Delicious & Easy Wine Marinade Recipe for Meat Lovers
Are you looking for a way to add some flavor and tenderize your next meat recipe? Look no further than this wine marinade recipe. This easy marinade is perfect for boneless chicken, beef, or pork and will take your dish to the next level.
The secret ingredient in this recipe is wine. The acidity of wine helps tenderize the meat and imparts complex flavors that cannot be achieved with other marinades. Whether you prefer red or white wine, this recipe will work for you.
Not only is this marinade easy to make, but it also uses ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen right now. With just a few simple steps, you can make a delicious meal that your family and friends will rave about.
So why settle for a plain piece of meat when you can elevate it with this wine marinade? Try it out today and taste the difference for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This wine marinade recipe is an absolute must-try for meat and poultry lovers! If you’re looking to take your barbecue game to the next level or just want an easy yet fancy dinner, this recipe is perfect for you.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is because it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making grilled chicken breast halves or succulent roasted meat, this marinade will work wonders on any meal. The acidity of the wine helps tenderize the meat while imparting complex flavors.
Another reason to love this recipe is its secret ingredient: Red Wine. This is the perfect ingredient that helps marinate meat wonderfully! The flavor of red wine pairs particularly well with beef and lamb, making it perfect for hearty winter dishes like Coq au Vin. The wine imparts a depth of flavor that complements the meat perfectly, making every bite taste like heaven.
What’s more, the inclusion of olive oil enhances both the texture and flavor of the marinade. Olive oil is known for providing healthy fats and nutrients, making this recipe a healthier option than other marinades out there!
Lastly, this marinade recipe is also easy to make. In less than 10 minutes, you can whisk together all the ingredients and let nature do its work. Marinating chicken in this mixture for even just two hours will deliver delicious results – eight hours would be ideal if possible – but even better if it’s overnight!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy yet sophisticated way to jazz up your meats, then try out this wine marinade recipe! The recipe ingredients are simple, affordable, and readily available in almost any grocery store. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and taste the difference yourself!
Ingredient List
Here is what you’ll need to make this delicious wine marinade for meat and poultry:
- 3 pounds boneless chicken or meat
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (for red meat) or dry white wine (for poultry)
- 1/4 cup wine vinegar
These ingredients combine to make a rich and flavorful marinade that will work wonderfully with any type of meat or poultry. Each ingredient has its own unique taste, helping to create a complex and robust flavor profile in your final dish. Make sure to use fresh herbs if possible, as this will give the marinade an added burst of flavor.
The Recipe How-To
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Gather all recipe ingredients – 2 tablespoons fresh ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon salt, ⅓ cup flat-leaf parsley (chopped), 2 tablespoons dried marjoram, 2 tablespoons dried thyme, 2 tablespoons dried rosemary, 4 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup olive oil, and 1 cup dry red wine or dry white wine.
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Make the marinade. In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together wine and olive oil. Add salt, black pepper, dried herbs, garlic, and chopped parsley.
Marinating Meat with Wine Marinade
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Prepare the chicken that you want to marinate. You can use boneless chicken breasts or chicken breast halves depending on your preference.
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Marinate chicken with the wine marinade. Pour the mixture over boneless chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or container with a lid.
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Refrigerate and allow at least 2 hours to marinate meat. More extended marination may be better as it will allow the flavors to sink through entirely; if you have time for marinating overnight for approximately 8 hours or even up to 24 hours looks like a great call.
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Take out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before grilling/roasting so that it comes to room temperature before cooking to make sure it cooks evenly; if you prefer oven roasting preheat your oven to approximately 375°F.
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Grill/Roast Meated Chicken until browned outside and cooked through inside or reaches an internal temperature of approximately 165°F.
Tips for Perfect Results
- The acidity of white or red wine helps tenderize meat; Red wine is a perfect secret ingredient in making this marinade as it imparts complex flavors to the meat.
- You can also use the wine marinade to make a wine sauce by adding lemon juice, wine vinegar, and fresh chopped rosemary into the pan that you cooked your marinated chicken in. Reduce the wine sauce until it thickens enough for drizzling/marrying well with your preferred side dishes.
- White wine marinade is best for marinating chicken breast halves; Red wine marinade is best for marinating red meat.
- This easy marinade recipe is not just for chicken, but it can also be used to marinate other grilled meats such as beef or pork. Try using it to make coq au vin or BBQ chicken.
- Serve your wine marinade chicken with rich side dishes such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making a wine marinade for meat and poultry, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can experiment with. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Instead of using boneless chicken, try marinating chicken breast halves or thighs with the bones still intact. This will add extra flavor to the meat and help keep it moist during cooking.
– For a different flavor profile, try using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried. Finely chop the fresh herbs and add them to the marinade mixture.
– If you don’t have garlic on hand, you can substitute with minced shallots or onion instead.
– Use different types of wine to create a unique flavor. While dry red wine is the classic choice for meat marinades, dry white wine can also work well depending on your taste preference. You could also mix the two wines together for a balanced flavor.
– Experiment with different acids in place of wine vinegar. For instance, you could substitute apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
– If you’re looking for a sweeter marinade, try adding a splash of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making a wine marinade. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and ratios until you find your perfect combination.
Serving and Pairing
One of the wonderful things about this wine marinade recipe is that it pairs perfectly with both red and white wine. If you are marinating chicken, you can choose either red or white wine to go with. For boneless chicken breasts, I recommend a dry white wine, as it will complement the lightness of the meat. On the other hand, if you are marinating chicken thighs, a bold red wine is best, as it will stand up to the richness and depth of the meat.
When serving your wine-marinated meat, consider pairing it with other dishes that will complement its flavors. For example, a classic coq au vin dish features chicken that has been braised in red wine and served with garlic mashed potatoes. The depth of flavor in the marinade would also pair well with a simple grilled vegetable side or roasted root vegetables.
If you’re looking for a summertime meal that showcases the flavors of this marinade, try some BBQ chicken on the grill. The boldness of the red wine and fresh herbs work especially well with smokey BBQ flavor. Pair your marinated grilled chicken with an ice-cold beer or chilled white wine for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Lastly, if you want to add a little kick to your dish, consider making a vinegar sauce using the marinade ingredients. Whisk together ⅓ cup of white wine vinegar and ½ cup of olive oil, along with some minced garlic and fresh chopped rosemary. Pour this mixture over your marinated meat after it’s cooked for an extra burst of flavor that adds tanginess and bright acidity to your dish.
Whether you choose to go with a red or white wine marinade – remember that the perfect pairing for your meal is all about perfectly balancing flavors for maximum enjoyment.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this wine marinade recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, allowing you to prepare your meat up to eight hours in advance. Simply whisk together the wine, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then pour it over your chicken or meat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
If you have any leftover marinade, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s a delicious addition to any dish that requires a little extra flavor.
To reheat your wine-marinated meat or poultry, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the meat in a baking dish or on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop by placing the meat in a skillet and cooking over medium heat until heated through.
The wine marinade is also a great make-ahead option for meal prep. Marinate your chicken or meat over the weekend and store it in individual containers for easy weekday meals.
Overall, this wine marinade recipe is versatile and can add incredible depth of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re making coq au vin, BBQ chicken, roasted chicken, or serving it alongside mashed potatoes, this marinade adds a delicious touch of acidity and complexity that truly elevates any meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results, there are a few key tips to keep in mind when making this wine marinade for meat and poultry.
Firstly, it’s important to use the best quality wine you can afford. Red wine is the best for marinating red meat, while white wine works well with chicken and fish. Don’t use wine that you wouldn’t drink because the flavor of the marinade will be heavily influenced by the wine you choose.
Secondly, the acidity of the wine helps tenderize the meat and imparts complex flavors. To enhance this effect, make sure to give your meat enough time to absorb the marinade. At least 2 hours for boneless chicken and even better if you can leave it marinating overnight in the fridge.
Another tip is to whisk your marinade really well before using it. This will help all the ingredients get evenly mixed together and ensure that your finished dish has a consistent flavor throughout.
To get the maximum flavor out of your rosemary or thyme, chop them finely before adding them to the marinade. Alternatively, add whole sprigs of fresh herbs directly to the marinade for an extra punch of flavor.
Lastly, after removing your meat from the marinade, be sure to pat it dry with paper towels before cooking. This will help get rid of excess moisture and create a crispy outer crust on your grilled or roasted meats.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have perfect results using this wine marinade for any type of meat or poultry!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make this delicious wine marinade recipe for meat and poultry, you may still have a few questions. In this section, I will address some of the most commonly asked questions about this recipe to help you achieve the best results possible.
Can wine be used to marinate meat?
When it comes to marinating meat, wine can not only bring depth of flavor but also help make the beef more tender. Due to its acidity, wine is an effective ingredient to incorporate into a marinade. For steak in particular, red wine is an ideal choice as it complements the natural flavors of the meat.
What wine is best for marinating meat?
When preparing a marinade, adding a touch of red wine can make a world of difference. Not only does it help break down the proteins in the meat, but it also adds a rich and intricate taste to the dish.
How long can you marinate meat in wine?
For the optimum infusion of flavors and a tender bite, it is advisable to marinate your steak in red wine for at least two hours, allowing the protein to break down. If you’re short of time, a brisk 30-minute marinade would still do wonders. The steak can be left to soak in the wine for up to eight hours without worrying about it.
Which wine is best for marinating chicken?
This dish meets all the necessary requirements, and I trust it will satisfy your palate just as it has satisfied mine. The chicken is soaked in red wine for a minimum of 2 hours, although leaving it for up to 24 hours would elevate its flavor even further.
Does marinating in wine tenderize meat?
When it comes to enhancing the flavor of meat, red wine can be an effective yet subtle ingredient in a marinade. Its acidic properties help to break down the fibers of the meat, resulting in a more tender piece. In addition, the depth of flavors in red wine can add complexity and richness to the dish.
Is it OK to marinate chicken in wine overnight?
To infuse the chicken with flavors, I mix together a combination of wine, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic in a small bowl. After that, I pour the mixture over the chicken, which is already inside a plastic bag. Once that’s done, I seal the bag and pop it in the fridge. The chicken should be left to marinate for at least 8 hours, but preferably overnight to let the flavors soak into the meat.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, marinating meat with wine is a delicious and easy way to add depth and complexity to your meals. Whether you prefer red or white wine, the acidity in the wine helps to tenderize the meat, while also imparting rich flavors.
The secret ingredient in making the perfect wine marinade is a combination of herbs, garlic, and olive oil, which work together to elevate the taste of your meat or poultry.
With this recipe in hand, you can make succulent dishes like grilled chicken breasts or roast chicken with wine marinade that is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
So why settle for plain and boring when you can take your cooking up a notch with this easy marinade recipe? Try it out today and discover why a good wine marinade is truly the secret to perfect meat dishes.
Wine Marinade for Meat and Poultry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (for beef or lamb) or 1/2 cup dry white wine (for poultry or pork)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced fine
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 1/2-4 3 1/2-4 lbs poultry or 2 lbs boneless chicken, 1 inch cubes for skewering
Instructions
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large, non-reactive mixing bowl or one-gallon food storage bag.
- Add the meat or poultry.
- Turn to coat all sides.
- Cover or seal tightly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator at least six hours or overnight, turning occasionally, before cooking.