A barbecue can be livened up with the perfect BBQ marinades so here I want to share some easy popular ones for you. Let me know what you think.
When the weather starts to brighten up then there is only one thing for it, and that is pulling out the BBQ and eating outside.
Most people love a BBQ. But often you can get bored cooking the same things over and over.
This is where different marinades for meat and vegetables can transform your BBQ. I have found some of the best for you to try.
Some will work well with all meat and vegetables whereas others may be more suited to specific things.
I hope it gives you the inspiration you need to transform your BBQs this summer.
Mexican marinade
This is the perfect recipe marinade for chicken and vegetables. You can marinate any cut of chicken with these Mexican flavours and it will transform a boring drumstick or chicken breast.
It also has the perfect flavours and spices for any vegetables. Corn on the cob, vegetable kebabs, and peppers will all work well with these delicious flavours.
You have to try it! this recipe is enough for around 500g of chicken and it would be best if left to marinate for 24hrs.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp mild chilli powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
The perfect steak marinade
Steak is often something that people like to cook on the BBQ. Depending on how you like your steak cooked, it can be something that is cooked very quickly, so the steak marinade is perfect to add a hint of flavour.
This is a great one to try and so easy to make. It will transform your steaks. This recipe is enough for around four 7-8oz steaks and it should be left for a few hours, ideally overnight.
- 60ml balsamic vinegar
- 60ml Worcestershire sauce
- 60ml soy sauce
- 60ml olive oil
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp honey (runny is better than set!)
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed or 1 tbsp of ready-crushed garlic.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Asian marinade
Many people love Asian influences when it comes to food, so you have to try this Asian-inspired marinade.
Full of flavour that is perfect for any meat, fish, or vegetables, you will love it. This is an easy marinade to make, and one that you can use time and time again.
It will work with so many different ingredients. The whole family will love it. Ideal for 2-3 steaks or a similar amount of other meats. Leave it to marinate for around 2hrs but the longer the better.
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp ginger, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1.5 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust up or down depending on preference)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Kebab marinade perfect for chicken and vegetables
Kebabs are hugely popular when it comes to BBQs so you have to try this marinade for your chicken and vegetables.
Most people add chicken and veg to a skewer and put it on top of the grill, and these flavours will bring everything together. It is one that you have to try.
Follow this recipe, suitable for around 1kg of chicken and leave it to marinade for around.
- 120ml lemon juice
- 30ml olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion granules
- 1 tbsp crushed garlic
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp mixed herbs
Lemon pepper marinade
If you have family embers that are not so keen on strong flavours or spice, then this lemon pepper marinade is perfect.
I think it is ideal to use with chicken, fish, or any vegetables that you decide to grill.
Kids will love the fresh flavours and this is perfect to serve alongside a nice salad if you want something like and refreshing. A great marinade.
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 60ml Lemon juice
- ¼ tsp Onion Granules
- 3 Garlic Cloves crushed
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ tsp Sea Salt
- ¼ tsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest grated
Red wine, rosemary, and garlic marinade
Sometimes you want something that has a more intense flavour, and this is one that you have to try. Perfect for any red meat on the BBQ the red wine and garlic will transform it.
Super tasty and one that you have to try and is ideal for 2-4 steaks.
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter soft
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1/4 cup onion (finely diced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp parsley
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ginger puree
- 1 tbsp red wine
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 5 pieces fresh rosemary
Pesto butter
You can’t go wrong when it comes to pesto flavours and this pesto butter is ideal for any BBQ vegetables, Chicken, or fish.
So easy to make and a perfect way to add a boost of flavour to what can be boring ingredients.
This is really easy to make, simply combine 200 grams of butter (ideally unsalted) with 4 tbsp of basil pesto. If you can leave this for 2 hours it would be ideal.
Spring onion and ginger oil
This is a great take on Asian flavours without it being too overpowering.
Spring onion and ginger are a great combination when it comes to flavours and this will work perfectly with any cut of chicken.
I really like the sound of this marinade.
- 50g ginger freshly grated is ideal or use puree if not
- 3-4 spring onion stalks, finely sliced
- 80ml oil of your choice, sesame or olive would work well.
- Add salt to taste if required.
Chimichurri
Chimichurri is made with a mixture of fresh minced parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, and olive oil.
A great way to use up some wonderful ingredients and add flavour to all meat, vegetables, and fish.
An easy marinade to make that can also be served as an extra sauce once the meat or vegetables are cooked.
- ½ cup chopped parsley – flat-leaf parsley
- 4 cloves garlic – finely chopped
- 1 shallot – chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tsp red chilli flakes
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 160ml extra-virgin olive oil
Soy, ginger, and lemon marinade
Finally, soy and ginger are two Asian-inspired flavours and combined with the freshness of lemon make the perfect easy marinade for all things you might put on the BBQ.
It is simple to make and adds a big burst of flavour that everyone will love. A perfect option for the whole family if they don’t like things too spicy.
- 120ml lemon juice
- 120ml soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ginger finely grated
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
I hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the marinades you can try on the BBQ this summer.
Whilst many BBQ marinades use oil so are not as healthy as you may like, they make a nice change and could be counted within your daily syns, calories or points if you are trying to lose weight.
