Universal marinade recipe for flavourful meals every time

Ingredients for Universal marinade

• vegetable oil (for the grill)

• 2 lemongrass stalks, trimmed, tough outer layers removed

• 1 serrano chilli

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 25 g piece ginger, peeled, chopped

• 15 g dark brown sugar

• 15 ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 15 ml fish sauce

• 15 ml soy sauce

• 450 g boneless short ribs, skinless boneless chicken thighs, 2.5 cm thick pork chops, or other cuts of steak

• kosher salt, to taste

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

• 15 g coriander leaves with tender stems

• sesame seeds and lime wedges (for serving)

How to make Universal marinade

1. Preheat the grill for high indirect heat. For a gas grill, leave one or two burners off; for a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side. Oil the grate.

2. Finely grate the lemongrass, chilli (seeds included), garlic, and ginger into a medium bowl using a Microplane. Alternatively, chop very finely and then mash into a paste using the side of your knife.

3. Add the brown sugar, oil, fish sauce, and soy sauce to the bowl, and mix well.

4. Season the meat with salt and add it to the bowl, turning as needed to coat completely. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours. If marinating for longer, wait to fire up the grill.

5. Grill the meat over the hottest part of the grill, moving it to the cooler zone as needed to prevent burning. Cook until well browned, about 5 minutes per side, depending on the type of protein.

6. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

7. Arrange the sliced meat on a platter, topping it with scallions and coriander. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.