marinade?
This recipe is specifically recommended for chicken breasts and pork chops, though it works well with other proteins too.
How long should I marinate the meat?
You should marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature for a quick flavor infusion, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper taste.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include minced garlic, brown sugar, ground ginger, black pepper, water, cooking oil, and soy sauce.
Can I use this marinade for grilling?
Yes, this marinade is ideal for grilling, as well as baking or broiling.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
Is ground ginger required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, but you can use fresh minced ginger for a more intense flavor.
What type of oil should I use?
Any standard cooking oil, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, will work well.
Should I seal the meat while it marinates?
Yes, you should place the meat in a zip-lock bag or a covered shallow dish to ensure it is evenly coated and remains fresh.
Is this marinade spicy?
No, this marinade is savory and tangy with a hint of spice from the black pepper and ginger, but it is not considered hot.
Can I use this for beef?
While the description mentions chicken and pork, the flavors of soy and garlic also pair excellently with beef steaks or tips.
Do I need to turn the meat while cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to turn the meat halfway through the cooking process to ensure an even glaze and consistent cooking.
Can I make this marinade in advance?
Absolutely, you can mix the marinade ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.
Is the soy sauce essential?
Yes, soy sauce provides the salty, umami base that is characteristic of a classic teriyaki flavor.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
Can I use this for seafood?
Yes, but limit the marinating time to 30 minutes for fish or shrimp to prevent the texture from becoming too soft.
What is the purpose of adding water to the marinade?
Water helps to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and ensure the marinade has the right consistency to coat the meat.
Can I freeze meat in this marinade?
Yes, you can place the meat and marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for later use; it will marinate as it thaws.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is an easy recipe that only requires mixing ingredients and allowing the meat to sit.
What should I serve with the marinated meat?
It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
Can I use the leftover marinade as a sauce?
Only if you boil it for at least 5 minutes first to ensure it is safe after being in contact with raw meat.
Does the marinade help tenderize the meat?
Yes, the combination of soy sauce and sugar helps to break down fibers and tenderize the meat during the marinating process.
Can I add sesame oil?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil can add a wonderful nutty aroma to the marinade.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
What kind of pepper is best?
Coarse black pepper is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe Asian-inspired?
Yes, it uses traditional Asian ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to create a zestful flavor profile.
Can I bake the meat instead of grilling?
Yes, the marinade is highly versatile and works perfectly for oven-baked dishes.
What should I do if the sugar hasn't dissolved?
Simply keep stirring the mixture thoroughly until the brown sugar is fully blended with the liquid ingredients.