Summer is here, and it’s time to fire up the grill! Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a first-timer, a delicious BBQ marinade can up your grilling game to new heights. In this blog, we’ll explore some essential BBQ marinades for beef, ribs, chicken, and other meats. Get ready to impress your friends and family at your next backyard BBQ with these delicious marinades!
Classic BBQ Marinade: A Timeless Favorite
This classic BBQ marinade is perfect for any type of meat, from succulent beef to juicy chicken. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing marinade that combines smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors for a delish grilled dish.
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 60 ml ketchup
- 60 ml honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, then marinate your meat for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. For an added smoky flavor, try using a smoker box on your gas BBQ or charcoal BBQ.
Spicy Asian BBQ Marinade: Turn up the Heat
Add some exotic flair to your next BBQ with this spicy Asian-inspired marinade. It’s particularly delicious on beef, ribs, and chicken, but feel free to experiment with other meats as well.
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 60 ml hoisin sauce
- 30 ml sesame oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
Mix all ingredients and marinate your meat for at least 4 hours or overnight. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked to perfection.
Herb-infused Mediterranean BBQ Marinade: A Taste of the Mediterranean
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this fragrant, herb-infused marinade that pairs well with chicken, fish, or even vegetables for a vegetarian BBQ option.
- 60 ml olive oil
- 30 ml lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients and marinate your chosen meats or veggies for 2-4 hours. If grilling fish, check out our fish recipes for more inspiration.
Sweet and Spicy Citrus BBQ Marinade: A Zesty Twist
This zesty marinade brings a touch of sweetness and a hint of heat to your BBQ. It’s fantastic on chicken, pork, or even shrimp.
- 120 ml orange juice
- 60 ml lime juice
- 60 ml honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients and marinate your meat for 2-4 hours. Don’t forget to prepare some refreshing summer cocktails or mocktails to complement your BBQ feast!
Smoky Chipotle BBQ Marinade: A Bold, Smoky Flavor
Infuse your meats with the bold, smoky flavours of this chipotle BBQ marinade. It works especially well with beef and short ribs, but it’s also great on chicken or pork.
- 120 ml ketchup
- 60 ml apple cider vinegar
- 60 ml brown sugar
- 2 tbsp canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients and marinate your meat for at least 4 hours or overnight. To enhance the smokiness, use lumpwood charcoal in your charcoal BBQ and a charcoal chimney starter for easy lighting.
Get Grilling with Confidence
Now that you have these essential summer BBQ marinades at your fingertips, you’re ready to host a memorable and delicious BBQ. But, before you fire up the grill, be sure to review our BBQ Grilling Safety Tips and equip yourself with the 5 BBQ Accessories You Can’t Grill Without, such as tongs, heat resistant BBQ gloves, a cleaning brush, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.
With your newfound knowledge of BBQ marinades and grilling essentials, you’ll undoubtedly impress your guests at your next summer BBQ. So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful feast that they’ll be talking about for years to come.
