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citrusy garlic marinade recipe

Orange Garlic Marinade

This orange garlic marinade is bright and versatile, perfect for infusing proteins and vegetables with succulent flavors. Sweet-tart citrus and aromatic garlic combine to create a simple yet impressive marinade that elevates any dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (30 ml)
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Optional, for extra brightness
  • pinch chili flakes or black pepper Optional

Equipment

  • Medium bowl or jar
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest. The zest releases aromatic oils that intensify the citrus flavor.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 finely minced garlic cloves, 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, 1-2 teaspoons honey, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to the bowl. Whisk until the mixture is well-emulsified.
  3. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the clean marinade to use later as a finishing sauce. Remember: never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat unless you boil it for 1-2 minutes for food safety.
  4. Add your protein or vegetables to the remaining marinade and toss to coat evenly. Note that marinating times will vary: shrimp needs 15-30 minutes, chicken breasts 1-2 hours (thighs up to 4 hours), pork chops 1-4 hours, and tofu or hearty vegetables 30-60 minutes.
  5. When ready to cook, remove the protein or vegetables from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and then grill, roast, or pan-sear until properly cooked.
  6. For an extra burst of flavor, bring the reserved marinade to a simmer in a small saucepan for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Brush this glaze over your cooked protein just before serving.

Notes

This orange garlic marinade is incredibly versatile and can be used with chicken, shrimp, pork, tofu, or vegetables. It’s best made with fresh ingredients like orange juice and garlic to maximize flavor. Remember to reserve a portion of the marinade for a finishing sauce and adjust marinating times based on the protein to avoid over-tenderizing. You can also experiment by swapping thyme for oregano or adding a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.