21 Best BBQ Marinade Recipes

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Marinade

A perfect balance of sweetness and heat, this marinade infuses your grilled chicken with a delightful burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Whisk until well blended.
3. Pour the marinade over chicken, ensuring even coverage.
4. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
5. Grill over medium heat until fully cooked, occasionally basting with leftover marinade.

Zesty Herb Marinade

Add a fresh, aromatic touch to your BBQ with this zesty marinade packed with herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking method:

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Mix well to create a uniform blend.
3. Coat your choice of meat with the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Grill until the meat reaches the desired doneness.

Tropical Pineapple Marinade

Infuse your BBQ meats with a taste of the tropics using this vibrant pineapple marinade.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cooking method:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour the marinade over your choice of meat and marinate for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
3. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through.

Smoky Chipotle Marinade

Deliver a bold, smoky flavor to your BBQ with this chipotle-infused marinade.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking method:

1. Blend vegetable oil, vinegar, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl.
2. Place the meat in a large resealable bag and pour in the marinade.
3. Marinate for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Grill over medium-high heat until the meat is cooked to your preference.

Asian Sesame Marinade

This marinade brings a delightful Asian twist to your BBQ with the rich flavors of sesame and soy.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Cooking method:

1. Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Drizzle the marinade over meat and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Grill on medium heat, occasionally brushing with extra marinade.

Spicy Cajun Marinade

Kick up the heat with this Cajun-inspired marinade, perfect for adding a spicy, Southern flair to your BBQ.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Coat your meat thoroughly with the marinade and let it sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
3. Grill over medium-high heat, ensuring an even cook on all sides.

Mediterranean Lemon and Oregano Marinade

Bring the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your BBQ with this citrus and herb blend.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Pour over meat and marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours.
3. Grill your meat until it achieves a golden finish, basting with marinade as needed.

Honey Mustard Marinade

This sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade adds a delicious glaze to your BBQ favorites.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat your meat with the marinade and let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
3. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked to your liking.

Garlic Lime Marinade

Bright and tangy, this garlic lime marinade refreshes your BBQ with its citrusy notes.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Cooking method:

1. Mix lime juice, garlic, olive oil, honey, and cumin in a bowl.
2. Pour over your choice of meat, ensuring even coverage, and let it marinate for 2 hours.
3. Grill over medium-high heat until properly cooked.

Tangy Balsamic Marinade

Give your BBQ a sophisticated touch with this tangy balsamic marinade.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, and rosemary in a bowl.
2. Marinate your meat in the mixture for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
3. Grill over medium heat, basting with leftover marinade for added flavor.