Summer Herb-Infused Meat Marinades

Summer is here, and with it comes the unmistakable sound of sizzling' BBQ and the aroma of charbroiled grilled meats.

There's no denying that grilling is a quintessential part of summer, so it's time to get creative with marinades, rubs, and sauces to take your outdoor cooking to the next level! Want to know one of the best ways to elevate your grilling game this season? Marinate your meat in fresh herbs grown in your AeroGarden indoor garden!

Marinating meat in herbs is a simple yet effective way to infuse flavor and tenderness into your dishes. Not only does it add a delicious taste to your meat, but it also helps to break down the fibers, making it more tender and juicy. Here we'll share AeroGarden tips on choosing the herbs that bring out the best flavor for your meat of choice and guide you through creating your own delicious herb marinades!

So, dust off the grill and fire it up!

Herb-Infused Marinades for Summer Grilling

There's something special about grilling that brings people together - the sizzling sound of meats on the grill, the aroma of charred perfection, and the taste of smoky goodness. In this section, learn everything you need to know about making fresh herb-infused marinades for your summertime grilling favorites:

Choose Your Herbs

The first step in marinating your meat is to choose the right herbs. While there are many herbs to choose from, some of the best for grilling include rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage. These herbs are packed with flavor and can withstand the grill's heat. If you struggle to know which herbs pair well with what meat, here is our quick AeroGarden herb pairing guide:

Chicken
Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme

Beef
Basil, Chives, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme

Pork
Dill, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Basil, Parsley

Fish
Mint, Basil, Chives, Dill, Parsley

Prep Your Meat

It is important to prepare your meat before you start marinating. Trim any excess fat and score the meat with a knife to help the marinade penetrate deeper. You can also use a meat tenderizer for tougher cuts of meat.

Make the Marinade

To make the marinade, you'll need a few essential ingredients. Start with a base of olive oil and vinegar or citrus juice. Then, add in your fresh herbs of choice and any additional flavorings such as garlic, onion, or mustard. Mix everything together in a bowl or tightly sealed bag.

Marinate Your Meat

Once you've made your marinade, it's time to add the meat. Place the meat in a large tightly sealed bag and pour in the marinade. Make sure the meat is coated evenly with the marinade and seal the bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a more solidified flavor.

Grill Your Meat

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. When ready to grill, remove the meat from the marinade and let it sit until it reaches room temperature for about 30 minutes. Grill the meat for the desired time, turning occasionally, until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.

Grilled to Perfection

Marinating your meat in fresh herbs is a simple yet effective way to add flavor and tenderize your meat for the ultimate grilling experience this summer. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and flavorful meals all summer long.

To help, enjoy some of our favorite AeroGarden marinades that use fresh herbs made from our Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit and our Custom Herb Seed Pod Kit.

AeroGarden Herb-Infused Meat Marinades

Fresh Basil Chicken Marinade | 4 Chicken Breasts

• ⅓ cup of avocado oil
• ¼ cup cider vinegar
• ¼ cup coconut aminos
• 2 cups fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• ⅓ tsp sea salt

Fresh Rosemary Beef Marinade | 1 Porterhouse Steak

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup finely chopped rosemary
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper

Fresh Cilantro Parsley Salmon Marinade | 6 Salmon Steaks

• 1 large bunch fresh cilantro
• 1 large bunch flat-leaf parsley
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed with the flat blade of a knife
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh ground cumin, or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon very fragrant crushed dried red pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground sweet red pepper paprika
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice