Basic Meat Marinade Sauce

Basic Meat Marinade Sauce

Grilled meat is a beloved dish found everywhere, from upscale restaurants to the bustling street food stalls of East Asia.  The secret behind great grilled meat lies in the marinade.  While every family has its own recipe passed down through generations, the goal is always the same: tender, flavorful meat that stays juicy and never dries out on the grill.

My family once owned a restaurant, and one of our most popular recipes was my mother's grilled meat marinade.  She had a remarkable talent for balancing flavors, creating meats that were both rich and aromatic.  Since my mother passed away and I am no longer running the restaurant, I would like to share this recipe on my blog as a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has supported me over the years.

This recipe makes a somewhat large batch of marinade, but it stores well in the refrigerator and can be used over time whenever you need it.

 

Ingredients:

1 (12 oz.) can fresh coconut water

1/4 cup rose liqueur

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup corn syrup

1 tablespoon five-spice powder

2 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder

1/2 cup light soy sauce

1/4 cup fish sauce

1/4 cup dark soy sauce

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons Sriracha seasoning or chili seasoning

Fresh Seasonings (Add When Marinating)

Shallots, finely minced

Garlic, finely minced

Freshly ground black pepper

A small amount of baking soda

Lemongrass, finely chopped

Directions:

Combine all marinade ingredients in a large jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

Stir or shake well until the sugar and seasonings are fully dissolved.

Store the marinade in the refrigerator until needed.

When ready to marinate meat, add the fresh seasonings – shallots, garlic, black pepper, baking soda, and lemongrass – to the desired amount of marinade.

Mix thoroughly with the meat and marinate before grilling.

Notes:

Fresh seasonings are added only during marinating to help extend the shelf life of the prepared sauce.

This marinade works well with pork, chicken, beef, and other grilled meats.

Adjust the amount of chili seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.

Enjoy, and I hope this family recipe brings as much flavor and joy to your table as it did to mine.

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