Your flavour-guide to homemade marinades

Opt for lemon juice as the base, and go for softer herbs like sage and parsley.

Try this at home: Mix the juice of 1 lemon with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons ground black pepper, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ a thinly sliced red onion, 1 tablespoon honey, 5 g fresh sage leaves, 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil, and a pinch of salt. Tip: Only lightly brush on this marinade, braai and then pour over the fish once done, to avoid fish falling apart on the grill.

Pork gets on really well with sweet flavours like honey, apricot juice and citrus.

Try this at home: In a pestle and mortar combine the zest and juice of 2 oranges or ClemengoldTM, 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds, 2 teaspoons crushed coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 4 cloves crushed garlic, 1 tablespoon honey, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and shake or 2 of Worcestershire sauce.

Tip: Marinade pork at least 2 hours ahead, or overnight.

You could go for the trusted lemon and rosemary blend, but why not try something deliciously sticky, like a mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic and fresh coriander?

Try this at home: Whisk together ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 sliced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 x 5 cm piece of freshly grated ginger, 1 sliced chilli, 4 sliced spring onions, 10 g freshly chopped coriander, and a good grinding of fresh black pepper.

Tip: Marinade 2 hours ahead or overnight.

Lamb loves bold green herbs like mint, rosemary and thyme, blended with olive oil and lemon juice. For tougher cuts, buttermilk or yoghurt will act as a great tenderiser.

Try this at home: Combine 2–3 cups buttermilk with 4 cloves crushed garlic, 20 g chopped parsley, 10 g chopped mint, 5 g chopped dill, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and a pinchof sea salt and black pepper.

Tip: Marinade for 6 hours or overnight, and wipe away excess marinade before grilling.

Here, vegetable oil and fresh herbs are your best friends – try a combination of olive oil, chopped garlic, salt, pepper, and green herbs like thyme, parsley and rosemary.

Try this at home: In a bowl combine 3 chopped anchovy fillets, 10 g fresh mint, 15 g flat leaf parsley, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon chopped capers, and 4 tablespoons olive oil.

Tip: Brush onto vegetables before adding to the grill, and continue to baste while cooking.

 

Not in the mood to DIY? Try one of these fragrant and flavourful rubs or marinades

SHOP RUBS AND MARINADES