Zesty Thai Herb Marinade
Elevate your grilling experience with this vibrant Zesty Thai Herb Marinade, an exquisite blend of fresh herbs and spices perfect for marinating pork, chicken, fish, or even wings. Infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic, cilantro, and a touch of heat from freshly ground black pepper, this marinade will transform your proteins into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with Thai-inspired zest. The recipe yields enough marinade for approximately one pound of meat, making it perfect for barbecues or weeknight dinners. Don't forget to pair it with a complimentary dipping sauce for an additional flavor kick!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black peppercorns
2 teaspoons (ground fresh (can sub tricolored mix))
Garlic cloves
5-6 large (coarsely chopped)
Cilantro
1/4 cup (coarsely chopped, with tender stems)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (or 1 teaspoon of Thai fish sauce as an alternative)
Mild vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (or amount to achieve desired consistency)
Instructions
1
In a mortar and pestle, combine the ground black peppercorns and coarsely chopped garlic. Grind until you achieve a paste-like consistency.
2
Add the coarsely chopped cilantro to the mortar and continue to work it into the paste until well incorporated.
3
Stir in the soy sauce (or fish sauce) and vegetable oil, mixing thoroughly. Adjust the amount of oil to achieve your desired consistency.
4
Alternatively, you can combine all ingredients in a small food processor or food grinder for a quicker method. Blend until well combined.
5
Transfer the marinade to a 1-gallon ziplock bag and add your choice of chicken, pork, or fish, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
6
Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the meat. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or overnight for optimal flavor.
7
Before grilling, remember to season the meat with salt to enhance its taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Herb Marinade?
It is a vibrant blend of fresh herbs and spices, including garlic, cilantro, and black pepper, designed to elevate grilled meats with Thai-inspired flavors.
What types of protein work best with this marinade?
This marinade is exquisite for pork, chicken, fish, and even chicken wings.
How much meat does one batch of this marinade cover?
The recipe yields enough marinade for approximately one pound of meat.
How long should I marinate the meat for the best flavor?
You should allow the meat to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor.
Do I need a mortar and pestle to make this?
While a mortar and pestle is used to create a traditional paste, you can alternatively use a small food processor or food grinder for a quicker method.
Can I substitute the black peppercorns?
Yes, while fresh black peppercorns are recommended, you can substitute a tri-colored peppercorn mix.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 5 to 6 large, coarsely chopped garlic cloves.
Should I include cilantro stems in the marinade?
Yes, use coarsely chopped cilantro including the tender stems for maximum flavor.
Can I use fish sauce instead of soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 teaspoon of Thai fish sauce.
What kind of oil should be used?
A mild vegetable oil is recommended to help achieve the right consistency.
When should I add salt to the meat?
It is recommended to season the meat with salt just before grilling to enhance the overall taste.
Is this marinade spicy?
It has a zesty heat from two teaspoons of fresh ground black peppercorns, but no chili peppers are included.
How do I ensure the meat is evenly coated?
Transfer the marinade and meat to a 1-gallon ziplock bag, seal it, and massage the marinade into the meat.
What is the first step in the traditional preparation method?
The first step is to combine ground black peppercorns and garlic in a mortar and pestle and grind them into a paste.
Can this be used for a barbecue?
Yes, it is specifically designed to elevate your grilling and barbecue experience.
Is this recipe considered Asian cuisine?
Yes, it is categorized under Asian cuisine and features traditional Thai aromatics.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed for approximately 4 servings.
Can I adjust the thickness of the marinade?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of vegetable oil to achieve your desired consistency.
Is this marinade suitable for fish?
Yes, it is a great choice for adding vibrant flavor to various types of fish.
Should the cilantro be finely minced before grinding?
The instructions suggest starting with coarsely chopped cilantro before working it into the garlic-pepper paste.
Do I need to refrigerate the meat while it marinates?
Yes, the meat should always be kept in the refrigerator while marinating for safety and flavor development.
What can I serve with the finished dish?
It is recommended to pair the grilled meat with a complimentary dipping sauce for an extra kick.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Can I use a food grinder?
Yes, a food grinder is a suitable alternative to a mortar and pestle for blending the ingredients.
What is the main aromatic in this marinade?
Garlic and cilantro are the primary aromatic ingredients that provide the Thai-inspired profile.
Does this marinade contain sugar?
Based on the ingredient list provided, there is no added sugar in this specific marinade recipe.
Is this a good marinade for chicken wings?
Yes, the description specifically mentions it is perfect for wings.
What texture should the garlic and pepper reach?
They should be ground until they achieve a paste-like consistency.
How much cilantro is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped cilantro.
How much vegetable oil is typically added?
The recipe suggests starting with 1 tablespoon of mild vegetable oil.