Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Results

Achieving culinary excellence with this balsamic marinade is simple, especially when you keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Coconut Aminos Substitutions: While coconut aminos offer a unique sweetness and lower sodium profile, you can easily substitute them with soy sauce. If you do, consider slightly reducing the added sea salt and tasting before adding extra sugar, as soy sauce is saltier and less sweet. Tamari is another excellent gluten-free alternative.
• Protein Quantity & Scaling: This recipe is perfectly calibrated to marinate approximately 2 pounds of your chosen protein, whether it’s chicken breasts, steak, pork chops, or even firm fish like salmon. It’s incredibly easy to scale up or down; simply halve the recipe for 1 pound of meat or double it for 4 pounds.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: Save time and effort by marinating your protein and freezing it! Place your protein and marinade in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, ensuring all air is removed before sealing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with your cooking method. This is a fantastic strategy for meal planning!
• Safe & Flavorful Basting: Don’t let that delicious leftover marinade go to waste! It’s excellent for basting your protein while cooking, especially on the grill, adding an extra layer of caramelized flavor. However, always ensure you bring any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw meat to a rolling boil in a small saucepan for at least 1 minute before using it for basting or serving, to eliminate any potential bacteria.
• Marinating Times:
  • Chicken & Pork: Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, and up to 12 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Steak: For robust cuts, marinate from 1 hour to 24 hours. Longer marination helps tenderize.
  • Seafood (Shrimp, Fish): Due to their delicate nature, marinate for a shorter period, typically 15-30 minutes, to prevent the acid from “cooking” the protein.
• Cooking Methods: This marinade shines with various cooking methods. It’s fantastic for grilling, baking, pan-searing, or broiling. The sugars in the marinade will create a beautiful sear and caramelization, so keep an eye on cooking temperatures to prevent burning.

We sincerely hope you love this recipe as much as we do!

Your satisfaction is our greatest reward. Don’t forget to leave a quick star rating and review below. We personally read every single comment and truly value your feedback, as it helps us grow and improve. Also, be sure to browse the rest of our easy, delicious recipes to find some other fantastic favorites to add to your culinary repertoire!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos (can substitute soy sauce)
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar (can substitute brown sugar or honey)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients (balsamic vinegar, olive oil, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt) in a small container or jar. Secure the lid or cover the bowl and mix well by whisking vigorously or shaking until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sugar has dissolved.
2. Prepare your protein (chicken, steak, pork, or seafood) by patting it dry. Place the protein in a shallow dish, a resealable plastic bag (like a zip-top bag), or a non-reactive container. Pour the prepared marinade generously all over the protein, ensuring every surface is completely coated.
3. Cover the dish or seal the bag, ensuring no air remains if using a bag. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to begin infusing. For the best, most tender, and flavorful results, marinate for a minimum of 1 hour, and up to 24 hours (refer to our tips above for specific protein marinating times).
4. Once marinated, remove the protein from the refrigerator and discard any marinade that was in contact with raw meat (unless you plan to boil it as instructed in the next step). Cook the chicken, steak, or other protein to your desired doneness using your preferred method (grilling, baking, pan-searing, or broiling).
5. Optional Basting: For an extra layer of flavor, you can baste your protein with the leftover marinade while cooking. Simply pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute to kill any bacteria. Once boiled, you can use it to brush over your protein as it cooks, or even serve it as a finishing sauce.

Notes

• This recipe is designed to generously marinate approximately 2 pounds of meat. It can easily be halved if you’re cooking for fewer people or doubled if you need to prepare a larger quantity for gatherings or meal prepping.
• For an even richer flavor, consider reducing the boiled leftover marinade slightly to create a thicker, more concentrated glaze before basting or serving.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added to the marinade for an extra aromatic touch, complementing the balsamic flavor beautifully. Add about 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile balsamic-marinated protein pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• Roasted seasonal vegetables (asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts)
• A light and fresh green salad, perhaps with a drizzle of this marinade as dressing
• Creamy mashed potatoes or a flavorful rice pilaf
• Grilled corn on the cob or a refreshing quinoa salad
• Crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices

Did you make this incredible recipe?

We’d absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Tag @realsimplegood with the hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. Your photos inspire us and our community!