Summertime has to be one of my favorite times of the year…sunshine, swimming pools and, of course, BBQ’s! And what’s better than BBQ-ing on a Saturday afternoon? It’s probably about the only meal I prepare that I can get my kids to eat all of their chicken, steak or fish without any fuss. They gobble it down!
The one thing that’s just the worst to me about BBQ-ing throughout the summer though are all of those store bought marinades! Now I’m not saying that they aren’t delicious, but between all of the extra salt, additives, preservatives and, in some cases MSG, they aren’t all that healthy for you or your family.
This recipe for my super secret marinade is not only free from all of those things but actually contains fresh, healthy, easy ingredients and oh yeah, it’s perfect for ALL types of meats! Whether it’s for fish, shell fish, beef, pork, chicken or even your veggies, it’s gonna taste G-O-O-D. All you need is a blender and you’re good to go!
Michelle’s Super “Not-So-Secret” Marinade:
1 bunch of curly or flat leaf parsley
4-6 cloves of garlic
1 whole or 1/2 large onion
1 whole green bell pepper
1/2 red bell pepper
1 tbs red pepper flakes
1 tbs garlic powder
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup oil (can use olive oil, canola, corn)salt & pepper
Wash and roughly chop parsley, peppers, onion and other fresh herbs. No need to fuss… it’s all going to be blended!
Put all ingredients into the blender and pulse until everything is emulsified. Pulse to desired consistency. I usually blend it into a puree. It looks green and mushy but it’s got so much aroma and flavor!
Pour onto your meat, fish or chicken and marinate for at least an hour. The longer you marinate it, the more intense the flavor will be. Can marinate overnight for best flavor.
Go ahead and experiment with this, too! Try cilantro, rosemary or other herbs depending on what you like! If you like spice you can even add some fresh jalapenos in there too!
