Master Your Grill: The Ultimate Easy All-Purpose Marinade for ButcherBox Meats

This Easy All-Purpose Marinade makes summer grilling effortlessly simple and incredibly delicious. Crafted to enhance any protein – from succulent beef and tender pork to juicy chicken and even delicate seafood – it infuses every bite with a tangy, hearty, and fresh flavor. Get ready to fire up your grill; it’s time to cook up something amazing!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by ButcherBox. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

Summer is in full swing here, and I have to tell you, my grill is getting a serious workout. From beef and pork to chicken and fish, a wide variety of proteins have been hitting the grates on a weekly basis, sometimes even more frequently. There’s something undeniably satisfying about the sizzle of meat on a hot grill, and the incredible flavors that only grilling can impart. This season, I’ve found a secret weapon that not only simplifies my grilling routine but also guarantees mouthwatering results every time: an easy all-purpose marinade.

Why an All-Purpose Marinade is Your Grilling Essential

A good marinade does more than just add flavor; it can transform your meat, making it more tender and incredibly juicy. This particular easy all-purpose marinade is designed to do just that for any protein you choose. Its balanced blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes ensures that whether you’re grilling a steak, pork chops, or chicken breasts, you’ll achieve a deeply flavorful and succulent result. It’s the kind of marinade that takes the guesswork out of seasoning and allows the natural goodness of the meat to shine through, complemented by a vibrant, fresh zest.

For those weeks when life gets a bit hectic, and you’re looking for both quality and convenience in your cooking, I’ve found an invaluable partner in the kitchen: ButcherBox. You might follow me over on Instagram, where I often share my cooking adventures, and you’ll know that during particularly challenging times, ButcherBox has been an absolute lifesaver for me and my husband (whom I affectionately call “the Man”) when it comes to preparing delicious and wholesome meals with minimal fuss.

The ButcherBox Difference: Quality, Convenience, and Sustainability

While there are many meat and meal delivery services available today, ButcherBox has truly become an instant favorite for us. We’ve experimented with others, but this service consistently stands out in a crowded market, delivering exceptional quality right to our doorstep. Their commitment to ethical sourcing and superior products is evident in every bite.

All of the beef from ButcherBox is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, ensuring a natural, robust flavor and superior nutritional profile. Their pork comes from heritage breeds, celebrated for their unique taste and tenderness, while their chicken is free-range and organic. This dedication to high standards means you’re getting meat that is not only delicious but also raised responsibly.

Beyond the quality of their products, ButcherBox is also making high-quality, sustainably sourced meat more accessible to consumers across the US. This mission is something we truly appreciate. It’s rare to find a company where you can genuinely feel good about your purchase, knowing that they prioritize animal welfare and environmental stewardship. The difference in taste and texture compared to supermarket meats is truly remarkable – it’s a quality that you can literally taste.

When it comes to the convenience of summer grilling, ButcherBox shines. You can customize a box based on your preferred proteins, and then simply pull out what you need, when you need it. This takes the stress out of grocery shopping and ensures you always have premium ingredients on hand for spontaneous BBQ sessions or planned family dinners.

Fun Fact: ButcherBox’s packaging is incredibly eco-friendly! Their boxes are 100% curbside recyclable and crafted from 95% recycled materials. This is a huge bonus for me because it shows that their commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond just their products, all the way to the box they deliver to your home.

Why This Easy Marinade is a Must-Have

This all-purpose marinade is the perfect partner for your ButcherBox selections, especially for summer grilling. It’s incredibly versatile, working beautifully with beef, pork, chicken, and even seafood, enhancing each protein with a burst of tangy, fresh flavor. But it’s not just about taste; the marinade also plays a crucial role in tenderizing the meat and locking in moisture, ensuring every piece you grill is wonderfully juicy and never dry.

The beauty of this simple recipe lies in its accessibility. You likely already have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator, making it a go-to for impromptu grilling sessions. It’s a testament to how easily you can elevate your meals with just a few staple ingredients combined thoughtfully. Say goodbye to bland, dry meat and hello to a summer filled with perfectly grilled, flavorful dishes!

What You’ll Need To Make This Easy Marinade

Gathering your tools and ingredients for this easy all-purpose marinade is straightforward. You’ll need a simple mixing bowl and a whisk to combine all the delicious components. Of course, the star of your meal will be your chosen protein from your ButcherBox package, whether it’s a beautiful cut of beef, some succulent pork, or flavorful chicken. Once you have your protein ready, this marinade will transform it into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for any occasion.

Quick Tips For Making and Using This All-Purpose Marinade

This marinade is designed for flexibility and ease, but a few pointers can ensure you get the best results every time:

• Citrus Swap: If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, fresh lime juice works perfectly and adds a slightly different, equally delicious, tangy note.
• Herb Alternatives: Not a fan of parsley? Feel free to substitute with freshly chopped cilantro for a more vibrant, South American-inspired flavor profile. Dried herbs can also work in a pinch, just use about a third of the amount of fresh herbs.
• Marinating Time is Key: While a minimum of two hours allows the marinade to begin its magic, for truly deep flavor and optimal tenderness, I highly recommend marinating your protein overnight (8-12 hours). This extended soak time allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat fibers, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful finished product.
• Plan Ahead: You can easily whip up this marinade in the morning before work. Just combine the ingredients, add your protein to a sealable bag, and place it in the refrigerator. When you get home, your meat will be perfectly marinated and ready to hit the grill, making weeknight dinners incredibly simple.
• Grilling Best Practices: Always preheat your grill thoroughly before adding the meat. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure your protein reaches a safe internal temperature. Remember to let your grilled meat rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and juicy outcome.

Serving Suggestions for Your Marinated Grilled Meats

Once your beautifully marinated ButcherBox protein is grilled to perfection, the serving possibilities are endless! Pair it with simple grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn on the cob for a complete summer meal. A fresh garden salad or a light pasta salad can also complement the rich flavors. For heartier sides, consider roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or even a classic creamy coleslaw. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a final touch of brightness!

Pin this Easy All Purpose Marinade recipe for later!

Easy All Purpose Marinade

The easiest marinade in the entire world, perfect for any protein including beef, pork, chicken, and even seafood! This versatile recipe makes your grilled dishes incredibly flavorful and juicy.

Prep Time:
5 mins

Passive Time:
2 hrs (or overnight)

Total Time:
2 hrs 5 mins

Servings:
1 1/4 cups marinade (enough for 2 lbs protein)

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

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Equipment

• Hickory Hardwood Grill Pellets
• Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill
• 9-Inch Tongs
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
• French Wire Whisk

Ingredients

• 2 lbs your chosen protein (beef, pork, chicken, or seafood)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/3 cup olive/vegetable/canola oil
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley leaves (chopped)
• Garnish: fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oil, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley leaves. Whisk vigorously to combine all ingredients until well blended.
2. Transfer the marinade mixture to a large sealable bag (or a shallow dish). Add your desired protein to the bag, ensuring it is fully coated by the marinade. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally, up to overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
3. Once marinated, remove the protein from the bag, discarding any leftover marinade. Cook as desired on the grill, stove, or in the oven until perfectly done and juicy. Garnish your cooked protein with a sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves before serving for an extra touch of freshness.

Cuisine:
American

Category:
Grilling