Are you ready to transform ordinary meat and chicken into a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for your recipe? This zesty Jalapeño Marinade is about to become your culinary secret weapon, delivering a perfect balance of heat, tang, and Mexican-inspired excitement to your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll create a marinade so irresistible, it'll turn even the most basic protein into a gourmet masterpiece that'll make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 1 cup marinade
Ingredients
- 2 jalapenos, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the jalapenos thoroughly under cool running water, removing any dirt or debris.
- Carefully slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and white membrane if you prefer a milder marinade. For a spicier version, keep the seeds intact.
- Finely chop the jalapenos into small, uniform pieces using a sharp knife on a cutting board.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are chopped into very fine pieces.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped jalapenos, minced garlic, olive oil, and fresh lime juice.
- Add the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, whisking all ingredients together until well combined.
- Taste the marinade and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to balance the flavors.
- Transfer the marinade to a sealed container or resealable plastic bag for immediate use or refrigeration.
- For best results, marinate meat or chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking, ensuring the flavors penetrate the protein.
Tips
- Heat Control: Want to manage the spice level? Remove the jalapeño seeds for a milder marinade, or keep them for extra kick.
- Marinating Mastery: For maximum flavor absorption, marinate chicken or meat for at least 30 minutes, but don't exceed 2 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the protein.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice and recently ground cumin for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Storage Hack: This marinade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep a breeze.
- Versatility Tip: This marinade isn't just for meat! Try it as a zesty salad dressing or a marinade for grilled vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
