Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece with this incredibly simple yet explosively flavorful Honey Soy Chicken Marinade! In just minutes, you'll create a sauce that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors that will have your family and friends begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend grilling enthusiast, this marinade is about to become your new go-to weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 1 cup marinade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce and honey, whisking thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved and integrated with the soy sauce.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife or garlic press, ensuring the pieces are small and uniform to distribute flavor evenly throughout the marinade.
- Add the minced garlic to the soy sauce and honey mixture, stirring to incorporate the garlic's aromatic qualities into the liquid base.
- Pour in the rice vinegar, which will add a subtle tangy brightness to balance the sweet and savory elements of the marinade.
- Drizzle the sesame oil into the mixture, which will contribute a rich, nutty undertone and enhance the overall Asian-inspired flavor profile.
- Sprinkle the black pepper into the marinade, whisking to ensure all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- If not using immediately, transfer the marinade to an airtight container and refrigerate. The marinade can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- To use, pour the marinade over chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar won't give you the same punch.
- For best results, marinate your chicken in a sealed plastic bag to ensure even coating and easy cleanup.
- Don't marinate chicken for more than 4 hours, as the acid in the vinegar can start to break down the meat's texture.
- If you want to use the marinade as a sauce, always set aside a portion before adding raw chicken, or boil the used marinade for at least 3 minutes to make it food-safe.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a splash of sriracha to customize the marinade to your taste.
- This marinade works wonderfully not just with chicken, but also with tofu, pork, or even as a stir-fry sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
