Mouth-watering marinade recipe for barbeque enthusiasts

Looking for a simple and delicious marinade recipe that brings out the best flavors in your dishes? Look no further than this lemon and wine marinade recipe, which combines the tang of fresh lemon with the subtle richness of white wine to create a mouth-watering marinade that is perfect for chicken, fish, and more.

With just a handful of high-quality ingredients including fresh rosemary, brown sugar, olive oil, white wine, garlic, fresh lemon rind, and lemon juice, this recipe is not only easy to make but also creates an incredibly flavorful and tenderizing marinade that will take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for spring and summer grilling or baking and provides the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used with a wide variety of recipes – from greek chicken breast and grilled chicken thighs to salmon and baked chicken.

So why not add some zest to your meal tonight with our simple yet delicious lemon and wine marinade recipe? Trust us – your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a foodie and love to experiment with flavors, this white wine and lemon marinade recipe is definitely worth trying. Here are a few reasons why I think you’ll love it:

Firstly, the recipe ingredients are easy to find and most of them are probably already in your pantry. With just white wine, olive oil, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a tablespoon of brown sugar, plus a few additional herbs and spices for added flavor, this recipe can be made in no time.

Secondly, it’s perfect for spring and summer! This refreshing marinade is bursting with fresh lemony flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Pair it up with grilled chicken, fish or even vegetables; they all work superbly.

Thirdly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can substitute the white wine with red wine or use chicken instead of salmon if you don’t eat seafood. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your preferred level of acidity or reduce the amount of brown sugar if you prefer it less sweet.

But perhaps the best reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it helps tenderize the meat so that it’s juicy and full of flavor. The acidity from the lemon juice and white wine cuts through the fat in the meat and makes it incredibly delicious.

So why not give this lemon wine marinade recipe a try? It’s easy to make, tastes great and it gives boring chicken recipes a new life. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!

Ingredient List

Ingredients for Lemon and Wine Marinade Recipe

• Fresh Rosemary: 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil: ½ cup
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• White Wine: 1 ½ cups (use a dry white wine)
• Lemon Juice: ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
• White Wine Lemon Marinade: ½ cup white wine + 2 tablespoons lemon juice + 1 tablespoon olive oil + salt and pepper to taste (for chicken recipes)
• Lemon Butter Sauce ingredients: ¼ cup white wine + 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice + 1 clove garlic, crushed + 2 tablespoons brown sugar + ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed + salt/pepper to taste (for salmon, fish or baked chicken)
• Red Wine Sauce ingredients for Grilled Greek Chicken Breast or Grilled Chicken Thighs: 1 cup dry red wine + 1 shallot, chopped + 1x clove garlic, minced + 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest + Juice from 1 lemon + 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

The Recipe How-To

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing Lemon and Wine Marinade. Follow the easy steps below:

Step 1: Mix Together the Ingredients

In a bowl, mix ¼ cup white wine, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 clove of garlic crushed and 2 teaspoons of grated fresh lemon rind. Whisk together until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 2: Add More Flavors

Now add freshly chopped herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme in the mixture to add more flavors.

Step 3: Use Dry White Wine

Using dry white wine helps tenderize meat while adding extra depth in taste to marinades.

Step 4: Mix with Chicken or Fish

Pour the marinade over chicken breasts or fish fillets and mix well so that every inch is coated evenly.

Step 5: Refrigerate for 2-3 Hours

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, or up to three hours for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Grill or Bake

Remove from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for about an hour before preparing the dish. Now cook according to your preferred method— grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked through.

With this marinade recipe, you can do a variety of dishes from grilled chicken thighs to salmon. It is also great for spicing up baked chicken dishes or making a rich cream sauce. The perfect spring & summer meal instantly becomes easy to make with this fresh Lemon and Wine marinade recipe!

Substitutions and Variations

Do you want to switch up this lemon and wine marinade recipe with your own twist? Here are some swaps and variations that will enhance the flavor of your dish.

– Fresh herbs: Instead of using fresh rosemary, try using thyme or oregano for a different, aromatic taste.

– Sugar alternatives: Brown sugar can be swapped out for honey, maple syrup, or even agave nectar. These sweeteners will bring more depth to the marinade.

– Olive oil alternative: Feel free to substitute olive oil with avocado oil or another neutral oil of your choice.

– White wine: For a sweeter marinade recipe, try using Riesling or Moscato instead of dry white wine.

– Lemon juice: If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute.

– Chicken recipes: This marinade is perfect for grilled chicken thighs or even baked chicken. To take it further, pair it with a lemon butter sauce or cream sauce on top.

– Fish and Salmon: This is also a great marinade for fish and salmon. Switch up the white wine for red wine to create a hearty dish.

All in all, experimenting with different ingredients can lead to endless possibilities with this wine marinade recipe. Have fun playing around with these substitutions and variations until you find the perfect pairing for your taste buds.

Serving and Pairing

The Lemon and Wine Marinade recipe makes a perfect spring or summer meal. Once the chicken or fish marinate for at least 3 hours, they can be grilled, baked or added to any other chicken recipe.

The wine in the marinade helps tenderize the meat while adding a delightful flavor. Speaking of flavor, this recipe boasts a zingy combination of lemon and white wine which compliments the chicken or fish perfectly.

