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Garlic-Soy Marinade

This marinade seasons the meat as it rests, then a hint of brown sugar helps the edges caramelize as they cook. Give it time in the refrigerator before turning up the heat.

Four steaks coated in dark garlic-soy marinade in a clear glass dish on a vintage kitchen counter.
Recipe link
Prep time10 min
Cook time0 min
Total time10 MINUTES, PLUS 2 HOURS TO OVERNIGHT MARINATING
Course
Marinades And Rubs
Cuisine
Granny's Recipes
Difficulty
Easy
Est. calories / serving
100

Ingredients

Garlic-Soy Marinade

  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves — smashed & minced
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger — ground
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl or shallow glass dish, combine soy sauce, garlic, neutral oil, brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk for 30–60 seconds, until the sugar mostly dissolves.½ cup soy sauce, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp neutral oil, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp black pepper
  2. Add the Meat: Add 2-3 pounds of steak, pork chops, chicken, or kabob meat to the dish, or transfer the marinade and meat to a large zip-top bag. Turn the meat until every side is evenly coated. If using a bag, press out the excess air before sealing.
  3. Marinate: Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 2-12 hours, using the shorter time for thin or small pieces and the longer time for whole steaks or chops. Turn the meat once halfway through if it is not fully submerged.
  4. Prepare for Cooking: Remove the meat from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Transfer the meat to a clean plate and discard the used marinade. If a basting or serving sauce is wanted, reserve a clean portion before adding the raw meat.
  5. Cook as Desired: Preheat a grill or heavy skillet to medium-high heat, preheat the broiler to high, or heat the oven to the temperature appropriate for the selected cut. Cook the meat, turning as needed, until browned and a food thermometer registers 145°F for whole cuts of beef or pork followed by a 3-minute rest, or 165°F for chicken. Exact cooking time depends on the cut and thickness. Reduce the heat if the brown sugar begins darkening before the center is done.

Notes

  • Marinate Overnight for Best Flavor: A 2-hour rest works for thin or small pieces, while 8-12 hours gives whole steaks or pork chops the fullest flavor. Always marinate the meat in the refrigerator.
  • Watch for Caramelization: The brown sugar helps develop a flavorful browned surface but can darken quickly. Let the excess marinade drip off and reduce the heat if needed.
  • Try Sesame Oil: For a nuttier variation, replace 1 tablespoon of the neutral oil with toasted sesame oil.
  • Make Ahead and Storage: Refrigerate unused marinade in an airtight container for up to 3 days before adding meat. Once the marinade has touched raw meat, discard it after use.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with Brazilian Tomato Rice, Crispy Roasted Potatoes, or Lemon Green Beans.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Yield

Enough for 2-3 pounds of meat — Serving size: 1 batch

Calories
100
Carbohydrates
12 g
Protein
2.5 g
Fat
5.5 g
Saturated Fat
0.4 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
1400 mg
Fiber
0.4 g
Total Sugars
10 g

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl or shallow glass dish
  • Whisk
  • Large zip-top bag (Optional alternative to the shallow glass dish.)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Food thermometer

Full recipe: https://gbbutterclub.com/recipes/garlic-soy-marinade/