Elevate Your Grilling: 15 Easy Marinades for Any Meat

As BBQ season kicks into high gear, having a collection of quick and easy marinade recipes is essential! After a fun-filled day outdoors, the last thing you want is to spend hours prepping dinner. Here are 15 speedy marinades that are easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients, saving you time while still packing a punch of flavour.

These marinades use simple pantry staples and can be prepared right before grilling. They add incredible taste to your meats and fish without requiring long marination times.

Liquid Marinades

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Combine the following ingredients and coat your thawed meats and fish just before grilling. These marinades also make fantastic salad dressings. Double the recipe and reserve some for salads by adding a bit more oil if needed.

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1- Maple Dijon Blend

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons dried herbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Pork, salmon, chicken, tofu

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2- Sweet Sesame Twist

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Chicken

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3- Greek Inspiration

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Chicken, tofu, lamb

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4- Lemon Zest

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Chicken, fish, seafood

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5- Balsamic Bliss

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence

Great with: Beef, tofu

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6- Orange Honey Burst

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Salmon, chicken

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7- Garlic Herb Infusion

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Lamb, chicken

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Dry Rubs

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Dry rubs are ideal for meat cuts that don’t require tenderizing. They are quick to prepare and don’t cause flare-ups on the grill. Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl and rub onto your meat or fish just before grilling.

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8- Smoky BBQ Rub

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Pork, chicken

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9- Cajun Kick

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

Great with: Shrimp, chicken, pork

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10- Fiery Spice Mix

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Chicken, pork

Note: This rub is very spicy. Reduce the cayenne pepper and chili flakes by half for a milder flavour.

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11- Peppercorn Blend

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon mixed black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Great with: Beef, pork

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12- Moroccan Magic

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Lamb, chicken, beef, shrimp

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13- Indian Spice Mix

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cardamom seeds
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Great with: Fish, lamb, veal, pork, chicken

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14- Southwestern Rub

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Beef, chicken, pork

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15- Herb Garlic Dry Rub

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Great with: Lamb, chicken, pork

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Conclusion

These 15 quick marinades are perfect for adding a burst of flavour to your BBQ dishes without the wait. Whether you like the tangy taste of lemon herb, the rich taste of balsamic, or the spicy kick of a fiery rub, there is something here for every taste and type of meat or fish. The best part about these marinades is how easy and versatile they are.

Using simple ingredients you already have at home, you can make delicious, restaurant-quality meals. These marinades not only make your grilled food taste amazing but also add variety to your BBQ menu. They are quick and easy, so you can spend more time outside and less time in the kitchen.

You can prepare these marinades ahead of time and store them, which is great for last-minute BBQs. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own special marinades. Don't be afraid to try new things!

Grilling is more than just cooking, it is a fun way to gather with friends and family. These marinades will make your BBQs even more enjoyable. So fire up the grill, try these recipes, and enjoy the great flavours they bring to your meals. Happy grilling!