Honey Soy Ginger Marinade
In short: A sweet and savory marinade of honey, tamari, ginger, garlic and sesame oil for chicken, pork, salmon and tofu, with enough sugar to caramelize. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 130 kcal
Honey, soy sauce, ginger and garlic are a reliable combination for chicken thighs, pork chops, salmon fillets, tofu or vegetables before roasting, grilling or pan-frying. The honey caramelizes at the edges, the soy seasons deeply and the ginger keeps it fresh, while a splash of sesame oil adds a toasty note. The marinade is quick to mix, and any that has not touched raw meat can be reduced into a glaze.
Instructions
- Whisk the tamari, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil and neutral oil in a bowl until the honey dissolves.
- Stir in the ginger, garlic, spring onions, pepper and chili flakes.
- Put the meat, fish, tofu or vegetables in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over. Turn to coat everything evenly.
- Refrigerate: 30 minutes for salmon and tofu, 1 to 2 hours for vegetables, and 2 to 8 hours for chicken, pork or beef.
- Lift the food out and let the excess drip off. Cook on a grill or in a hot oven at 220°C (425°F), watching for dark spots, because honey burns quickly.
- For a glaze, simmer unused marinade in a small pan for 3 to 4 minutes until syrupy and brush it on in the last few minutes of cooking. Never reuse marinade that touched raw meat unless you boil it for 3 minutes.
Tips
- Pat the food dry with paper towels after lifting it from the marinade so it browns instead of steaming.
- Use maple syrup or brown sugar in place of honey, or add 1 tablespoon of orange juice for a citrus note.
Questions and answers
How long should I marinate chicken in honey soy marinade?
Two to 8 hours in the fridge is ideal for chicken thighs or pork. Because of the salt, much longer can make the meat firm and overly salty.
Can I use honey soy marinade for fish?
Yes, for fatty fish such as salmon. Marinate it for 20 to 30 minutes only, then pat it dry and cook quickly under a hot grill or in a hot pan.
Will honey burn on the grill?
It can, because honey caramelizes fast. Cook over medium heat, turn the food often and brush on any extra sauce only in the last few minutes.
How long does it take to make Honey Soy Ginger Marinade?
About 10 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Honey Soy Ginger Marinade?
About 130 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 15 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 130 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Sodium | 1130 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
