A zesty embrace of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the aromatic touch of herbs, creating a flavorful marinade for seafood, meats, or side dishes.

Lemon Garlic and Herb Marinade Recipe

The Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Marinade is a versatile recipe that combines the bright zing of lemon, the rich depth of garlic, and the fragrant essence of rosemary. This flavorful marinade enhances the taste of various dishes, including seafood, meats, and side dishes. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or sautéing, this marinade adds a burst of deliciousness to your cooking. Its citrusy, garlicky, and herby notes elevate your meals to a whole new level, making it a must-have recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic and Herb Marinade

• Avocado Oil: Or olive oil. Has a mild, neutral flavor and a high smoke point.
• Lemon Zest: Contains aromatic oils that infuse the marinade with a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Lemon Juice: First zest the lemon and then squeeze out the juice, for a tangy and refreshing taste.
• Salt (Pink or Kosher): Enhances the marinade’s flavor and balances other tastes.
• Four Peppercorns: Or black pepper. Blend contributes its unique flavor and heat to the marinade.
• Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic herb with a strong, pine-like flavor, that adds earthy and herbal notes.
• Fresh Thyme: Green leaves only. Provide a slightly minty and pleasantly earthy flavor.
• Cilantro (Coriander Leaves): Has a fresh, citrusy flavor and adds a vibrant and herbaceous taste.
• Garlic: When roughly chopped (not pressed), provide a robust flavor without turning bitter.
• Ground Coriander: Adds a mild, citrusy flavor with slightly sweet and nutty undertones.

Lemon Garlic and Herb Marinade Recipe

• 1/2 cup (120ml) avocado or olive oil
• Zest of one lemon (1 teaspoon/2g)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped (about 1/2 teaspoon/3g)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon (1g) fresh rosemary leaves only
• 2 teaspoons (2g) fresh thyme leaves only
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) pink or kosher salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.6g) freshly ground four-blend or black pepper, to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.3g) ground coriander

Recommended Equipment

• Bowl or Jar: For mixing and storing the marinade.
• Whisk: To emulsify the oil with lemon juice and the rest of the ingredients.

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How to Make Lemon Garlic and Herb Marinade

Prepare Herbs: Strip the leaves from the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs. Finely chop them along with garlic cloves and cilantro leaves.

Flavor Tip: Use fresh herbs and quality ingredients for the most vibrant flavors.

Lemon: Use a zester or the fine side of a grater box to zest the lemon, being careful to only remove the yellow part of the skin. Cut the lemon in half and juice it, discarding any seeds.

Combine and Emulsify: In a bowl or jar, combine all ingredients and whisk until the oil and lemon are well emulsified, creating a uniform marinade.

Tip-Balanced Flavors: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your taste.

Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings if needed by adding more salt or pepper to your liking.

Store: Once the marinade is well mixed, store it in an airtight container or jar. Seal it tightly to keep it fresh and refrigerate until ready to use it.

How To Use This Marinade

Marinate your choice of protein like chicken, shrimp, fish or vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and carrots, for at least 60 minutes, or longer for a stronger flavor. Keep it refrigerated during the marinating process to prevent bacterial growth.

Tip-Marinating Time: Longer marinating times allow flavors to penetrate deeper (best if overnight).

Grill or Cook: After marinating, there’s no need to rinse. Grill, bake, or cook your ingredients as desired. The lemon, garlic, and herb-infused flavors will add a delightful taste to your dishes.

Storage and Serving

• Storage: Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serving: Before using, shake or stir the marinade to recombine the separated ingredients.
• Yields: 1/2 cup / 4 fl. oz. / 120 ml / This amount is suitable for marinating 1 lb. of protein.

Serving Suggestions

• Chicken: Grill marinated chicken until it’s juicy and charred for a simple yet flavorful main course.
• Vegetables: Infuse vegetables with marinade before roasting them in the oven.
• Seafood Delight: Marinate shrimp, fish, or scallops for a delightful seafood dish.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for bread or alongside grilled meats, and vegetables.
• Tofu and Tempeh: Marinate tofu or tempeh for a vegan-friendly protein option.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Use it as a flavorful spread in sandwiches for an extra punch of taste.
• Casserole: Mix the marinade with rice or grains to create a delicious and flavorful casserole.

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