Are you tired of bland, uninspired dishes that leave your taste buds begging for excitement? Get ready to revolutionize your culinary game with Joan Lunden's incredible All-Purpose Marinade! This simple yet extraordinary recipe is about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen, turning ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals that will have everyone asking, "What's your cooking magic?"
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Select a medium-sized mixing bowl that allows enough room for whisking the ingredients together.
- Pour the 1/2 cup of olive oil into the mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, steady stream.
- Add the 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar to the olive oil, creating the base for the marinade.
- Measure and add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard to the mixture, which will help emulsify the ingredients.
- Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of honey to balance the acidity and add a subtle sweetness.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed.
- Whisk all ingredients vigorously until the marinade becomes well combined and slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if required, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Transfer the marinade to an airtight container or glass jar for storage.
- Refrigerate if not using immediately, and use within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.
Tips
- Whisking is Key: Take your time when combining ingredients. A thorough, vigorous whisk helps emulsify the marinade, creating a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the best taste. The better the ingredients, the more delicious your marinade will be.
- Versatility is King: This marinade works wonderfully with chicken, beef, fish, and even as a salad dressing. Don't be afraid to experiment!
- Storage Smarts: Store the marinade in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, making meal prep a breeze.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your marinade before using. Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or honey to match your personal flavor preference. Pro Tip: For maximum flavor, marinate meats for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper infusion) before cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
