If you’ve ever tasted Nigerian-style grilled or fried meat, you know it’s usually bursting with flavor. The secret? A good marinade. A properly made marinade will effortlessly transform ordinary cuts of meat into juicy, flavorful cuts for grilling, frying, baking, or stewing. Today, let’s talk about how to whip up the best Nigerian home-made marinade that will take your meats to the next level.
Also Read: Easy Recipe for Senegalese Yassa Chicken
Why Should you Marinate your Meat?
It is a very important cooking step because marinades don’t just add flavor to the meat, they tenderize the meat and lock in moisture, thereby ensuring that every bite is succulent. Nigerian marinades are especially unique because they’re deep, spicy, and aromatic.
Ingredients for the Best Nigerian Marinade
Here’s what you’ll need to create an authentic Nigerian marinade, all of which you can easily find at My Sasun African Market:
1/4 cup vegetable/olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime or lemon juice
2 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (for heat, optional)
1 Maggi or Knorr cube
Salt (to taste)
1 medium onion (blended or grated)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or scent leaves (optional, for aroma)
1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional, adds sweetness and caramelization during cooking)
Also Read: HOW TO PROPERLY SEASON MEAT
How to Make the Marinade
In a bowl, combine the oil, lime juice, and vinegar. These liquids help carry the flavors into the meat and tenderize it.
Stir in paprika, ginger, garlic, thyme, curry powder, black pepper, and the seasoning cube.
Blend or grate the onion and scotch bonnet peppers, then add them to the mixture. If using parsley or scent leaves, chop them finely and toss them in.
Add honey or sugar if you like a slight sweetness to balance the heat from the peppers. Mix everything until it forms a thick, aromatic marinade.
How to Use the Marinade
Wash and pat dry your meat (chicken, beef, goat, or even fish). Score the meat lightly with a knife to help the marinade penetrate deeper.
Rub the marinade all over the meat, making sure every piece is well-coated.
Place the meat in a resealable bag or covered dish and refrigerate. For the best results, marinate chicken for 4-6 hours or overnight; Beef or Goat Meat: 6-8 hours or overnight; Fish: 1-2 hours (to prevent it from breaking down)
Your meat is thereafter set for grilling, frying, or roasting. You can be sure that the marinade will infuse the meat with rich flavors with every bite.
Why This Marinade is Unique
This specific marinade is so unique because it is versatile. It works for any type of meat or fish. And the flavour? Amazing! It combines spicy, savory, tangy yet sweet tastes. Also, it is so easy since it is made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen or can grab at My Sasun African Market.
Also Read: 11 Creative Ways to Use De-Rica Tomato Paste
NOTE
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Save some marinade to brush onto the meat while grilling or roasting for extra flavor.
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If you want a smoky touch to your meat, add a pinch of suya spice to the marinade!
Rounding Off
At My Sasun African Market, we provide all the ingredients you need to make this marinade and other Nigerian/African dishes. You can be sure that for any of your occasions, this marinade will always deliver. Try it today and don’t forget to share your cooking experience with us—we love hearing how our recipes bring flavor to your table.
