Marinades are essential for infusing flavor into grill fare of all kinds—meat, seafood, even fruit and veggies—and a lengthy marinade time can go a long way towards transforming tough cuts of meat into tender ones. Try these simple summer marinades in your grilling rotation!
By Relish
Mark Boughton Photography / styling by Teresa Blackburn 
Korean-Inspired Marinade
A simple, Asian-inspired marinade starring soy sauce, brown sugar and sake. See the recipe.
Mark Boughton Photography / styling by Teresa Blackburn
Greek Marinade
This lemon, garlic and oregano-infused marinade is a great match for chicken or white fish. See the recipe.
Mark Boughton Photography / styling by Teresa Blackburn
Latin Marinade
Coffee, orange juice and chili powder are the standouts in this Latin-inspired variation. See the recipe.
Teresa Blackburn
Lime Cilantro Marinade
Perfect for pairing with fresh produce, try this marinade on whole ears of corn, pineapple, red peppers or avocados. See the recipe.
Teresa Blackburn
Teriyaki Marinade
Marinate 1/2-inch-thick steaks of tofu, tempeh, seitan or queso blanco in this Asian-inspired blend. See the recipe.
This article has been posted with permission and originally appeared as, “5 Simple Marinade Recipes for Summer” on Relish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate chicken in the Greek marinade?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate chicken in the Greek marinade for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, let it sit for 2-4 hours.
Can I use the Latin marinade on vegetables?
Yes, the Latin marinade with coffee, orange juice, and chili powder is excellent for marinating vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for grilling.
What type of sake works best in the Korean-inspired marinade?
A sweet or semi-sweet sake works best in the Korean-inspired marinade to enhance the flavors of the soy sauce and brown sugar.
oh so yummy. i gonna try this