Zesty Lemongrass Grilling Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this Zesty Lemongrass Grilling Marinade! Perfectly balanced with the aromatic flavors of fresh lemongrass, garlic, and a hint of spice, this marinade beautifully complements chicken, but works equally well with pork, beef, or seafood. The unique combination of fish sauce and soy sauce adds umami depth, while sugar brings a touch of sweetness, creating a mouthwatering glaze when grilled. Despite the strong aroma of fish sauce, rest assured that the final result is a delicious medley of flavors that will have your guests asking for seconds. Plus, it can be made in just minutes, making it a great choice for quick weeknight dinners or summer barbecues.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemongrass
3 stalks (chopped, bottom white part only (yields 2/3 cup))
Garlic
2 cloves (sliced)
Chili Sauce
1 tablespoon (optional)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons
Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons
Sugar
2 tablespoons
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Soya Oil
3 tablespoons ((can substitute with olive oil))
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the lemongrass, making sure to use only the white bottom part for the best flavor.
2
Add the chopped lemongrass, sliced garlic, and optional chili sauce into a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture forms a fine paste.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemongrass paste with soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and your choice of oil. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
4
Allow the marinade to sit for approximately 1 minute before using. This extra time helps the flavors meld together.
5
Use the marinade to coat 1-2 pounds of your choice of meat, ensuring even coverage.
6
For optimal flavor, let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before grilling. However, longer marination (up to overnight) enhances the taste further.
7
Store any leftover marinade in a zip-lock bag and freeze for later use, or save the tops of the lemongrass for seasoning soups and stocks, or steep them in hot water for a refreshing lemon tea.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemongrass Grilling Marinade?
It is a flavorful Asian-inspired marinade made with fresh lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and soy sauce, designed to elevate grilled meats and seafood.
What types of meat work best with this marinade?
This marinade is highly versatile and works perfectly with chicken, pork, beef, and seafood.
How do I prepare the lemongrass for this recipe?
You should chop the lemongrass using only the white bottom part of the stalk for the best flavor profile.
Can I use the green tops of the lemongrass?
The recipe recommends using the white parts for the marinade, but you can save the tops for seasoning stocks or steeping in hot water for lemon tea.
How do I create the marinade paste?
Add the chopped lemongrass, sliced garlic, and optional chili sauce into a food processor or blender and pulse until a fine paste forms.
What gives the marinade its umami depth?
The unique combination of fish sauce and soy sauce provides a rich umami depth to the flavor profile.
Will the final dish smell strongly of fish sauce?
No, while the fish sauce has a strong aroma initially, the final grilled result is a delicious medley of balanced flavors.
How long does it take to prepare the marinade?
The preparation takes only a few minutes, making it an excellent choice for quick weeknight dinners.
How much meat will this recipe marinate?
This recipe is designed to coat approximately 1 to 2 pounds of your choice of meat.
What is the minimum recommended marinating time?
For optimal flavor, you should let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Can I marinate the meat overnight?
Yes, marinating the meat for a longer period, such as overnight, will further enhance the taste.
What kind of oil should I use for this marinade?
The recipe calls for soya oil, but you can easily substitute it with olive oil if preferred.
Is the chili sauce mandatory?
No, the chili sauce is optional and can be added if you prefer a hint of spice.
How do I achieve a glaze on the meat while grilling?
The sugar in the marinade reacts with the heat of the grill to create a beautiful and mouthwatering glaze.
How much lemongrass is required?
You will need 3 stalks of lemongrass, which should yield about 2/3 cup once chopped.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, sliced before blending.
Can I store leftover marinade?
Yes, you can store any leftover marinade in a zip-lock bag in the freezer for future use.
Why should I let the marinade sit for a minute before using?
Allowing the mixture to sit for about one minute helps the various flavors meld together more effectively.
Is this recipe suitable for barbecues?
Yes, it is specifically designed for grilling and is a great choice for summer barbecues.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Asian cuisine.
How much sugar is in the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of sugar to balance the salty and savory elements.
What is the sodium content like?
The recipe uses a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
Can this be used for seafood?
Yes, the zesty and aromatic properties of the lemongrass and garlic make it an excellent seafood marinade.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a food processor or blender to make the paste, and a mixing bowl to combine the liquid ingredients.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be sliced before being added to the food processor with the lemongrass.
Does the recipe include fiber or protein information?
Nutritional values like fiber, protein, and calories are not specified for this specific marinade recipe.
Is there a specific way to coat the meat?
You should ensure the marinade provides even coverage over the 1-2 pounds of meat used.
Can I use this for a quick dinner?
Yes, because the prep time is minimal, it is perfect for fast meals.
What happens if I don't have a food processor?
While a food processor is recommended for a fine paste, you could finely mince the ingredients by hand for a more rustic texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is listed as providing 1 batch of marinade, suitable for 1-2 pounds of protein.