Monday, May 21, 2012

Clean Eating Mojo Marinade for Beef or Chicken

     Over the weekend, I found myself on the phone, talking with friends. One in particular has followed my Clean Eating journey and has started to slowly change her eating habits to a more healthy one, and is noticing the improvements: weight lost, energy gained, self confidence returning. Yay!

We got on the topic of grilling, and I told her about the Great Grill Disaster of 2012,  She told me about a marinade her husband recently learned to make for chicken and beef. It sounded absolutely delicious - and Clean. A few hours after our conversation, I got a link to the Barefoot in the Kitchen blog which has  the original recipe.

This recipe is just what a Clean Eater needs - a great marinade for meat that isn't a sugary mess from a bottle, but imparts tons of flavor without the unnecessary salt, sugar, and chemicals. 

Note: Apparently this marinade freezes really well, so if you double or triple the recipe, you can make enough for future grilling fun.
  



Mojo Marinade

recipe slightly adapted from Tyler Florence

5 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno, very finely minced
1 handful fresh cilantro leaves, about 3 tablespoons finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust as desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjust as desired
2 limes, juiced
1 orange, juiced
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil

In a large bowl, combine the very finely minced garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and pepper. Using a mortar and pestle or your hands, mash together and crush to make a paste. Scrape into a jar and then add the orange and lime juices, vinegar and oil. Shake really well to combine thoroughly. Use as a marinade for beef or chicken. Enjoy!

Recipe makes approximately 1 1/4 cups of marinade.