When it comes to pairing this marinade with food, there are numerous options to consider. For a fresh and light meal, pair the marinated chicken with a Greek salad or some roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. Additionally, the chicken served alongside some freshly grilled corn on the cob would make for a perfect summer barbeque dish.

If you’re thinking about pairing this marinade with fish, try serving it with baked salmon or grilled halibut. The flavors of the lemon and white wine transform simple fish dishes into gourmet masterpieces.

As for wine pairings, opt for a dry white wine such as Chardonnay or a sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne. The bright acidity and citrus flavors in these wines complement the tangy lemon and balanced sweetness in the brown sugar used to create the marinade’s perfect flavor profile.

Overall, this Lemon and Wine Marinade recipe is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-make dish that is healthy and flavorful. It’s also highly versatile so feel free to experiment with different foods and ingredients!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the great benefits of the Lemon and Wine Marinade recipe is its versatility when it comes to preparing ahead, storing, and reheating. This recipe can be made in advance and will keep well for up to three days in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to meld better over time, making it an ideal option for meal prepping.

If you are opting to make it ahead of time, simply whisk all ingredients together and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Before marinating your protein, be sure to stir the marinade well as the ingredients may have separated during storage.

When it comes time to cook, remove your protein from the marinade and wipe off any excess before cooking as per the instructions provided by your recipe. Once cooked, any leftover marinade should be discarded as it may contain bacteria from raw proteins.

If you find yourself with leftover cooked protein and marinade, they can easily be reheated separately. The marinade can be gently heated in a small saucepan or microwave until hot and served alongside your reheated protein.

Alternatively, try adding some citrusy freshness by transforming this marinade into a tangy lemon butter sauce. Pour any remaining marinade into a small saucepan with one tablespoon of unsalted butter and heat over medium heat until bubbling. Allow the mixture to reduce by half and serve alongside baked chicken or salmon.

Overall, the Lemon and Wine Marinade recipe provides a convenient make-ahead option that saves time in meal preparation while adding depth of flavor to your dishes.

Tips for Perfect Results

To achieve the best possible outcome when making this lemon and wine marinade recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips that I highly recommend:

1. Let the chicken marinade for a minimum of 3 hours

The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes. However, if you’re short on time, marinating for at least 3 hours will still give you a delicious result.

2. Use fresh ingredients

Whenever possible, try to use fresh ingredients. Instead of using pre-packaged lemon juice or dry herbs, opt for fresh lemon juice and herbs like rosemary for a more vibrant flavor profile.

3. Don’t over-marinate

While marinating for longer periods of time can enhance flavors, don’t overdo it. If left too long in acidic marinades like this one, the citric acid can actually “cook” the meat and make it tough.

4. Use a dry white wine

For this recipe, I recommend using a dry white wine rather than a sweet white wine, as the sugar content in sweet wines can interfere with the overall balance of flavors.

5. Grill or bake at high temperature

To get that perfect char on your chicken, grill or bake at high heat until the edges are crispy and golden brown. This will also ensure that the chicken is fully cooked through.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious lemon and wine marinade that will surely impress your family and friends!

FAQ

As a sommelier, I understand that sometimes even the best recipes can leave questions unanswered. That’s why I’ve included this FAQ section to answer some common concerns and queries regarding the Lemon and Wine Marinade Recipe.

Can you mix lemon juice with wine?

Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail for warmer months? Lemon Lime Wine Spritzer might be the perfect option! It is a delightful blend of your favorite white wine with a citrus twist that is sure to please your taste buds. This beverage is light and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for sunny days in spring and summer. Plus, it is easy to whip up and serve to a group of your friends.

Can wine be used as a marinade?

Marinating beef in wine not only infuses it with a rich flavor but also helps to break down tough fibers in the meat. As a result, red wine marinades are a popular choice for those looking to tenderize their steak. The acidity of the wine works wonders in making the meat soft and succulent, while also providing a perfect flavor pairing.

How long should you marinate in lemon juice?

It’s best to limit marinades that contain acidic elements like lemon juice to 2-3 hours only. If they’re left for too long, the meat can become tough and rubbery, or even unpleasantly mushy. The acidic properties of lemon juice work to soften the meat, but can end up breaking down the proteins excessively if marinated for an extended period of time.

Why do people marinate meat in wine?

Marinades with wine work wonders in cooking. With its acidic properties, it helps break down the meat’s outer layer, making it tender while adding a burst of flavor to the dish. Moreover, the wine-infused marinade keeps the meat, poultry or seafood moist while cooking, providing a delicious meal in the end.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this lemon and wine marinade recipe is a must-try for any food enthusiast or home cook. It is easy to make with readily available ingredients, and it yields a deliciously tangy and sweet flavor that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Whether you are cooking chicken, salmon, grilled chicken thighs, fish, or any meals of your choice, this marinade will elevate the dish to another level.

Besides its mouth-watering flavor, this marinade boasts several health benefits such as the olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties and the lemon’s Vitamin C infusion that helps to boost the immune system. Additionally, the marinade helps to tenderize the meat and lock in the flavors while keeping it moist. Thus, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal that is flavorful, healthy, tender, and juicy texture.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this lemon-wine marinade recipe for anybody looking to add some extra zest to their dishes. It’s perfect for any spring or summer menu and is sure to be a favorite among your family or guests. So next time you’re preparing chicken recipes or baked fish dishes, give this recipe a try as it’s sure to impress!

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